Nissan is making a comeback, and it’s betting big on a name Brits have known for years – the Micra. But don’t expect the dinky learner driver favourite your gran once had. The new Micra is all-electric, all-new, and part of a huge push to turn Nissan’s fortunes around after a rough financial year that saw it lose nearly £4 billion.
Yep, they’re not just trying to make a cool EV – they’re trying to save the company with it.
So What’s the New Micra Like?
Think less "tiny town car" and more compact electric SUV vibes. Nissan has revealed the first look at the reborn Micra, and while it wears a familiar badge, it’s a totally different beast underneath.
It’s one of three new EVs Nissan plans to launch before the end of next year, alongside a fresh electric Juke and a new Leaf – both of which will be built in Sunderland. The Micra? That’ll be made in France, but still designed in London.
The new Micra shares some DNA with the Renault 5 E-Tech – one of the most hyped EVs right now – and it even uses the same platform and screens. But Nissan insists it’s not just a rebadged Renault. It’s slightly longer, chunkier, and has its own look with a few quirky design nods to older Micras – especially the 2000s-era version with its bubble shape and ‘bug-eye’ lights.
The Micra first hit UK roads in 1983, and it quickly became the go-to first car for learners and downsizers. It’s had all sorts of styles over the years – from the super-round K12 (which inspired the new EV) to the sharper fifth-gen version in 2016.
More than six million Micras have been sold globally – so the new one has a legacy to live up to.
Is It Basically a Renault 5 in Disguise?
Sort of, but with a twist.
The Micra uses the Renault 5’s platform, tech, and even its interior screens – but Nissan has added its own style and touches. Inside, there are nods to Japan with Mount Fuji graphics, and on the outside, it’s 11cm longer and looks more SUV than hatchback thanks to a wider stance and chunky side cladding.
So yes, there’s overlap – but it’s not a straight-up copy-paste job.
Range, Charging & Performance – The EV Stuff That Matters
You’ll be able to choose between two battery sizes:
- 40kWh battery: up to 192 miles of range, 120hp
- 52kWh battery: up to 253 miles of range, 150hp
Charging times are decent too:
- On a standard 7.4kW home charger: 15% to 80% takes 3h55 (40kWh) or 5h10 (52kWh)
- On a fast 100kW charger: 15% to 80% takes just 25–30 minutes
Trims include:
- Engage (entry level)
- Advance
- Evolve (top-spec)
Is It Practical Though?
It’s not a family hauler, but it’s got 326 litres of boot space (same as the Renault 5), which is more than the new Hyundai Inster or Citroen e-C3. There’s also 27 litres of hidden storage under the boot floor for your cables.
Interior space is alright for kids or short mates in the back, but if you're tall, you might feel the squeeze. A 5'11" journalist said their hair was brushing the roof.
Tech and Interior
You get Google Built-In, so that means Maps, Google Assistant, and Play Store apps baked into the car.
The base Engage trim has a 7-inch driver screen and 10.1-inch touchscreen. Higher trims get dual 10.1-inch screens – all very sleek, all very Renault-inspired.
How Much Will It Cost?
No official price yet, but it's expected to start around £22,995, just like the Renault 5. Expect more info closer to the full reveal and first drives in September.
What Else is Coming from Nissan?
Nissan is going full EV over the next couple of years. Along with the Micra, the brand is launching a new Leaf, a Juke EV, and other electric and hybrid models. The UK-built ones are good news for Sunderland jobs – and Nissan’s MD says using familiar names like Micra and Leaf will help make EVs less intimidating for new buyers.
Whether you remember the Micra from driving lessons or just want an affordable, stylish EV with serious street cred – this could be the one to watch.
