Nissan Micra Is a Cute EV That Aims to Revitalize the Brand in Europe
Based on the Renault 5 E-Tech, the new Micra wears a friendly face and packs tried-and-true powertrains that provide up to 253 miles of range.
Nissan is bringing back the Micra name in Europe with a new electric hatchback that’s based on the Renault 5 E-Tech.
The Micra’s overall shape matches the Renault, but it gets circular headlights and taillights and unique bumper treatments.
Two powertrains are available, with a smaller battery and 121-hp motor providing 191 miles of range; a bigger battery and 148-hp motor bring 253 miles of range.
Nissan is shifting away from cars to a more SUV-heavy lineup in the United States. The Versa and Altima sedans are bound for retirement after 2025, while the Leaf hatchback will morph into a crossover for 2026, and plans for an electric Maxima successor have been shelved. That leaves just the Sentra—set to grow for its next generation—and the sporty Z coupe as the only cars left. But over in Europe, there’s still demand for small cars, and Nissan has unveiled the new sixth-generation Micra hatchback, which now comes exclusively as an EV.
The Micra hatchback has never been sold in the United States, although if you live in a state along the northern border, you may have spotted fourth-generation Micras driving around on Canadian plates. If you’ve recently vacationed in Europe, this latest Micra might also look familiar, as it is closely related to the stylish Renault 5 E-Tech.
The Micra doesn’t have the same slick retro look as the Renault, but it’s cute and has its own referential design elements. While the roofline, C-pillar, and overall stance are clear giveaways of its Renault bones, the front fascia is unique. The Micra wears interesting headlights with a main rectangular element flanked by rounded LEDs above and below, emulating the circular lights of past Micras.
All Micra EVs ride on 18-inch wheels, and the lower portion of the bodywork is dominated by gloss-black trim. The taillights are also circular, with a small piece poking outwards that makes the taillights look like an upside “Q.” The two-tone look seen here will be optional, and buyers can also pair the body color with a gray roof.
The cabin bears a strong resemblance to the Renault, with a 10.1-inch center touchscreen that’s angled towards the driver and attached to a 10.1-inch digital gauge cluster. The central HVAC vents and climate controls are also canted to the left, while the dashboard in front of the passenger features stitched indentations that create an eye-catching shape in the ambient lighting. Another fun detail is a molded outline of Mount Fuji in the storage compartment between the front seats.
There’s a choice of two batteries, either a 40-kWh unit or a 52-kWh pack. All Micras feature a single electric motor on the front axle, and the smaller battery brings 121 horsepower and a claimed 191 miles of range. The bigger battery bumps output up to 148 hp, along with 253 miles of estimated range. It also allows for charging at 100 kW on a DC fast-charger. The Micra supports vehicle-to-load capability too, allowing the car to power other electronic devices.
The Micra is likely too small to make it in the United States, as it measures less than 157 inches long. That means it’s at least 20 inches shorter from nose to tail than a subcompact Versa sedan. Hatchbacks also haven’t proven popular on our shores, inspiring Nissan’s decision to grow the next-generation Leaf into a small SUV. But the new Micra proves that even as SUVs continue to increase their market share worldwide, small cars still have a place on the tight streets of Europe.
