For years, the Nissan Micra was the go-to small car. Affordable, reliable, and easy to drive, it was a favourite for first cars and a trusted companion for daily life. Then, a few years ago, it quietly disappeared, leaving a little gap in the world of superminis.

Now it’s back, but things have changed. The new Micra is fully electric, and a world away from the cheap-and-cheerful image of old. I spent time with it in Rotterdam, where it made a strong case for being not just a sensible small car, but one you’d actually look forward to driving.

The design is cute without being childish, with rounded headlights that nod back to earlier Micras, and a quirky “gelato scoop” crease running down the side. There are fun little details hidden around the car — like secret Mount Fuji motifs that hint at its maker’s Japanese heritage — and plenty of bright colour options if you want to stand out.

It’s not flashy like the Renault 5 (the car it’s very closely related to), with colour choices erring on the side of timeless (blues, grey and reds) rather than the bold, shouty hues of its Renault sibling. The Micra has its own charm that’s clean, modern, and a bit more subtle.

Nissan Micra review with Phil Huff

Step inside, and it’s clear Nissan has kept things simple and user-friendly. The cabin is neat, light, and well organised, with a mix of textured fabrics and soft-touch surfaces on higher-spec models. It’s not exciting, but it is well thought out.

A large touchscreen dominates the dashboard. It runs on Google’s software, meaning Google Maps and even Waze are built in, along with voice control that actually works. Anybody who’s used Nissan’s previous software will appreciate that this is a giant leap forward. Better still, Nissan hasn’t banished physical buttons — climate controls are still handled by proper switches, which makes life easier on the move.

The seats are comfy, there’s plenty of adjustment for different heights, and the driving position feels spot on.

Front space is generous, but the back seats are more of a “for kids and short trips” arrangement. The boot is big enough for weekly shopping, gym bags, and a weekend away, though there’s a slightly high lip, which makes heavier items a bit of a faff.

Our trip began at the Room Mate hotel in Rotterdam, a funky, design-led space that felt like a natural partner to a car like the Micra. With colourful interiors, bold artwork and a sense of fun, it set the tone for the drive: not corporate and serious, but playful and modern.

Nissan Micra boot space review

Rotterdam is the perfect city to test a small EV: narrow streets, endless bikes to dodge, and a lively pace. The Micra was right at home here, with instant electric power making it effortless to zip quietly through traffic and slip into tight spaces. Adjustable regenerative braking paddles mean you can drive almost entirely with one pedal in town — something that quickly becomes second nature.

The ride can feel a little firm at times, especially on bigger wheels, but never uncomfortable.

But the real joy came when we left the city behind and headed out towards the coast for lunch at Eat & See at Brouwersdam. The roads opened up, the scenery shifted from industrial skylines to vast skies and water views, and the Micra settled into a calm, grown-up cruiser. It’s not a hot hatch, but it has enough pep to make motorway stretches painless, while still feeling efficient and easy to handle when the roads tighten again.

Nissan Micra front review

Over lunch, looking out over the North Sea as storms came and went, I realised the Micra had quietly done its job, getting me there comfortably, with enough energy left for the drive home.

How much energy? You’ve got two choices: the smaller (and cheaper) 40kWh battery model, which gives around 190 miles of range, or the bigger 52kWh one, which stretches closer to 260 miles. In reality, expect a reliable 200 miles, which should be plenty for commuting, school runs, and the odd weekend trip.

Charging is refreshingly straightforward. On a rapid charger, you’ll get from 15–80% in about half an hour. At home on a wallbox, you can plug in overnight and wake up to a full “tank” every day.

Nissan Micra rear review

There are three trim levels to pick from: Engage, Advance, and Evolve. Even the entry-level Engage comes with a heat pump, parking sensors, and the excellent infotainment screen. Advance adds features like adaptive cruise control and wireless charging, while the top-spec Evolve piles on luxuries such as heated seats, a Harman Kardon stereo, and two-tone paint.

Prices start at just under £23k, rising to just under £30k for a fully loaded model, although every model is eligible for the government’s Electric Car Grant, reducing the price tag by £1,500. That’s all but identical to the Renault 5, so the choice really comes down to whether you prefer the Renault’s retro chic or the Micra’s understated charm.

That’s not a choice any Micra buyer has had to make previously, but the new Nissan Micra is nothing like the car many of us remember. It’s smarter, more stylish, and far more tech-savvy, but it hasn’t lost that friendly, approachable feel.

It’s not perfect. Space in the back is tight, and it doesn’t have quite the same head-turning design as the Renault 5, but it’s practical, fun to drive, and easy to live with. And that’s exactly what most of us want from a small car.

Model tested: Nissan Micra Evolve 52kWh
Price: £29,865
Average Janes rating: ★★★★★

Phil Huff
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