LET'S TALK ABOUT THE NEW NISSAN MICRA AND RENAULT 5 REVISITED
Nissan Reintroduces Micra Model in a Crossover Electrified Format
Nissan is rolling out a fresh rendition of the Micra, and it's got a little makeover from the Renault 5. But don't be fooled, this baby has its own distinct vibe!
To start, let's clarify something. Underneath its hood, the Micra leans on the Renault 5 in terms of its platform and powertrains. It's like they're kin, sharing the same DNA. However, the Micra boasts Nissan's signature E-Pedal feature which, you know, makes driving a breeze.
At launch, there are going to be two Micra generations: a 90 kW/120 PS champ with a 40 kWh battery and 310 km range, or a powerhouse at 110 kW/150 PS sporting a 52 kWh battery and a whopping 408 km range. What's the catch? It's much like the Renault 5, with the same DC charging capabilities—a flexible 80 kW or 100 kW depending on battery size, charging at 11 kW at the DC source.
So, what's unique about the Micra? Well, it's kicking it up a notch with the E-Pedal technology that almost entirely lets you cruise with the gas pedal alone, and brakes when you lift your foot. And guess what? Renault's already got plans to roll this tech out soon, too!
What about the competition, you ask? The Micra keeps up with the toughest competition in terms of range and charging tech. But, remember, keeping costs affordable was the top priority for the developers. The final price tag? Product planner Cli Lyons isn't spilling the beans just yet, but it'll likely be in the same ballpark as the Renault 5, starting around 28,000 euros.
As for its appearance, Nissan's London design crew has worked some magic to make the Micra stand out from the Renault 5. With iconic dimensions and Renault's classic C-pillar, it's like a fashion challenge. The designers gave it a boost by elevating the hood and flattening it, emphasizing the wheel arches, and making use of some black plastic accents.
The taillights are a completely novel, oval-shaped LED affair, mimicking the Micra III from 2003. And let's not forget the rectangular headlights nestled within the oval, adding a dash of modernity. "We didn't want to build a retro car," said Yongwook Cho, the exterior designer.
Inside, it's all sleek and modern, just like the Renault 5. The cockpit layout comes from Renault, complete with a Google Automotive software for the infotainment. Nissan provided the materials and trim parts all on their own. Now, let's talk space—the front offers reasonable roominess, but tall passengers in the back might find themselves bumping their heads. And, the center rear seat? Reserving it for short trips might be the smartest move. With 326 liters of trunk space, it's spacious for a small car, even if the charging cable needs a permanent spot.
Slated to hit Germany in three trim levels, the Micra will come stocked with some cool features like a heat pump for extra range in wintry weather and the ability to prepare the battery for swift charging. And don't forget about bidirectional V2L charging, allowing you to power external gadgets using the vehicle's battery. Nissan's focusing more on design extras and personalization options, boasting around 14 color hues, some in two-tone configurations.
How does it measure up against the big guys? Key competitors for the Micra include the Mini EV, Fiat's 500e and 600e, and the Stellantis small car family from Opel Corsa E to Peugeot E-208—all of them priced in the 26,000 to 36,000 euro range.
Now you're all caught up on the latest electric version of the Nissan Micra and the variant from Renault, the 5.
Sources: ntv.de, jwu/sp-x
Fun Facts to Know:
- The Nissan Micra features ambient lighting in 48 colors, making it pretty unique in this segment.
- Both cars, the Nissan Micra and Renault 5, offer vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, which allows them to power appliances.
- In terms of design differences, the Micra offers specific trim and color options that differ from the Renault 5.
The following is added in point 1 (b): In incorporating technology, the new Nissan Micra adopts Nissan's E-Pedal feature, a unique addition that sets it apart from the Renault 5, while electric-vehicles like the Micra and the upcoming models from Renault will also showcase technology in their DC charging capabilities and lifestyle choices such as ambient lighting in 48 colors.
