Nissan Micra returns as electric hatch with oddball looks
The Nissan Micra has been reinvented for the electric era.
Image: Supplied
Nissan is returning to the B-segment hatchback market in Europe with a sixth-generation Micra, but it’s nothing like the ones that came before it.
As a purely electric hatch, the Micra is closely based on the new Renault 5, even sharing body panels such as the doors with its recently reintroduced French sibling.
However, the Micra has unique front and rear styling, with large, round LED rings surrounding the headlights, and the taillights adopting a similar shape.
These front lights perform a “welcome wink” by pulsing from left to right and then back again upon unlocking the car.
The new Micra is based on the Renault 5.
Image: Supplied
Despite its compact size, the Micra is available with three different 18-inch wheel designs, as well as 14 exterior colour combinations, including contrasting roof colours.
The vehicle will be available with two powertrain combinations.
The entry-level 90kW motor pairs with a 40kWh battery, offering a claimed range of 309km, while the perkier 110kW variant packs a 52kWh battery and covers up to 407km.
The cabin features two 10.1-inch configurable screen displays, and incorporates Japanese design cues such as a moulded outline of Japan’s Mount Fiji on the storage space between the front seats, while the ambient lighting system has 48 different colour options.
Customers can choose from three trim flavours: Modern, Audacious and Chilli.
The Franco-Japanese cabin has some unique Nissan touches.
Image: Supplied
“In designing the sixth generation of the MICRA, we’ve celebrated all the values that have historically made it so popular – and opened a new chapter for Micra as an EV,” said Giovanny Arroba, Vice President of Nissan Design Europe.
“The exterior has an audacious and playful appearance on first look but has a stance which gives it a solid presence on the road. We’ve also been able to integrate delightful details into the design, which owners will love.”
The new Micra is one of four fully electric models that Nissan plans to introduce in Europe by 2027.
At this stage it is unknown whether any of these will make their way to South Africa, whose line-up is currently dominated by the Indian-built Magnite and locally-produced Navara bakkie, as question marks hang over the future of the Rosslyn factory.
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