electric Micra's Revamped Return: A Nissan Renault Collab with a Nifty Twist
Nissan reintroduces the Micra, now in a crossover electric form.
Social Media Shares Discuss Send Email Print this Copy LinkNissan's revamping the iconic Micra, gearing up for its 6th generation, and this time it's electric! With a touch of Renault genius, the Micra sports some distinct features, like the brand's unique E-Pedal system. Scheduled for a later-year release, the Micra will be available in three trim levels, likely costing around €30,000.
In the electric Micra, Nissan boasts two battery options: a 40 kWh battery offering a range of 310 km (192 miles), and a beefier 52 kWh battery, promising a staggering range of 408 km (253 miles). The DC charging power varies depending on the battery size, reaching 80 or 100 kW. Both charge at 11 kW from a DC source.
Setting the Micra apart is the E-Pedal, a proprietary Nissan feature that allows you to cruise almost exclusively using the accelerator pedal. The technology, also found in other Nissan models, encourages foot-lifting to initiate braking and bring the vehicle to a stop. Renault plans to introduce a similar feature in one of its next software updates.
The sports car market demands affordability, and the Micra's developers had that priority in mind. Ms. Cli Lyons, the product planner, hasn't revealed the exact Micra's price-point, but it's anticipated to be around the same level as the Renault, which begins at around €28,000.
Nissan's design team in London worked diligently to differentiate the Micra from its French platform counterpart, the Renault 5. A formidable challenge due to the Renault's striking C-pillar and iconic proportions. The Nissan team replaced all visible body parts, giving the Micra a subtle SUV vibe by raising the hood and accentuating the wheel arches with black plastic trim.
A fresh take on the Micra's design are the LED rear lights and daytime running lights, inspired by the oval Micra III lights from 2003. The main headlights, located inside the oval shape, create an eye-catching contrast. According to exterior designer Yongwook Cho, the team sought to craft a modern design, avoiding the retro aesthetic evident in the Renault 5 model.
Inside, the 5th-generation Micra comes off as astonishingly contemporary. It borrows the cockpit arrangement with the dual-screen setup behind the steering wheel and in the center console from Renault, along with the Google Automotive software for infotainment. Nissan customized the materials and trim parts. As expected for a compact city car, the space is somewhat cramped in the rear, and the middle seat may leave taller passengers feeling a bit squished. The trunk is spacious at 326 liters and must accommodate the charging cable, as there's no front trunk under the hood.
Nissan plans to offer the Micra in Germany in three trim levels. Standard features include a heat pump, range-boosting tech for winter, and a system to ready the battery for fast charging. Bidirectional V2L charging, permitting the use of external electric devices via the vehicle's battery, is on the horizon, while grid feed-in (V2G) is also under development. The options list is predicted to be slimmer than the Renault 5, focusing on design extras and customization packages, with up to 14 color combinations available, some in daring two-tone schemes.
Main competitors for the new Micra EV include the Mini EV, Fiat's 500e and 600e, as well as various city cars from the Stellantis family, such as the Opel Corsa E and Peugeot E-208. They all fall within the price range of roughly €26,000 to €36,000.
Source: ntv.de, jwu/sp-x
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While the exact details of the Micra EV's pricing are yet to be disclosed, it's clear that Nissan aims to make it competitive in the European market to strengthen its presence in the region. The Micra EV's two battery options offer incredible range, with the 52 kWh battery delivering an exceptional range of 408 km (253 miles). The electric compact car also boasts advanced charging technology, capable of charging at up to 100 kW on a DC fast charger, and features like a heat pump, bidirectional V2L charging, and V2G feed-in. The Micra EV's distinct design and contemporary dashboard set it apart from other electric city cars on the market, including its sibling, the Renault 5.
The following is added in point 1 (b): The electric Micro's revamped return, in collaboration with Renault, not only incorporates an E-Pedal technology for a seamless driving experience but also focuses on lifestyle features that blend technology and cars, such as electric vehicles. The distinctive design, modern dashboard, and advanced charging technology distinguish the Micra EV as a viable competitor in the electric compact car market alongside models like the Mini EV, Fiat's 500e and 600e, Opel Corsa E, and Peugeot E-208, all of which offer a similar range of lifestyle, technology, and environmental benefits.
