New Nissan Micra EV: latest details and exclusive image of the Renault 5’s sister car
The Micra is set to return with all-electric power and distinctive styling inspired by its supermini predecessors
The Renault 5 is getting a lot of attention right now, having just won European Car of the Year and finally gone on sale in the UK. However Nissan has kindly reminded us that it’s working on a sister model that we’re all but certain will bring back the familiar Micra nameplate.
The all-new Nissan Micra is expected to be revealed later this year, and will be one of five pure-electric models that the brand plans to launch in Europe by 2026, with the next-generation Leaf and Juke among the others.
The Micra will face plenty of tough competition when it arrives, not least from its retro-inspired French cousin, and the sportier Alpine A290. Other small electric rivals include the Vauxhall Corsa Electric and Peugeot E-208 – new iterations of which are arriving in 2026 – plus the Volkswagen ID.2 and Cupra Raval, two of the most hotly anticipated cars being revealed this year.
While Nissan and Honda are in talks about a possible merger, the Micra will still be built by the Renault Group’s EV-dedicated company, Ampere, in its facility in Douai, France. It’ll also use its AmpR Small platform, and presumably be offered with the same selection of powertrains as the Renault 5.
How much range will the Nissan Micra have?
The new Nissan Micra should deliver the same range and performance figures as the Renault 5, which is offered with a choice of two powertrains. The first uses a 40kWh ‘Urban’ battery that provides an official range of up to 193 miles, and a 118bhp e-motor to drive the front wheels. 0-62mph takes nine seconds with this particular set-up.
The other is powered by a larger 52kWh ‘Comfort’ battery that increases the range to 253 miles, while a more powerful 148bhp e-motor cuts the 0-62mph time to eight seconds. Maximum charging speed varies depending on the battery on board, but the R5 can hit up to 100kW, which allows for a 15-80 per cent top-up in 30 minutes.
There’s the possibility of a hot Micra Nismo, too, as Nissan Europe’s vice president of marketing and sales, Mayra González, has hinted that more of the brand’s EVs could follow the Ariya Nismo in wearing the brand’s famed performance badge in the future. It helps that the Alpine A290 has demonstrated what’s possible on the AmpR Small platform, which as standard features multi-link rear suspension.
What do we know about the interior and exterior design?
Nissan released the first teaser images of its forthcoming electric supermini way back in 2022, and unveiled the extreme Concept 20-23 the year after. Both suggest the Micra will feature a softer, rounder shape, more in line with previous-generation Micras than the angular design of the Renault 5.
Our exclusive image builds on what we’ve seen so far to give you a clearer idea of how the new Micra will look. One feature Nissan has teased repeatedly is the large round daytime running lights, which are also a nod to the familiar Mk3 Micra.
Nissan’s VP of Design for Europe, Matthew Weaver, remained tight-lipped on the new Micra when he spoke to Auto Express last year. However during our exclusive interview, he did say: “The Renault 5 is a great car, and that gave us a great base. We then just had to add our DNA and that was probably the challenge [when designing the Micra].
He added: “When you look at the car you’re going to feel Micra, but you’re also going to feel Nissan, and on top of that you're going to feel a slight shift in what it’s offering.”
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