Nissans new and old, big and small

The Nissan Micra is coming back with all-electric power and modern city car styling inspired by its predecessors and close cousin the Renault 5.

The R5 is the European CoTY so that suggests Nissan’s close relative that will launch next year, the Micra EV, should also be a sound proposition. Expect a reveal later this year.

This is just one of five EVs that Nissan plans to launch before 2026 is over. They include the next-generation Leaf, morphing into an SUV, and Juke, a compact crossover.

The Micra will face off with the R5, the Alpine A290, Corsa electric, Peugeot E-208, Volkswagen ID.2 and Cupra Raval. The latter pair are both expected to debut later this year. 

How the Nissan and Honda merger talks play out is immaterial to the Micra’s future; it is being built by Renault’s Ampere group in France. It too will use the AmpR Small platform and, likely as not, the same powertrains as the R5. One uses a 40kWh battery that provides range of up to 310km, and an 88kW motor driving the front wheels. Expect a sprint time of nine seconds.

The other gets a 52kWh pack that increases range to over 400km. A 110kW motor cuts the 0-100 time to eight seconds. A 15-80 per cent top up takes half an hour. And a warmed over Micra Nismo is also a possibility. 

As to styling, it is likely to be softer and rounder than the more angular R5. Large round running lights hark back to Micras of old. 

Nissan’s VP of Design for Europe, Matthew Weaver, commented “When you look at the car you’re going to feel…a slight shift in what it’s offering.”

Old school still sells well in some parts of the world

Meantime in the Middle East and South America, Nissan continues to peddle old metal – we’re talking Y61 Patrol, aka Patrol Safari – that has become something of a cult classic. 

It has become desirable amongst those who want toughness instead of touchscreens and tech.

Over 30 years it has changed little, just enough. Now and again they mess with the grille and headlights. Inside are analogue gauges, a four-spoke wheel and leather and wood-look trim. In South America it’s more of a stripper with just the bare essentials.

The engine is a 4.8-litre straight-six engine making 209kW and 450Nm, mated to a five-speed manual or an automatic. There’s 4wd with a low range transfer case, a front winch, tow loops, and a heavy duty pintle hook. All the gear for getting you there and back again then.

They’re priced close to a modern Patrol because of nostalgia and desirability. In the UAE Patrol was the second-best-selling vehicle in 2023 and in 2024 it was the top seller outright. Which just goes to show something…