Nissan’s Micra is returning with an all-new model reinvented for the electric era.

Heading back after a two-year hiatus, the supermini ditches ICE power for a fully electric powertrain with up to 253 miles of range along with “audacious” design, dynamic handling and a raft of intuitive tech and seamless connectivity.

It’s twinned with the new Renault 5 – named European Car of the Year 2025 – under the carmakers’ alliance and built on the same AmpR Small platform – but will stand out from its cousin thanks to British-led design, Nissan’s one-pedal driving and its cheeky design.

On sale from late 2025, it’s one of four fully electric Nissans due by 2027 as part of a major product offensive. These also include the upcoming Leaf and Juke, along with Nissan’s counterpart to the Renault Twingo. Nissan is also rolling out an upgraded third generation of its unique e-Power hybrid technology on the Qashqai.

For now the focus is on the Micra, which eschews the Renault 5’s retro looks for an SUV-like look sketched out by Nissan’s Design Europe (NDE) centre in London. “Playful” elements set to underscore its appeal with a younger audience than former Micra include lights that give a “welcome wink”, an “ice cream scoop” waistline, plus 14 exterior colour combinations and 18-inch wheels across all grades.

The interior replicates the “simple, understated elegance” of previous Micra generations and also hints to its Japanese heritage with subtle hidden design features – including a moulded outline of Japan’s Mount Fuji, incorporated into the storage space between the front seats.

As with the Renault 5, it’s available with two battery options – 40kWh and 52kWh. These power single front-mounted motors outputting 123hp and 150hp respectively. WLTP range stands at 192 miles and 253 miles respectively. Performance figures are yet to be announced – and Nissan is tight-lipped on a hot version similar to the Alpine 290 take on the Renault 5 will arrive.

It’s able to charge at up to 80kW DC on the smaller battery and 100kW on the larger, the latter enabling a 15-80% charge in 30 minutes. A heat pump is standard on both battery options, as well as battery heating and cooling capability.

Drivers can toggle between four modes and take advantage of regenerative braking. Unlike its French cousin, the Micra also comes one-pedal driving, able to brake the Micra to a complete stop.

The new Micra is also equipped with vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology on both battery versions, giving owners the option to use the electrical capacity in the battery to power external devices, such as speakers, air pumps. And V2G functionality is on the way.

Onboard tech includes a 10.1-inch driver display and neighbouring 10.1-inch multimedia touchscreen display to access the new NissanConnect infotainment system, which comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard and Google built-in services. This includes Google Maps as standard, which plays a central role in the Micra’s In-Car Route Planning capability, proposing charging stations en route if needed and pre-conditioning the battery ready for optimum charging speed.

Drivers also gain access to a variety of apps available on Google Play for download into the car, while the Google Assistant allows the driver to use their voice for hands-free help and communications on the go.

Available in five-door form only, it’s larger than before and delivers 326 litres of boot space, with 40/60 foldable rear seats able to extend that up to 1,106 litres as needed.

Nissan ProPilot Assist provides lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control and emergency braking. Additional features include autonomous emergency braking, emergency lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, intelligent speed assist and driver monitoring system.

The new Micra also offers blind spot warning intervention, lane change warning, rear automatic emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert and occupant safe exit alert.

Prices are yet to be announced – by way of comparison, the Renault 5 starts from £22,995.