Nissan Micra reinvented as Renault 5 twin

Nissan’s new Micra has finally been unveiled officially and returns after two years in the remaking. Now it is a much funkier design, aiming to appeal to younger buyers and equally to box sexes. Nissan doesn’t want it to be seen as a ‘grandma’ car any longer. The styling should put paid to that.

Believe it or not, Micra is now 42 years old. In its new guise it is essentially a twin of the R5 thanks to its alliance with Renault. So no more ICE power for Micra.

See initial news of Micra and new Patrol here.

Nissan has fared poorly in Europe of late, losing gobs of money. This new Micra is the beginning of a turnaround for the firm. It is one of four new EVs due before 2027 from the Japanese brand. The others are Leaf, Juke and a city car based on Renault’s cute new Twingo.

The latest Micra uses the Ampr Small platform. It comes with a 40kWh (307km) or a 52kWh (405km) battery. The latter can hook up to 100kW fast chargers and rezip from 15-80 per cent in 30 minutes.

Power goes to a single, front-mounted motor. That comes in a 90kW version (with the 40kWh battery) or with 110kW (with the 52kWh battery).

Designed in step with the R5, Nissan opted for styling that was clearly Nissan. That’s according to exterior design manager Yongwook Cho.

The new audacious and funky look takes inspiration from the Micra of 2002, particularly on account of its circular DRLs at both ends.

One change from the 5 is at the front, where the bonnet is higher, and longer. It also features bulkier arches to give the Micra a different silhouette from R5.

Cho said it imparts more of a crossover feel for Micra.

Another differentiator is at the rear, where there’s a lip and at the side where there’s a different shoulder line.

The interior is essentially the same as the R5’s, with identical twin 10.25in screens. It also gets the same switchgear and materials but the white, grey and black colours are more muted.

Nissan wanted its Micra to be more premium than the R5, so pricing will likely start above the Renault’s entry point.

The UK is Nissan’s best European market and the firm wanted something inexpensive that appeals to young buyers, and a broader range of people. In Europe, Micra is essentially bought by women only so the new styling and more muted colours are likely to appeal to both sexes equally.

Nissan believes that total electrification for Micra will not limit its uptake and that it has a strong nameplate. Moreover, the arrival of the reinvented Leaf and the next-generation Juke, both electric, will help rejuvenate Nissan following a down period.

Arnaud Charpentier, a senior executive at Nissan believes: “This new EV line-up will help us to come back in the race.” 

Micra will sell in the EU market only, at least for now.