With a new electric hatchback based on the Renault 5 E-Tech, Nissan is reviving the Micra moniker in Europe. The Micra has the same general form as the Renault, although it has different bumper treatments, circular headlights, and taillights. There are two powertrain options: a smaller battery and a 121-hp motor that can cover 191 miles; and a larger battery and a 148-hp motor that can cover 253 miles. In the US, Nissan is moving away from sedans and towards a more focused portfolio on SUVs. Plans for an electric Maxima replacement have been scrapped, the Versa and Altima sedans will be retired after 2025, and the Leaf hatchback will change into a crossover in 2026. The only remaining vehicles are the fast Z coupe and the Sentra, which is expected to expand for its next generation. There remains a demand for compact cars in Europe, and to meet this need, Nissan has launched the sixth-generation Micra hatchback, which is currently offered exclusively as an electric vehicle. Although the Micra hatchback has never been offered in the US, you might have seen fourth-generation Micras with Canadian license plates if you live in a state that borders Canada. Because of its strong resemblance to the stylish Renault 5 E-Tech, the new Micra might seem familiar if you’ve recently vacationed in Europe. Although it lacks Renault’s sleek classic appearance, the Micra is adorable and features unique design cues. Its Renault roots are evident in the roofline, C-pillar, and general posture, but the front fascia is distinctive. The Micra features distinctive headlights that echo the round design seen in earlier generations of the model. The primary rectangular portion is surrounded by rounded LEDs above and below. Gloss-black detailing dominates the bottom bodywork of all Micra EVs, which are equipped with 18-inch wheels. In addition to being round, the taillights have a tiny protrusion that gives them the appearance of an upside-down “Q.” Buyers can also choose to combine the body color with a grey roof, but the two-tone style shown here is optional. With a 10.1-inch center touchscreen tilted towards the driver and connected to a 10.1-inch digital gauge cluster, the cockpit closely resembles the Renault. Additionally, the climate controls and central HVAC vents are angled to the left, and the dashboard in front of the passenger has stitched indentations that give the ambient lighting a striking design. A molded representation of Mount Fuji in the storage space between the front seats is another entertaining feature. There are two battery choices offered: a 40-kWh version and a 52-kWh pack. A single electric motor on the front axle powers all Micras, while the smaller battery produces 121 horsepower and 191 miles of stated range. The larger battery increases output to 148 horsepower and has an estimated range of 253 miles. It also supports 100 kW charging when using a DC fast charger. Other electronic gadgets can be powered by the Micra thanks to its vehicle-to-load capability. With a length of less than 157 inches, the Micra is probably too small to fly in the US. Compared to a tiny Versa sedan, it is at least 20 inches shorter from nose to tail. Additionally, hatchbacks haven’t been very popular in our country, which is why Nissan decided to make the next-generation Leaf a small SUV. However, the new Micra demonstrates that compact cars can still be used on Europe’s congested streets, despite SUVs’ growing global market share.
