Familiar formula makes new Micra EV a success

Nissan’s sixth-generation Micra may be instantly recognisable as a close relation of the new Renault 5, but our recent test drive proved that is no bad thing.

The Japanese carmaker may have added what it calls its “ice cream scoop” indentations down each flank and round LED light clusters that have more than an air of Mini-aping design about them, but the latest Micra is a very subtle reimagining of its popular French forebear.

There remains a purposeful cohesion in the new Micra’s design. Nissan’s partnership with Renault has served up a funky urban runaround.

Prices start at a very competitive £21,495 for the Engage trim version, once the UK’s £1,500 UK electric car grant is accounted for.

Advance trim starts from £23,495, with the range-topping Evolve, tested here, available from £26,115.

Buyers can opt for a 40kWh battery offering a 196-mile range and a 118bhp power output good for a nine-second dash to 62mph, or a 52kWh battery claiming 257 miles and a 148bhp output which trims a second off that acceleration benchmark.

Micras fitted with the 52kWh battery feature 100kW rapid charging capable of delivering a 15-80 per cent charge in just 30 minutes.

Like the Renault 5, all Micras come fitted with a heat pump as standard, warming the cabin quickly and efficiently in winter.

Inside, the cabin’s layout is near identical to the French EV.

However, the £400 Chill faux leather seats and tactile dash covering add a Nissan flourish to the 5’s already impressive cabin.

Two 10-inch screens are cantered towards the driver, one providing access to Renault’s Google-powered infotainment system, the other a configurable instrument display.

Space in the rear is a little restrictive, with little room to accommodate passengers’ feet, but boot space is a respectable 326 litres.

The Micra’s driving position is good, and its suspension set-up is unchanged from its French sibling.

That means a firm ride but a level of agility that makes it a biddable back road companion.

With the more powerful drivetrain, the Micra is plenty quick enough too.

Some Nissan loyalists might have liked a more supple side that could further differentiate the Micra from the Renault 5, but there is real fun to be had behind the wheel.

All in all, Nissan has made modest changes to transform Renault’s platform into its first all-electric Micra and, to my mind, that is no bad thing.

Nissan Micra 52kWh Evolve

Price: £26,515 (as tested)

Engine: 52kWh battery

Power: 148bhp

Torque: 245Nm

Transmission: single-speed

Top Speed: 93mph

0-62mph: 8 seconds

Range: 257 miles (WLTP combined)

CO2 emissions: 0g/km