Nissan Micra goes fully electric for sixth generation

With a new CEO, Nissan seems to have come out of its ‘paralysis’ and things are happening at a quick pace with new products appearing. After revealing a couple of new models, next on the list is the new Micra (a successor to the March which Malaysians knew in the 1980s) which will be the sixth generation.

This time, the small B-segment hatchback will be fully electric and to save money, Nissan is sharing the platform with Renault which uses it for the new Renault 5. However, the exterior styling has been done by Nissan’s Design Europe in London and brings a refreshing new image to the model which has been especially popular in Europe for over 40 years. It is available only as a 5-door bodystyle.

Iconic headlamps greet the driver, protruding slightly from the clean inclined surface angling up from the numberplate to the bonnet. On unlocking the car, the lights perform a short choreographed ‘welcome wink’ where the front lights pulse from left to right and then right to left. The same light show is performed on locking the car, acting as a ‘farewell’. At the rear, the taillamps are defined by a simple but ornate LED light design – boasting circular lighting elements.

“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. 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. We’re proud to have been able to bring the Micra into the EV age,” said Giovanny Arroba, Vice-President – Nissan Design Europe

Japanese, not Chinese
The new Micra’s interior recaptures a theme that has been at the heart of the model across all previous generations – simple, understated elegance. Building on that legacy, this latest generation also hints to its Japanese heritage through subtle hidden design features – including a moulded outline of Japan’s most famous landmark, Mount Fuji, incorporated into the storage space between the front seats. Just in case European buyers think all EVs come from China…

The 10.1-inch instrument display is configurable display and merges with an additional 10.1-inch touchscreen that extends over half of the dashboard. The spacious screen serves as a control centre from navigation, audio and phone functions can be managed.

At under 4 metres in length and less than 1.8 metres wide, the new Micra is ideally sized for urban motoring. A wheelbase of 2.54 metres pushes the wheels to the corners, which has the triple benefits of guaranteeing improved interior space, while providing a dynamic stance on the road and an optimum blend of agility and stability.

Where storage capacity and boot space is often lacking in compact cars, this isn’t the case with new Micra. Owners will enjoy 326 litres of capacity, said to be significantly more than many of its competitors.

Up to 408 kms
Available for the first time as a fully electric model, the new Micra comes with a choice of two battery – 40 kWh and 52 kWh with a weight difference (to the overall vehicle weight) of 124 kgs. The different battery sizes also mean outputs of the motors are different. For the smaller battery, the motor generates 90 kW/225 Nm while the bigger battery has a motor generating 110 kW/245 Nm.

While Nissan says the Micra is primarily for urban motoring, those who choose the 52 kW battery option should be able to go up to 408 kms on a single charge, depending on how they drive. When it’s time to recharge, using a DC charger with a 100 kW supply (maximum of 80kw for the 40 kWh version), quick charging from 15% – 80% is claimed to be within 30 minutes. To maximise the charging efficiency, a heat pump is standard on both battery options, as well as battery heating and cooling capability.

Integrated throughout the Micra are purposeful and seamless technology features. NissanConnect with Google built-in services offers a familiar interface as many will already be using it on their phones or tablets.

NissanConnect also elevates the EV ownership experience through off-board connectivity via the NissanConnect services app. The app, provides access to features such as battery state of charge, car location, charging history, and remote control of various features such as cabin temperature and charging schedule.

Deliveries at the end of 2025
As with many new models these days, the debut doesn’t mean customers can get one next month. Production will only start later this year with first shipments at the end of the year and most markets will probably launch in January 2026.

As it is shared with the Renault 5, Nissan is letting Renault assemble in the same factory as the French model, which should help save some money at a time when Nissan is financially challenged.

Nissan has 10 new models to launch in coming 2 years