Review: Nissan Micra

You don’t have to look far across UK price lists to realise the automotive market loves a good comeback, so here is another for us to get all misty-eyed about – the 2026 Nissan Micra.

Strictly speaking, the new Micra isn’t so much of a retro revival as a return from hiatus since the most recent iteration only dropped off UK sale in 2023.

And yet, because Nissan has chosen to hark further back into the Micra’s annuls for inspiration with its latest creation, there is definitely a distinct air of nostalgia about this sixth-generation model.

Cute, distinctive, nippy, unintimidating and very popular, there are many people out who come with tale about what the Nissan Micra means to them.

However, while Nissan’s latest model captures the spirit of its predecessors, it’s also been brought right into the present by returning as a small electric car complete with a high-tech powertrain and plenty of modern gadgetry.

A nod to the past while striding firmly into the future, is the Nissan Micra the electric car you should be buying today? Time to find out…

Nissan Micra Styling

If you know your cars, then it won’t have escaped your notice that the Nissan Micra shares its basic architecture with the latest Renault 5.

That’s hardly a surprise - the last Micra was built on the same platform as the Renault Clio - and besides if you are going to base your model on another one, taking a car that has swept multiple awards since launch is an excellent place to start.

Visually, there are similarities to the Renault in the rakish, broad-shouldered profile and assertive wheel-at-each-corner stance but Nissan’s take on the design brims with a character that is unmistakably Micra.

If you think you recognise the Micra’s familiarly cheeky look, there is a reason. Indeed, the sixth-generation’s muse is primarily the bulbous, domed-roof Mk.III sold to great success between 2002 and 2010.

From the front, the Micra imbues a friendliness synonymous with the nameplate with its ‘smiling’ bonnet line and elliptical headlight arrangement.

Incidentally, it’s no coincidence the headlights look like eyes – they even ‘wink’ as part of a short-choreographed display when the car is unlocked.

Nostalgic nods aside, the Micra has also never looked more sophisticated. Highlights include the wing-like bumper arrangement, intricately designed 18-inch alloy wheels and a subtle but surprisingly effective ‘ice cream scoop’ on the rear door that shows impressive attention to detail.

There is even a custom appeal to the Micra with its six bold colourways, which can be combined with a body-coloured, black or grey roof.

Indeed, two-tone effects are a theme in every corner of the Micra, including the bumpers, alloys, roof, side-runners and wheelarches.

It all combines to make the Micra feel decidedly special, especially when compared with other small cars on the market.

Nissan Micra Interior

Step inside and the attention to detail in the Micra’s design continues to the contemporary, fuss-free cabin.

Slip into the sculpted, premium upholstered seats and the dashboard is dominated by a dual screen perched on top that covers your infotainment needs and provides display readings.

With the screen angled towards you, the set up takes good care to remain ergonomic, but it’s reassuring to have several key controls – such as heating and vents – having separate tactile buttons just below too.

Better yet, Advance trim upwards has Google functionality – including Maps – embedded directly into the infotainment screen, which is a particular boon if you’re seeking an available EV charger nearby. Apple users needn’t fret though, wireless pairing is also available.

The whole design deftly blends a high-end feeling with a smart design, such as the upholstered dashboard on the passenger side and the roof-lining, while build quality solid and well screwed together.

The Micra also has a feature known as ‘Multisense’ which allows for 48 lighting colour choices so you can set just the right mood…

Space Inside the Nissan Micra

Measuring in at under four-metres long, the Micra’s compact dimensions are angled towards making it nippy to drive and easy-to-park, but by supermini standards, its decent sized inside.

It may be short, but the Micra is taller than you’re average small car, which opens up the cabin to generous headroom compared to rivals, while legroom is sufficient for children or adults if the rear bench isn’t used as frequently.

The 326-litre boot stacks up well to competitors too – it’s larger than a Vauxhall Corsa and Peugeot 208, for instance – while the deep space is ideal for keeping items secure in there too.

Drop the rear-seats down and there is more useful 1,106-litres of space on offer, while the interior comes with several handy little cubby holes and storage space for knick-knacks.

Behind the Wheel of the Nissan Micra

Unlike its predecessors, the sixth generation Nissan Micra is all-electric this time, which will be quite the revelation for anyone with experience driving Micras Mk.1 to 5.

Two battery sizes are available – 40kWh and 52kWh – generating a respective 119bhp and 148bhp, though both have a limited top speed of 93mph as a way of prioritising efficiency.

Referred to as Standard Range and Extended Range, with similar performance outputs from both – sub-10secs 0-62mph with either battery - the notable difference therefore comes from range capacity.

Standard Range will go almost up to 200-miles, making it ideal for those who complete relatively short urban-based journeys, while the Extended Range is credited with 260-miles of range based on WLTP figures.

When it comes to recharging, the Micra 40kWh will go from 15 to 80% in around 30-minutes using an 80kW DC charger, while the Micra 52kWh will do the same replenishment in the same time but at 100kW.

Whichever battery you choose, the Micra is overall a more dynamic proposition than ever before.

That wheel-at-each-corner stance allows for plenty of grip and stability wending through country roads, while refinement – assisted by the muted electric motor - is excellent out on the motorway.

It wouldn’t be a Micra, however, without redeeming itself in denser environments though, the new model proving quick to respond at lights and offer sharp turn-in to skip between city lanes.

Nissan Micra Trims

The Nissan Micra is eligible to receive the Electric Car Grant:

• Micra 40kWh - £1,500 grant
• Micra 52kWh - £3,750 grant

Vertu’s Verdict on the Nissan Micra

The Nissan Micra has always been less of a car and more of an extension of your personality… which is just as well, because the sixth generation has personality in droves.

Taking on a more premium approach than the mechanically-similar Renault 5 has its benefits – the Micra cuts a dash from every angle, while its understated premium approach makes it arguably (if you whisper it) more sophisticated.

While there is a lot to like about the Micra on the surface – both outside and inside – there is substance to justify the style too.

Like its ancestors, the Micra feels athletic in its traditional urban habitat – more so with responsive electric power under foot - but it can also cosplay as a more mature, refined vehicle on the open road.

Well-equipped across the board and with the range starting at under £21,500* - plus the promise of low running costs – the Micra is not only back, it’s back at the top of its game.

* Prices correct at time of writing - includes £1,500 Electric Car Grant for Micra 40kWh

Who is the Nissan Micra Best Suited To?

• Style-conscious buyers who want to give their car a personal touch
• City-slickers wanting to significantly reduce their running costs
• Those who want a smart, premium but affordable small electric car
• People seeking a fun to drive, yet mature urban runaround

Nissan Micra Technical Specifications