The Nissan Micra returns like an EV but it borrows far too much from the Renault 5 e-tech at my liking
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- Nissan wakes the Micra, who is now in his sixth generation
- Affordable city car has received the EV treatment
- It is based on the recent Renault 5 and there is a lot of crossover
Nissan has unveiled details of the completely new electric Micra, which will eventually be accompanied by a heavily overhauled leaf, an electrified version of his Juke SUV and an soon announced city car in a renewed line-up.
The Japanese brand, which feels the pressure of increased competition and a provisional approach to electric vehicles, hopes that this renewed model line-up can inject a little excitement.
The new Micra comes at a time when Nissan has stated that it will cut 20,000 jobs, close seven factories around the world and pause a number of new development programs for cars until it can stabilize the ship.
With more than 40 years of history, the Micra certainly has the recognition of the table to move a few units and is also based on the same substantiation that have already collected several prizes and awards – the Senault Ampr Small Platform.
Yes, that is the same that is used for the Renault 5 e-tech and the recently launched Renault 4 Electric Reboot. This means that the new Micra gets two battery options, with 40 kWh and 52kWh for grabbing.
In the smaller version, drivers get 121 hp to play with and a claimed range of 195 miles, but the compact Micra weighs only 1,400 kg … not bad for a modern EV.
The larger battery option can manage 253 miles of the range and packs a more powerful 148 hp electric motor that drives the front wheels. That is slightly heavier at 1,524 kg, but charging is faster, with the 80 kW percentage for a 15-to-80% share in approximately 30 minutes.
Sister company Renault has also offered its suspension system, brakes and countless driving modes, so it should largely feel like the nippy and fantastically fun Renault 5 e-tech to drive.
In fact, there is a huge amount of Gallic influence here, including the dual-screen infotainment array, switchgear and dash largely look similar.
To differentiate the two cars, Nissan has been attracted by its past and round LED daytime row lights that can be seen on the European Micra 2002 on the European Micra 2002. However, these modern interpretations now carry out a short choreographed “Welcome Wink” when you unlock the vehicle.
The wider wheel arches, solid alloy wheels and a lower lip on the front help give it a more aggressive position on the road.
Oh, and there is what designers call the “ice cream scoop” that runs along the side, which is essentially a notch that is just under the windows pressed into the surface, “is reminiscent of the shape that would make a scoop if they were dragged over the surface of untouched ice,” says Nissan.
Analysis: Shaking the Oldtimer image
The Micra has been a hugely popular model for Nissan in Europe and shifts more than six million units in the 40 years that it has had for sale, but the image has historically older director and budget first-car Vibes (in the UK in the United Kingdom), instead of ever being really desirable.
The latest version is the first in its long history that is not sold with a combustion engine and Nissan hopes that this fact, in addition to co-development with Renault, will help to address younger buyers.
The European marketing boss of Nissan, Arnaud Charpentier, also told Auto Car that the Micra would be more expensive than Renault’s offer, in the hope that it would happen to a more premium option.
But it is difficult to get away from the many similarities between the new Micra and Renault 5With the latter more lively, funkier and much more retro -charm wear … especially on the inside.
Borrowing countless elements of one of the most successful EV launches in recent years is probably not so bad and let’s be honest, the whole new Micra certainly looks much more attractive than previous generations.
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