Staff Writer
London: The iconic Nissan MICRA is making a powerful comeback. Returning in an all-new, sixth-generation avatar, the MICRA enters the B-segment market in late 2025 as a fully electric, fully connected compact car. With an assertive new design and a promise of zero-emission driving, this next-generation MICRA is poised to combine decades of heritage with the latest in automotive innovation.
Nissan’s latest model is more than a mere facelift. It represents the company’s continuing transformation in Europe, where it plans to introduce four fully electric vehicles by 2027. Alongside the new MICRA, future models will include electric versions of the Nissan LEAF, JUKE, and an A-segment vehicle, along with a new generation of the company’s e-Power technology. These offerings signal Nissan’s commitment to full electrification across the continent, forming part of a wider global strategy.
Striking Design That Exudes Character
Designed at Nissan Design Europe (NDE) in London, the new MICRA exhibits a distinctively bold exterior that reflects a confident, urban personality. It breaks away from convention with a blend of sharp surfaces, sculpted curves, and SUV-inspired elements that give it a robust, grounded stance. Pronounced wheel arches, a defined lower lip, and sleek, uncluttered body panels accentuate its athletic silhouette.
The MICRA’s distinctive headlamps are a key design signature, slightly protruding from the front surface and performing a choreographed “welcome wink” animation when the car is unlocked. At the rear, the LED taillights incorporate ornate circular light elements, balancing elegance with contemporary aesthetics.
A particularly playful design element is the “ice cream scoop” waistline—an indent running from the headlamp corner through the side of the car, resembling the smooth imprint of a scoop in untouched ice cream. It’s subtle design cues like this that give the MICRA a memorable personality.
The model will be offered in 14 colour combinations, including vibrant tones such as Rebel Red and Noble Marine, and more subdued options like Mystery Black and Elegant Silver. Two-tone body-and-roof combinations, available depending on grade, allow buyers to personalize the car to their liking. Wheel options include 18-inch “Active” covers, “Iconic,” and “Sport” alloys, all contributing to the MICRA’s striking road presence.
A Cabin of Understated Sophistication
Inside, the MICRA stays true to its legacy of elegant minimalism. Its interior space is designed to be both premium and functional, with subtle nods to its Japanese roots. One such example is the outline of Mount Fuji etched into the storage area between the front seats—a quiet homage to its origin.
At the heart of the cockpit is a three-spoke steering wheel and dual 10.1-inch screens—one for the digital driver display and the other for infotainment, navigation, and media. Both are neatly integrated into the dashboard, with the central screen slightly angled toward the driver for ergonomic interaction.
Customers can choose between three distinct interior themes—Modern, Audacious, and Chill—each offering different upholstery textures and colour schemes. To further enhance the in-cabin experience, MICRA features ambient lighting with a choice of 48 colours, allowing drivers to match the cabin’s mood to their own.
Urban-Friendly Dimensions with Impressive Utility
Despite its compact size—under 4 metres in length and less than 1.8 metres wide—the MICRA delivers a roomy and comfortable interior. Its 2.54-metre wheelbase enhances both stability and space, pushing the wheels to the corners for a more planted stance and maximized cabin room.
Only available in a five-door configuration, the new MICRA makes ingress and egress convenient, especially in urban environments. Soft-touch materials and a spacious layout give the dashboard and passenger area a refined, clutter-free appearance. Meanwhile, trunk space stands at 326 litres, which can expand to a generous 1,106 litres with the rear seats folded—a rare offering in this segment.
EV Powertrain: Capable, Convenient, and Clever
The all-electric MICRA will be available in two battery configurations: 40kWh and 52kWh. The latter offers an impressive real-world range of up to 253 miles, making it suitable not just for city commuting but also for weekend escapes beyond the city limits. Both versions feature fast-charging capabilities via 100kW DC (or 80kW on the 40kWh model), with a 15-80% charge achievable in just 30 minutes.
To optimize energy use and user comfort, MICRA is equipped with a standard heat pump and battery heating/cooling systems. It also comes with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, enabling users to power external devices like portable appliances, perfect for road trips or outdoor events.
Engaging Drive and Dynamic Performance
MICRA’s new electric platform—shared with the AmpR architecture—has been designed for engaging and stable handling. Weighing only 1,400kg (1,524kg for the larger battery), it boasts a low centre of gravity thanks to the underfloor battery layout.
Its front suspension with independent struts and passive dampers, paired with a multi-link rear suspension more common in higher-end cars, ensures a smooth and responsive drive. Instant torque, optimized weight, and quick steering deliver an energetic driving experience.
Drivers can tailor this experience with four driving modes: Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Perso. Each alters parameters like throttle response, power output, steering weight, and interior lighting to match the driver’s mood and needs.
Regenerative braking levels can be adjusted via paddle shifters, while Nissan’s e-Pedal system allows for nearly one-pedal driving in urban conditions, even bringing the vehicle to a complete stop.
Smart Tech for a Seamless Digital Experience
The new MICRA is one of the first in Nissan’s European range to feature Google built-in services. Drivers can interact with Google Assistant to control climate settings, navigation, and even smart home devices via voice commands. Google Maps integration provides real-time navigation with EV route planning, recommending charging stations en route and pre-conditioning the battery for efficient charging.
Over-the-air updates keep the infotainment system current, and a suite of apps via Google Play—including music, podcasts, and audiobooks—makes every journey more enjoyable. NissanConnect also provides off-board controls through a smartphone app, allowing users to check battery levels, pre-set cabin temperature, or schedule charging remotely.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available as standard across all trims, ensuring that users who prefer to mirror their phones can do so effortlessly.
Advanced Safety at Its Core
Nissan hasn’t compromised on safety. The new MICRA is equipped with ProPILOT Assist, offering semi-autonomous features such as lane-keeping, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. Additional safety tech includes Emergency Lane Keeping, Blind Spot Warning with Intervention, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Occupant Safe Exit Alert.
Other key features include Intelligent Speed Assist, Lane Departure Warning, and a Driver Monitoring System, reinforcing Nissan’s reputation for placing safety at the centre of its design ethos.
A Confident Return to European Streets
Sales of the new MICRA are scheduled to begin in Europe in late 2025. With its unique blend of playful design, practical technology, and electric performance, Nissan hopes to redefine what compact EVs can offer urban drivers.
“We are proud to oversee the return of the MICRA name to Nissan’s range in Europe,” said Arnaud Charpentier, Region Vice President, Marketing & Mobility, Nissan AMIEO. “It’s a name with over 40 years of history and the new chapter it will write for Nissan and our customers is a purely electrified one—but it remains true to its DNA of being playful, audacious, and agile. It will electrify the streets wherever it goes.”
As the electric era accelerates, the new MICRA stands ready to bring Nissan’s EV vision to life—stylish, sustainable, and unmistakably MICRA.
