Nissan Micra Review

Introduction and model history

There's been a Micra in the UK since 1982, and some versions have become a beloved part of British life. The 'blobby' K11 and K12 were genuinely innovative designs which were built in the UK and sold in huge numbers. They lasted a long time too - a testament to their engineering. The last two models have failed to hit the same sweet spot though, partly because everyone decided they wanted cars that look like SUVs instead. 

This new model is very much a hatchback. Some of the more observant of you will notice straight away that this car has a familiar look to it, especially around the middle. That’s because the Micra shares quite a lot of important bits like the tech, battery and motors with the Renault 5. Now that’s no bad thing – the Renault is a great car and is currently the hottest thing in the electric car world. But Nissan reckon there are buyers out there who won’t necessarily like the retro look and like to look forward rather than back.

Battery, range and charging

Just like the Renault, there are two battery options - 40kWh and 52kWh, giving ranges 192 and 253 miles respectively. That's slightly less than the 194 – 255 miles of the R5, so some have disappeared with the Micra. We're nut sure where. Could it be different aerodynamics? Perhaps the weight of the picture of Mount Fuji in the centre console? It's a mystery.

The charging speeds on a DC unit are up to 100 kW, achieving a 15–80% charge in approximately 30 minutes. This drops to 80kW on the smaller battery, but the charge times are the same. AC Charging on both is 11 kW. Those charge times are slightly better than the Hyundai Inster, which can only manage 73 kW.

Like the R5 a heat pump is standard on both battery options, as well as battery heating and cooling capability - good stuff for optimising your charging. You can also have V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) tech as with Renault the Inster. The Micra will have the ability to power your home too when the tech is available. 

Design, interior and boot space

The Micra was styled at Nissan’s Design centre in London, and apparently has ‘SUV design’ elements, although we are not quite sure we can see it. 

The most eye-opening part of the look is the headlamps, which are mirrored on the rear lights too. They protrude slightly from the surface angling up from the numberplate to the bonnet. 

When you unlock the car, the lights perform a “welcome wink” where the front lights pulse from left to right and then right to left. Personally I reckon Nissan should drop the phrase ‘welcome wink’ immediately as it sounds a bit like something a creepy uncle would do - but I like the friendly vibe. 

From the corner of the headlight along to the waistline, there is a feature the designers call the “ice cream scoop”. It’s an indent which has been pressed into the surface from the front to the rear of the back passenger door. It is around 1cm in width and is reminiscent of the shape a scoop would make if dragged across the surface of untouched ice cream. Who only takes a 1cm scoop of ice cream? 

All new Micras come with 18” wheels – huge for a small car. And the same size as both the Renault 5 and the Hyundai Inster. Hard to believe that Micras used to have 12-inch wheels! 

You get three options for wheel depending on grade: “active” wheel covers, “Iconic” and “Sport” alloy wheel designs. There are 14 exterior colour combinations available, including two-tone options give the buyer the choice to combine the body shade with either a black or grey roof.

Inside, Nissan is proudly Japanese so there’s a moulded outline of Japan’s most famous landmark, Mount Fuji, incorporated into the storage space between the front seats. Even though it is designed in London. And built in France. 

The front and rear seat upholstery varies according to grade but there are three trims - Modern, Audacious, and Chill. Ambient lighting allows the driver to choose from 48 different colours.

In the boot, you've got 326 litres with the seats up and 1,106 litres with the folder, which is the same as Renault and good for a small car. The Inster has 238, or 351 litres if you opt for the top spec and get the sliding seat. 

Technology 

​Like in the Renault, there’s a 10.1” screen display behind the steering wheel (ecept on the base model, which has 7-inches) with another 10.1” touchscreen display, covering the full width of the dashboard. Google is built-in as part of the NissanConnect infotainment system. You won’t be lacking for safety tech either - it will come with Nissan ProPilot assist, which gives lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control and emergency braking. Additional kit incudes helpful systems like Autonomous Emergency Braking, Emergency Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Speed Assist and the list goes on.

Running costs and pricing

Nissan are tight lipped but I reckon given that the R5 is starts at £23k going up to £29k we’ll something similar - it would be smart of Nissan to undercut the Renault but we’ll have to wait and see.

Sales of the Micra EV start in late 2025, with the first deliveries in January 2026. It's part of Nissan’s product offensive - four new fully electric models by 2027 – this followed by the new LEAF, JUKE, and a sub £18k city car based on the Twingo - which is now confirmed for the UK. Micra will be built in France. It’s a shame its not going to be built here in the UK at Nissan Sunderland factory, but that's cost saving for you.

Verdict

Looked at in isolation, the Micra is a great little electric hatchback. It has a competitive range, is efficient and the quality is excellent - especially compared to other cars at this price level. But its biggest competitor will be the Renault 5 - which is identical in so many ways. So your choice will either be based on looks, price or brand preference. We don't know how it drives yet - perhaps Nissan will make it a little less sporty than the Renault, which would give it another point of differentiation. 

For us, the Micra doesn't have quite the same "I must have one" quality as the Renault, but you might think differently and prefer the Micra's modern look.