Nissan Micra

The sixth generation of the Nissan Micra also has the cheerful look that characterises the model. However, the mischievous and endearing is gone because the basic shape is much more muscular. In addition, the wheels are relatively large, which also makes for a more athletic appearance. This has everything to do with the collaboration with Renault. Renault and Nissan developed a new compact car together and the French partner clearly had the upper hand in determining the basic shapes.

But Nissan has managed to put its very own spin on the design and, as a result, can appeal to buyers not attracted by the retro design of the Renault 5. And with that, the Micra reaches a target group that was previously overlooked: youngsters. Partly for this reason, the Micra is now available in sparkling colours (an excellent idea as far as our photographer is concerned).

Space

For the interior, Nissan offers a choice of lively, modern or classic styles. The test car was fitted with the lively interior with blue-grey upholstery that suits the car very well. To give the interior its own look, Nissan covers the dashboard and doors with (high-grade) plastic, where Renault does so with fabric. To emphasise Nissan's Japanese origins, the silhouette of Mount Fuji can be found in several places in the interior.

The front seats are as comfortable as they look and space up front is good. Legroom in the rear is sufficient only if the driver and co-driver pitch in. Note that interior storage space is limited. Moreover, low edges make the storage compartments less usable.

Equipment

The layout of the dashboard is midway between that of the ultra-modern Nissan Ariya and the conservative Qashqai. Frequently used functions are controlled with buttons, the rest with a large display that extends from behind the steering wheel to halfway down the dashboard.

New for Nissan is the use of Android Automotive as the operating system for the infotainment system (and other parts of the car). As far as Autozine is concerned, this is a curse and a blessing in one. The functionality is excellent and the integration with Android phones perfect. Google Maps provides excellent routes, taking account of traffic jams. Google's smart assistant is among the smartest on the market and is also constantly being improved. However, Android raises major privacy concerns (read the terms and conditions!) and Apple users are almost "bullied away". Moreover, Nissan uses a severely outdated version of Android and the manufacturer does not want to make any firm promises about future updates. Therefore, there is a risk that this system will not work anymore even within a few years.

The reason for the cooperation between Nissan and Renault is competition from China. The cooperation makes it possible to share costs and therefore offer the car cheaply. This includes offering high grade levels at a competitive price. For example, the Micra comes standard with a heat pump, keyless entry, a full climate control system and V2L (supplying power to external devices). For the audio system, Nissan works with Harman Kardon, with a commendable sound as a result.

As with other brands, the many safety features required by the European Union are considered annoying. In fact, most of the warnings are unjustified, because traffic signs are misinterpreted (meant parallel lane/turn/time-based) and/or because the electronics do not have an understanding of the traffic situation. Therefore, a "personal selection" of unwanted assistants can be made, which can then be switched off at the push of a button. A great solution!

Electric car

The Micra has always made use of modern technology. For instance, it was once the first small car with direct petrol injection combined with a supercharger ("DIG-S"). The new Micra only comes as an electric car. This is a logical choice, as electric cars are now more economical to buy and operate than combustion engine cars in many European countries. Again, that low price is thanks to the collaboration between Nissan and Renault.

The Micra is available with a 40 kWh and 52 kWh battery, for 317 km and 416 km range respectively. For those who can charge at home, the battery with the smallest capacity is the logical choice. Those who need to charge on the street opt for the "large" battery to increase the period between charging sessions. For this test, the Micra with 52 kWh battery was driven in moderate weather conditions. The actual range came to 381 km, with a test consumption: 14.2 kWh per 100 km.

The latter is on the high side for a car like this and that is partly due to the car's character. In fact, the Nissan Micra and Renault 5 are the most dynamic cars of their kind. Despite the low engine power, the character is lively and therefore it requires some self-control to drive calmly.

Because an electric car has no gearbox, the Micra is operated like an automatic. However, like the Renault 5, the Nissan Micra has no "park". Instead, the parking brake is activated automatically when the doors are opened. This sounds very convenient, but remains uncomfortable even after prolonged use (apply brake, open door, only then release brake pedal). And just like the Renault 5, the Micra has no less than four (!) levers to the right of the steering wheel, which causes confusion. More than once, for instance, the windscreen wipers were activated when the intention was to engage reverse.

Very nice: the driver can set in four steps how much energy is recovered when releasing the accelerator and thus how much the car reduces speed. In the most extreme setting, one pedal can be used to drive and the brake is only needed in emergency situations.

Handling

The lively character is not only to do with the performance of the engine, but mainly with the handling. The combination of the platform, the weight of the battery and the advanced suspension makes for outstanding handling. The Micra feels no heavier than a traditional internal combustion engine car, but is more stable thanks to its low centre of gravity.

In addition, the Micra communicates well with the driver, making it immediately clear what the car is capable of. This provides driving pleasure and makes the Micra very safe.

Conclusion

The sixth generation of the Nissan Micra is another happy-looking, modern and economical car. However, new times call for new solutions. These times call for electric cars because they drive better (quieter, faster, more economical) and are better for the environment.

However, since the new Micra is no longer offered globally, it has become more difficult to achieve the economies of scale to keep the price competitive. Nissan was therefore forced to team up with Renault. As a result the Nissan Micra and Renault 5 are now the only non-Chinese cars seriously able to compete with Chinese rivals.

This has the downside that the differences between the Renault 5 and Nissan Micra are disappointingly small. Thereby, the car always gives the feeling that the Nissan Micra is based on the Renault 5 and not the other way around. And as good as the basic product is, there are certainly areas for improvement (mandatory use of Android / many levers on the steering column / low edges around storage compartments / whistling sound of electric motor / awkward location of charging socket). If Nissan had changed those, the Micra would have been perceived as a superior product.

But on balance, the Nissan Micra is an excellent car. The equipment is modern, the electric powertrain is strong and the handling is even the best (dynamic/stable/communicative) in its class. While the model remains true to concept, the Micra takes a big leap forward. In other words, the new Nissan Micra is the same as before, but different.