Is the New Nissan Micra Really That Different from Its Predecessors?
If you’ve ever thought of the Nissan Micra as a “grandma car,” you’re not alone. For years, the Micra’s reputation has leaned toward the practical and unassuming. But Nissan’s latest move is anything but business as usual. After a two-year break, the Micra is back—and it’s undergone a transformation that’s hard to ignore. So, what’s really changed, and is it enough to shake off those old stereotypes?
How Much Does the 2026 Nissan Micra Cost, and What Do You Get?
Let’s get straight to the numbers. The sixth-generation Micra, now exclusively electric, starts at £22,995 for the Engage trim. That gets you 18-inch alloy wheels, a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, and an efficiency-boosting heat pump. Not bad for an entry-level supermini.
If you want a few more bells and whistles—think Google software, parking sensors, and wireless phone charging—the Advanced trim comes in at £24,995. Opting for the larger 52kWh battery (which stretches the range up to 260 miles) bumps the price to £26,995. At the top end, the Evolve trim (with the bigger battery as standard) will set you back £29,865, but you’ll get heated seats, a heated steering wheel, two-tone paint, and Nissan’s clever e-Pedal system.
It’s worth noting that these prices don’t include the UK government’s new Electric Car Grant, which could knock £1,500 off the sticker price. Order books open on September 1st, so if you’re keen, mark your calendar.
What’s Under the Hood (or, More Accurately, Under the Floor)?
The new Micra rides on the Ampr Small platform, developed in partnership with Renault. That means you get a choice of two battery sizes: 40kWh (good for 198 miles of range) or 52kWh (up to 260 miles). Charging is quick, too—the bigger battery can handle 100kW fast charging, taking you from 15% to 80% in just half an hour. Perfect for a coffee break on a road trip.
Power is sent to the front wheels via a single electric motor, tuned for either 121bhp (with the smaller battery) or 148bhp (with the larger one). That’s a noticeable step up from the outgoing petrol models, and it should make the new Micra feel zippier around town.
How Has the Design Changed, and Why Does It Matter?
Here’s where things get interesting. Nissan’s design team was given a clear brief: make the Micra stand out, and make it feel like a Nissan—not just a rebadged Renault 5. The result? A blockier, funkier look that borrows cues from the much-loved 2002 Mk3 Micra, especially those distinctive circular daytime running lights.
The front end is higher and more pronounced, with chunky arches that give it a mini-crossover vibe. There’s a new lip at the rear, and the side profile features a shoulder line that, as Nissan’s designers put it, looks like it’s been scooped by a gelato spoon. It’s playful and assertive, and it’s a clear attempt to move away from the Micra’s “safe” image.
Inside, the Micra shares much of its cabin with the Renault 5—think twin 10.25-inch screens and modern switchgear—but Nissan has gone for more muted color options. It’s a subtle nod to sophistication, without losing the fun.
Who Is the New Micra Aimed At?
Nissan isn’t shy about its ambitions here. The new Micra is aimed squarely at younger, urban European buyers. In the UK, the Micra has traditionally appealed to an older demographic, but in markets like France and Spain, it’s been popular with younger drivers—especially women. This time around, Nissan wants the car to be gender-neutral and to attract modern parents and young professionals.
Arnaud Charpentier, Nissan’s European marketing boss, put it bluntly: “We wanted to come back with something which is gender-neutral.” The goal is to shake off the “grandma car” label and make the Micra a genuine contender for style-conscious city dwellers.
Will Going Electric Hurt the Micra’s Sales?
It’s a fair question. The Micra has always been about affordability and practicality, and some buyers might be wary of the switch to electric-only. But Nissan is betting that the Micra’s strong brand recognition—especially in the UK and Italy—will carry it through.
There’s evidence to back this up. The Renault 5, which shares its underpinnings with the Micra, has already seen nearly 17,000 sales in Europe this year. And with the UK government’s EV grant making the Micra more accessible, Nissan is confident it can win over both loyal fans and new converts.
How Does the New Micra Fit into Nissan’s Broader EV Strategy?
The Micra isn’t going it alone. It’s part of a broader push by Nissan to electrify its lineup in Europe, alongside the upcoming Leaf crossover, a new electric Juke, and a city car based on the Renault Twingo. The company has faced tough times in Europe recently, but this new wave of EVs is seen as a way to get back in the game.
Charpentier summed it up: “This new EV line-up will help us to come back in the race.” It’s a bold claim, but with the Micra leading the charge, Nissan’s future in Europe looks a lot more exciting.
What’s the Real Takeaway for Buyers?
If you’ve written off the Micra as boring or outdated, it’s time for a second look. The new model is stylish, fun, and packed with tech—without losing the practicality that made it a hit in the first place. The switch to electric power brings lower running costs and a quieter drive, while the fresh design and improved performance make it a genuinely appealing choice for a new generation.
The outcome? The Micra is no longer just a sensible option—it’s a statement. And for anyone looking for an affordable, stylish, and future-proof city car, it’s well worth a test drive.