In this Nissan Micra review, Caroline tests the latest iteration of Nissan’s much-loved small car, now fully electric for the very first time.

Nissan Micra Review Overview

The Nissan Micra has long been one of Ireland’s favourite small cars and has a long, illustrious past with many different iterations over the years. The 2026 Nissan Micra is the sixth generation and breaks ground as the first ever, fully electric Micra. Sharing a platform and batteries with the Renault 5, the Micra has good provenance to take on the small electric car class but does it have enough distinction from its eponymous French cousin? Prices start from €25,995.

The 2026 Nissan Micra is now available in Ireland
The 2026 Nissan Micra is now available in Ireland

Pros

  • Stylish looks
  • Fun to drive
  • Excellent interior tech
  • Refinement

Cons

  • Small boot
  • Cramped rear legroom
  • Not enough distinction from the Renault 5?

Which Nissan Micra trim should you buy?

The 2026 Nissan Micra is available in Ireland in three trim levels: Engage, Advance and Evolve. The 40kWh battery is reserved for the Engage, with up to 317 kilometres of range, which could work well if the car is strictly for city use. Advance models come with the choice of the 40kWh or 52kWh with up to 416 kilometres, which is likely to be the most desirable and practical option for Irish buyers. Top spec Evolve versions use the 52kWh battery only. All versions come with a heat pump as standard.

For anyone familiar with the new Renault 5, the similarities in the silhouette between the two are uncanny. Yet Nissan has bestowed unique character upon its small car with friendly circular headlights and matching rear lights. In fact it’s a radical change in design from the previous Micra. It’s much more stylish and there’s also a completely different colour palette to the Renault 5.

All versions come with 18-inch wheels, however only the top grade get an alloy wheel design.

The mid-range Advance with the 52kWh battery is likely the sweet spot for price, range and equipment. It features adaptive cruise control, parking camera, 10-inch colour digital driver display, wireless smartphone charging and driving modes. Heated steering wheel and heated front seats can be added for just €400.

The top of the range Evolve adds 18-inch alloys, two-tone metallic paint finish, Sport interior, heated front seats and steering wheel, paddle shifters for regenerative braking and a Harmon Kardon sound system.

The interior of the new Nissan Micra features brilliant technology for a small car
The interior of the new Nissan Micra features brilliant technology for a small car

What’s it like to drive in Ireland? 

Much like the Renault 5 it shares so much with, there’s a sophistication to how the Micra handles Irish roads. Features like multi-link rear suspension elevate the comfort and driving experience. It also handles well and the compact size makes it a joy to drive, particularly in town or tight city streets.

Out on bigger roads, it stays composed though it’s in town where it really excels. It’s head and shoulders above its predecessor, with a level of refinement that will be a delight for those looking for a quiet, zero-emissions driving experience.

Power outputs differ depending on which version you go for. The 40kWh has 122hp through the front wheels, while the 50kWh has a 150hp motor. It always feels nippy and responsive. Nissan’s one-pedal drive mode is also a feature and top-spec versions get paddles behind the steering wheel to adjust the strength of regenerative braking.

Drive modes are also inherited from the Renault 5.

The 2026 Nissan Micra is enjoyable to drive and offers good range for its size
The 2026 Nissan Micra is enjoyable to drive and offers good range

What is the real-world range of the Nissan Micra?

My average energy consumption was 14kWh per 100 kilometres while driving the Micra 52kWh. This points to a real-world range of 371 kilometres.

Charging the Nissan Micra

All versions come with 11kW AC charging. DC charging is up to 80kW for the 42kWh battery and up to 100kW for the 52kWh battery for a 15-80% charge in 30 minutes at a suitably rapid public EV charger.

Nissan Micra Interior & Practicality 

Inside the Micra is very similar to the new Renault 5 in its basic design and technology. There are a few different colour schemes for the materials and upholsteries, but it’s unfortunate that the brand did not try to reinvent it more. However, like the Renault 5, the basic hardware is good with dual 10.1-inch screens on all but the entry model. It also feels stylish and upmarket with soft-touch finishes and ambient lighting. Again, a massive improvement on its predecessor.

The touchscreen features in-built Google with access to apps such as Google Maps and Google Assistant that bring new levels of functionality to Nissan’s small car and make journey planning in an EV much easier.

Otherwise, the Micra doesn’t offer a huge amount of passenger space or amenities for those in the rear seat. Legroom is tight but there are Isofix points on the two outer seats, and the front passenger seat as a bonus.

The 326-litre boot is okay if you plan to travel light, though likely not big enough for family buyers. The rear seats can split fold 60:40 for more space.

The Micra also has handy vehicle-to-load capability to power other devices from the charge port with a special adaptor.

The Micra is quite small in the back for rear seat passengers
The new Nissan Micra is quite small in the back for rear seat passengers

Nissan Micra Pricing for Ireland

  • Engage (40kWh): €25,995
  • Advance (40kWh/52kWh): €27,995/€30,995
  • Evolve (52kWh): €32,995

Verdict: Nissan Micra

The new Nissan Micra successfully reinvents one of Ireland’s best-known small cars for the electric age. With eye-catching styling, impressive technology and a polished driving experience, it feels more mature, refined and desirable than any Micra before it. Around town, its compact dimensions, responsive performance and comfortable ride make it particularly easy to live with, while the larger 52kWh battery in particular offers enough range to satisfy most buyers, particularly out of town.

However, the Micra’s close relationship with the Renault 5 is both a strength and a weakness. While it benefits from excellent underpinnings and proven EV technology, it doesn’t do quite enough to carve out a distinct identity of its own. Rear passenger space and boot capacity are also modest, and it’s not cheap either, especially top spec models.

Nevertheless, for buyers seeking a stylish, efficient and enjoyable small electric car, the Micra deserves a place high on the shortlist.

Key facts

Model tested: Nissan Micra 52kWh Evolve

Price: €32,995

Battery: 52kWh lithium-ion

Power: 150hp

Motor tax: €120

The 2026 Nissan Micra is big improvement on its predecessor and brings it right up to date
The 2026 Nissan Micra is big improvement on its predecessor and brings it right up to date

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Written by Caroline Kidd

Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year