Let’s talk about the new Nissan Micra. Yes, you read that right: the Micra is back, and it’s electric, bold, and… a bit French. This isn’t some dusty city car for grannies toddling off to the bridge club. No, this is a zippy, compact hatchback that looks like it just rolled out of a Tokyo Drift scene, but is actually built in northern France. What’s the deal with this Japanese urban rocket? Let’s dive in with a healthy dose of skepticism and a splash of enthusiasm.
The Micra has always been a bit of an underdog. Back in the ’90s, it was the car you bought if you wanted something reliable but mind-numbingly dull. It had the charisma of a microwave on wheels and the performance of a lawnmower. But Nissan grabbed a sledgehammer and gave the Micra a makeover that makes even the most jaded car enthusiast perk up. The result? A fully electric city car that looks ready to challenge you to a traffic-light sprint, complete with headlights that wink when you unlock it. Yes, they actually wink. How cute is that?
But let’s address the elephant in the room: this isn’t a purebred Nissan. The Micra shares its DNA with the Renault 5 E-Tech, and it’s no secret. They sit on the same AmpR Small platform, use the same batteries and motors, and the interior is pretty much a carbon copy. It’s like Nissan looked at Renault and said, “That’s a cool car, can I borrow it?” And Renault, the generous cousin in the alliance, said, “Sure, but slap your own logo on it.” So Nissan did. But they’ve added their own flair, and honestly, the result is pretty darn good.
Looks-wise, the Micra is a blend of retro and futuristic. The round LED headlights and taillights give it a playful, almost cartoonish vibe, but a cool cartoon. Nissan calls the scooped-out line on the side the “ice cream scoop” – a name so ridiculous you almost have to love it. It’s as if a designer, nursing a hangover after a wild night out, thought, “You know what? This looks like a scoop of ice cream, let’s call it that.” The car comes with 18-inch wheels (yes, on a city car!), a range of paint colors, and an optional black or gray roof for the pricier trims. It’s anything but boring.
Inside, it’s a festival of familiarity for anyone who’s seen the Renault 5. The dashboard, twin 10.1-inch screens, and Google infotainment system are straight out of the French playbook. But Nissan’s added a few personal touches, like a Mount Fuji relief on the center console. Because, you know, nothing screams “Japan” like a mountain etching in a car built in France. The infotainment system is a gem: Google Maps, Google Assistant, and even the Play Store are built in. You can talk to your Micra and ask it to turn on the seat heaters or dim your smart lights at home. This isn’t a car; it’s a rolling smartphone.
Under the hood – or rather, under the floor – there are two options. The base model has a 40 kWh battery with 120 hp, good for about 310 km of range. Want more? There’s a 52 kWh version with 150 hp and a 408 km range. Fast charging at 80 kW or 100 kW means you can get 80% of your battery back in half an hour. Not bad for a car smaller than your average SUV. And with an expected starting price under €25,000, it’s relatively affordable. That’s a bullseye in a market where electric cars often cost as much as a small mansion.
But let’s be real: Nissan’s in a tough spot. The brand’s facing financial woes that’d make your stomach churn. They’re cutting costs, axing models, and banking on cars like this Micra, along with a new Leaf and Juke, to turn things around. This isn’t some side project; this is a car that has to succeed. And honestly? It’s got a decent shot. It’s trendy, affordable, and has enough personality to stand out in a sea of dull crossovers. But it’s a gamble. Because let’s not forget: this is a Renault 5 in a Nissan suit. Will that be enough to win over European buyers, or will they stick with the French original?
There’s one more tidbit we can’t ignore. Nissan’s tried spicing up the Micra before. Think of the Micra 160SR, a cute little firecracker with a 1.6-liter engine and 110 hp, or even the bonkers Micra 350SR with a 3.5-liter V6 from the 350Z. That last one was just a prototype, but the idea alone deserves a standing ovation. Will we see a Micra Nismo? Probably not, since Renault’s already claimed the sporty version with the Alpine A290. But a guy can dream, right?
The new Micra hits the market in late 2025, with deliveries likely starting in early 2026. It’s a car that looks like it wants to have fun, and in a world full of gray SUVs, that’s a breath of fresh air. Is it Nissan’s salvation? Time will tell. But if you’re after a compact, electric city car with a wink and a scoop of ice cream, this Micra is worth a look.
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