I tried the new Nissan Micra and discover if it is a clone of the Renault 5 or has its own personality

The new Nissan Micra presents itself as a reasonable car: neither too bold nor bland. The Japanese brand makes it clear that the priority has been for it to fit perfectly into everyday life and this translates into a pleasant driving experience, ample range for day-to-day use, and a good dose of practicality.

Nissan has written a new chapter for the Micra name: it debuts the sixth generation to show itself as more mature, more technological, and, yes, clearly related to the platform of the new urban models from the Renault-Nissan Group. It is an urban vehicle with zero emissions that brings a fresh air to the Japanese manufacturer's lineup that seeks to hit the mark with electric cars.

After an Ariya that has not fully convinced, it will be interesting to see how the public responds to the imminent new Leaf and this French-influenced Micra that I have been able to explore in depth at its presentation. With the Micra EV, the comparison with the electric Renault 5 is inevitable. They share architecture and equipment although each tries to bring its own personality and character.

The family resemblance is noticeable, but each dresses in its own way. The Japanese has a nod to the past, with rounded headlights that remind one of the successful third-generation Micra, but it does not follow the retro style of the R5. In the new model, the main LED optics are actually rectangular, but the arcs that form the daytime running lights create the impression of being circular. It is a design detail that I really liked.

With defined shoulders, generous wheel arches, and rounded surfaces, it is beautiful without trying to impress with flamboyance. There are other interesting style elements such as the hidden rear door handles in the pillar or the option to have a black or gray roof to contrast with the rest of the bodywork. The color palette of the Japanese model is also different from that of the R5.

The Nissan Micra 2026 is a car designed for the city that measures 3,974 mm long and has a turning radius of 10.3 m, making it very easy to park and maneuver. The 18-inch wheels it mounts give it presence, although I think they detract a bit from comfort on bumpy asphalt.

Unique on the outside, familiar on the inside

While a clear aesthetic differentiation has been achieved with its French sibling on the outside, the opposite occurs inside. I admit that I find it disappointing that almost the entire interior of the new Micra is practically identical to that of the Renault 5 E-Tech. The upholstery, logos, and little else change.

Don't you think Nissan has missed the opportunity to make its model more unique by adding some "Japanese" touch? It is disconcerting to find the rooster that Renault adorns all its cars on the windshield.

Nissan will not win any originality awards, but the quality of execution is good for the segment in which it competes. It features correct assembly and well-treated plastics where needed. The driving position is comfortable and low, with a well-organized ergonomics featuring two 10.1-inch screens that integrate logically.

The multimedia system of the Micra 2026 comes with all Google services integrated, which is a real plus for those of us who live connected. Even here, the interface and menus are similar to those of Renault, although not exactly the same. With the Android Automotive operating system, everything works smoothly and is easy to handle.

Another advantage is the NissanConnect app, which allows you to use your mobile phone to perform some remote operations such as pre-conditioning, checking the battery level, and planning routes with charging points. These are functions that you expect in an electric vehicle today, and Nissan has integrated them well.

Outside of the central screen, the climate control controls have their own separate module with physical buttons, a great success. By the way, the heat pump comes standard, a big plus. These switches are large and have a pleasant feel, just like those on the steering wheel.

The gear lever is located on the steering column. This position creates more space between the front seats, where there is a wireless charger for mobile phones and plenty of places to put things. On the surface of one of these compartments, there is a subtle reference to Mount Fuji. There is also a small closed space under the central armrest.

In the back, despite the 2.54 m wheelbase not being bad for a car of its size, there isn't too much space. The rear seats are a bit tight, although two average-sized adults will fit reasonably well. The central seat will be for emergencies because the width does not allow three to sit comfortably.

Let's move on to the cargo space. I didn't expect that when you open the hatch, the drawing of Mount Fuji would reappear, this time on the left pilot's securing trim. More little details like this are both appreciated and missed. With 326 liters, the trunk of the new Micra has an interesting volume for a car of this size. It can be expanded to 1,106 liters by folding down the rear seats, which are split in a 60:40 ratio. Unlike other electric vehicles, it does not have a front trunk.

Same behavior but more range than the R5

Regarding the dynamic aspect, Nissan offers two 100% electric configurations for its new utility vehicle that replicate the proposal of the Renault 5. The entry-level version has an electric motor of 90 kW (120 hp) and a battery with a gross capacity of 43 kWh (40 kWh net). It achieves 317 km of range in the WLTP cycle.

During the presentation event, I was able to drive the top-of-the-line variant. It moves with an electric motor of 110 kW (150 hp) and its battery offers a capacity of 55 kWh (52 kWh net). It is the ideal option for those seeking maximum versatility as it not only offers more performance but also boasts 415 kilometers of range, a truly remarkable figure for a B-segment model.

It is surprising that with a single charge it can cover longer distances than its French sibling. The Micra has slightly better aerodynamics than the equivalent Renault 5, which explains why the Japanese model has slightly greater range despite using the same battery packs. Additionally, the R5 adds a third motor with 95 hp.

Nissan announces that this urban electric can be charged from 15% to 80% in just half an hour, facilitating weekend getaways. The maximum charging power in direct current is 100 kW for the large battery; the small one reaches a maximum of 80 kW. In alternating current, both reach 11 kW. The charging port is located on the left front fender.

The capacity for bidirectional charging has been added to the Micra's onboard charger. With the V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) function, the car can power electrical devices such as a scooter, a bicycle, a computer, or tools. In theory, it is practical, although I am not sure if it will be something that sees much use in real life. Soon, a V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) function will also be included, where the vehicle can feed part of its battery energy back to the domestic electrical grid.

Nissan has not changed anything that Renault offers, maintaining the same chassis tuning. The adjustments to the steering, suspension, and everything else are exactly the same. Another missed opportunity for the Japanese manufacturer to differentiate itself a bit more. At least, this means that, just like with the R5, the Micra has one of its great attractions in its pleasant dynamic behavior.

The good push, lively reactions, notable stability, and low center of gravity make this urban character electric defend itself eagerly on secondary roads. It also benefits from a multi-link rear suspension, a sophisticated solution that is uncommon in its segment.

In the city, it moves like a fish in water, and I found it to be quite fun. To match the driver's desires, a button on the steering wheel of the Micra 2026 allows you to choose between Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Personal driving modes. The latter adjusts some parameters individually.

I was glad to see that there are paddles behind the steering wheel to adjust the level of the energy regeneration system during braking and squeeze a bit more electricity to extend the range. I find this super useful in any electric vehicle. But be careful, these only come in the highest and most expensive trim of the range. In the Micra, the highest retention level acts as a single pedal function, a solution that Nissan calls e-Pedal and allows you to use only the accelerator to accelerate and brake.

How much does the new Micra EV cost?

Nissan has brought back the Micra, and in the Spanish market, it is available with the Acenta, N-Connecta, and Tekna trims. The first units will arrive at dealerships in November to be displayed and tested by interested parties, and the first deliveries to customers will take place in December.

How much does it cost? Well, that question is not easy to answer. As I mentioned some time ago, it is almost impossible to know the true cost of a new car today. This became evident at the presentation event of this model, where the prices fluctuated depending on the moment.

In the documentation provided by the brand, it was indicated that €29,100 is the starting price without including discounts, promotions, or aids. At the press conference, the starting figure communicated was €19,650, here adding launch discounts, financing, the Moves Plan, and perhaps something else. However, taking a look at Nissan's official configurator, the price listed is €18,450. Choose your own adventure.

What is clear is that it is a bit more expensive than an equivalent R5 and this is by obligation. According to what I have been told by the Japanese brand, the agreement between Renault and Nissan is that the Japanese model always has a slightly higher price than the French one.

To justify the higher price, the Japanese indicate that the Micra has a more premium positioning than the R5. Something that is surprising and seems difficult to justify when, except for the exterior design, they are practically identical. What I do believe may happen is that they find different audiences because the R5 bets on the retro nod that will attract more than one nostalgic, while the Micra opts to offer a fresh and youthful image.

The key question is: would you choose the Nissan Micra over the Renault 5?