Pros: Good looks, great to drive, lots of tech
Cons: It’s the same as the Renault 5, really
Nissan Micra Design
There’s no point beating about the bush on this, but the Nissan Micra and Renault 5 were developed alongside each other and are identical under the skin. That skin does vary between the two, though not dramatically. Park the Micra next to the Renault and it’s obvious that they’re closely related.
Nonetheless, that doesn’t detract from the style of the Micra, which has unique front and rear lighting, inspired by Micras of the past. LED technology is used today of course so the effect is thoroughly modern. The Micra gets its own colour palette and looks particularly good when the black roof is specified. It’s an attractive small five-door hatchback.
Nissan Micra Interior
The Micra’s cabin shares its architecture and technology with the Renault 5 as well, but there’s a retro vibe to the Renault interior that isn’t present in the Micra. Instead, buyers get to choose from a selection of colour and upholstery options, all modern in appearance.
Those complement one of the best infotainment and dashboard systems in the sector. Clear digital instruments sidle up to a touchscreen using Google software for a seamless connected experience. It all works well, and we’re even more impressed that Nissan has retained physical switchgear for the heating and ventilation system. Admittedly, the area either side of the steering wheel is a little busy with stalks, but an owner of the car will soon get used to that.
Nissan Micra Performance & Drive
Depending on trim level, the Micra can be had with one of two electric powertrains, both front-wheel drive. The entry model uses a 40kWh battery pack and a 122hp electric motor for an official range of up to 317km. That should be sufficient for those sticking to lower speeds and slower roads, though above it in the lineup is a model using a 52kWh battery and a 150hp electric motor.
This bigger battery extends the range to a useful 416km and while – as ever in an EV – how close you get to that figure in reality depends on how you drive, how full the car is with people, and the weather, but generally speaking, the Micra proves to be an efficient EV. The big-battery model can be charged at up to 110kW on DC fast chargers, too.
But that’s not all it has going for it, as the Micra is subtly good to drive, as well. It has keen steering, but not so sensitive it makes the car feel nervous at motorway speeds. The short wheelbase makes it agile in the corners and Nissan has done a great job on the suspension, as it mixes decent comfort with great body control and stability. It does it all, basically, much more than you’d expect a car at this price point to.
Nissan Micra Pricing
Retail prices start at €25,995 including government incentives. That’s for the 40kWh model in Engage specification, which is otherwise quite well equipped. If you want the bigger battery, you’ll have to upgrade to the mid ‘Advance’ trim level, and it’ll cost €30,995, while that’s the only battery offered in the all-the-bells-and-whistles top spec, called the Micra Evolve. This is the only car to sit on 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, and it comes with plenty of other niceties, too.
Carzone Verdict
The first-ever, all-electric Nissan Micra would potentially have received more attention at launch if it wasn’t twinned with the Renault 5 and introduced quite some time later. But none of that should matter to buyers, as the Micra still makes for a fabulous small EV. It’s great to drive, well-equipped, well-priced and also really likeable.