In 1982, Nissan introduced the Micra as a response to the oil crisis. Today, after 5 generations, it returns as a fully electric hatchback. This is the story of a transformation from a modest city car to a modern, zero-emission vehicle that combines style with practicality. The new Micra is proof that even the most established models must evolve to survive in the changing world of automotive.
In October 1982, Nissan introduced a model that would forever change the face of urban mobility. It was a response to the oil crisis of the 1970s and the growing demand for small, economical cars that could move efficiently through the congested streets of European cities. The Japanese company decided to replace the larger Datsun Cherry with a new, compact hatchback that received the name March in Japan and Micra in export markets. The car was designed to compete with hits such as the Honda City, Daihatsu Charade, Suzuki Cultus and Toyota Starlet, and its task was to ensure the brand a lasting presence in the small car segment in Europe.
The first generation of the Micra, designated K10, surprised with its boxy, functional silhouette that prioritised interior space over stylised lines. Its simple, square construction housed a space that compared very well against competitors, and its low kerb weight of just 620 kilograms translated into low fuel consumption. Under the bonnet of the K10 were two four-cylinder engines, a 1.0 MA10S producing 50 or 54 horsepower and a 1.2 MA12S generating 60 horsepower, both with carburettors and without unnecessary electronics, which guaranteed reliability and low running costs.
The car was available in 3-door and 5-door versions, and its characteristic, almost vertical rear window maximised boot space. The success of the first generation was immediate and lasting, and in its best year, 1990, the Micra was the 11th most popular car in the United Kingdom, where nearly 50,000 units were sold. Over 10 years of production, 343,411 units rolled off the assembly lines, cementing the Micra’s position as one of the most popular city cars in Europe.
From a contest victory to bold shapes. The evolution of a city bestseller
The year 1992 brought a revolution that forever changed the perception of the Micra. The second generation, designated K11, abandoned the angular shapes of its predecessor in favour of a more streamlined, rounded silhouette. The car debuted in Japan in January 1992 and reached the European market in the fourth quarter of the same year. The K11 was not only more modern visually, but also better equipped, offering optional features such as ABS, electric windows and power steering. The engine range included new 1.0 and 1.3 units, as well as the first 1.5-litre diesel engine supplied by the PSA group, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The K11’s greatest success, however, was winning the European Car of the Year award in 1993. It was the first victory for a Japanese manufacturer in this prestigious contest, proving that the small Nissan could compete with the best European designs. Production of the second generation lasted until 2002, during which time almost 1.4 million units rolled out of the Sunderland plant in the United Kingdom, making it one of the best-selling Micras in history.
The third generation, the K12, which debuted at the Paris Motor Show in 2002, was one of the most distinctive cars of its time. Born from the collaboration between Nissan and Renault, its rounded, bold shapes were not to everyone’s taste, but they certainly left no one indifferent. The designers opted for a daring styling that was meant to set the Micra apart from the competition. Under the bonnet, the K12 featured more modern 1.2 and 1.4-litre powertrains, and later also the sporty 160 SR version with a 1.6-litre engine producing 110 horsepower.
The range also included a C+C version with a folding hardtop, designed to combine the pleasure of open-top driving with the practicality of a hatchback. In 2005, the car underwent a facelift. Although the rear seat space in the C+C version was rather symbolic, the very existence of such a variant demonstrated the brand’s ambition for the Micra not to be seen solely as a dull commuter car. Production of the K12 lasted until 2010.
The fourth generation, the K13, debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 2010. The car was built on a longer and lower platform, which was intended to improve driving dynamics and travel comfort. The Micra K13 was a global vehicle, produced in several countries, including Indonesia, Mexico and China, but outside Europe. The range primarily featured a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine producing 80 horsepower, as well as a DIG-S version with supercharging, developing 98 horsepower. Production of the K13 lasted until 2016.
A design revolution. The fifth generation returns to its roots and moves into the future
The real revolution came with the fifth generation, the K14, which debuted at the Paris Motor Show in 2016. It was a complete break with the past. Nissan abandoned the rounded shapes of its predecessors in favour of a bold, sharp and highly dynamic design, targeting a completely new, younger customer. The sharp creases on the bonnet and doors, the characteristic V-motion grille, the rear door handles hidden in the C-pillar and the floating roof effect created a coherent, modern silhouette that still looks fresh today. Technically, the car was related to the Renault Clio IV, which meant it used proven powertrains, including the 0.9 IG-T petrol engine with 90 horsepower, the 1.0-litre unit with 73 horsepower and the 1.5 dCi diesel. The range also included a more powerful 1.0 DIG-T engine with 117 horsepower.
The interior was a huge leap forward in quality compared to its predecessors, offering better materials and a modern multimedia system with a 7-inch screen. The Tekna version even featured a unique-in-class BOSE Personal audio system with speakers in the driver’s headrest. Although rear space was limited by the sloping roofline, the boot offered 300 litres of capacity, one of the best results in the segment. Production of the fifth generation lasted until 2023, and the car underwent a facelift in 2019, which refreshed the exterior with new body colours and minor equipment changes.
By the end of the K14’s production run, it had become clear that the era of petrol-powered Micras was coming to an end. Nissan, like other manufacturers, had to adapt to increasingly stringent CO₂ emission regulations and changing customer preferences, as buyers increasingly turned to electric cars. The Micra, which for years had been synonymous with urban mobility, had to undergo a transformation to remain competitive. The decision to electrify was bold but also natural. Nissan, which had been a pioneer in electric vehicles with the Leaf, already had experience in this field, allowing it to build the new Micra on proven technologies.
The K14 ended its life as the last petrol-powered Micra, and its legacy is not only millions of units sold, but above all the proof that a small car can be practical, stylish and enjoyable to drive.
The Micra returns as a fully electric hatchback
The year 2026 marks the opening of a completely new chapter in the Micra’s history. The sixth generation, which is just arriving on the Polish market, is fully electric. This is the biggest change in the model’s history, from a city pet to an elegant, modern electric vehicle. The car was designed from the ground up as a zero-emission vehicle, using the AmpR Small architecture shared with the Renault 5 E-Tech, but gaining its own individual character. The new Micra has been drawn to catch the eye, with round light motifs at the front and rear subtly referencing earlier generations, but without falling into stylistic reconstruction. All versions receive 18-inch wheels, which enhances the car’s proportions and makes the Micra look more mature.
Its dimensions, 3974 mm in length, 1774 mm in width and 1498 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2541 mm, mean it remains a city car, but no longer a cramped one. The new Micra is offered with two battery variants: 40 kWh, which provides a range of up to 317 kilometres, and 52 kWh, which allows up to 416 kilometres on a single charge. The electric motor produces between 122 and 150 horsepower, providing dynamic driving ideal for urban use. The car is available in 4 equipment versions: Engage, Advance, Evolve and Evolve Plus. Prices start from 119,900 zlotys for the basic Engage version with the 40 kWh battery, making it an attractive proposition in the electric city car market.
Even in the basic version, the Micra offers generous equipment, including automatic air conditioning, a smart key, rear parking sensors, digital instruments with a 7-inch screen and a 10-inch multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard equipment also includes an 11 kW three-phase on-board charger with V2L functionality, allowing external electrical devices to be powered directly from the vehicle’s battery. The Advance version adds 10-inch digital instruments with navigation, built-in Google services and an intelligent trip planner.
Inside the new Micra, the driver has two 10.1-inch screens in front of them, one replacing the classic instruments, the other handling multimedia and navigation. The dashboard layout is clear and slightly oriented towards the driver, while physical controls have been retained where they are simply more convenient. The quality of the finish is good, especially in the richer versions, which offer ambient lighting and interior personalisation options. The car’s kerb weight, depending on the version, is 1452 kg for the 40 kWh battery and 1527 kg for the 52 kWh battery. The manufacturer has provided for the possibility of towing a trailer weighing up to 500 kilograms. The traction battery is covered by an 8-year warranty or up to 160,000 kilometres, covering the retention of its capacity.
Charging and everyday use. Will the Micra work on longer trips?
The new Micra was designed primarily for city driving, but its charging parameters also allow for occasional trips beyond the city. The maximum DC fast charging power is 80 kW for the 40 kWh battery version and 100 kW for the 52 kWh version. Charging time from 15 to 80 percent on a fast DC charger is around 30 minutes for both variants. This means that during a short stop, you can replenish the energy reserve for another 175 kilometres of range. Full charging using a domestic charger or an 11 kW wallbox takes 4 hours and 45 minutes from 10 to 100 percent for the 40 kWh battery and 5 hours and 45 minutes for the 52 kWh version.
In practice, according to tests conducted by the British magazine Top Gear, the new Micra’s energy efficiency is impressive, exceeding 4.0 miles per kWh, which translates into low running costs. This makes the car not only environmentally friendly but also kind to the driver’s wallet. The V2L function allows external devices to be powered, which can prove useful during camping or in emergency situations. Although the Micra is not a car designed for regular long-distance travel, its charging parameters and range make it a fully usable vehicle beyond the city as well.
Competition is not sleeping. Does the Micra stand a chance in the electric hatchback segment?
The new Micra is entering one of the most competitive automotive markets, where it must face many strong rivals. Its biggest competitor is the technically identical Renault 5 E-Tech, which is cheaper, more stylish and already has an established market position. Beyond that, the electric hatchback segment includes models such as the Citroën ë-C3, Peugeot e-208, Fiat 500e, BYD Dolphin, Vauxhall Corsa Electric and Mini Electric.
According to Top Gear reviews, the new Micra received a score of 7 out of 10. In the opinion of the British magazine, the car offers very good driving characteristics and impressive efficiency, but it lacks the fun element that distinguishes the best cars in this class. Moreover, experts emphasise that in isolation the Micra is a very good small electric car, but placed next to the Renault 5, it is hard to find a reason to choose the Nissan. This critical perspective shows that the Micra must compete not only on technical parameters but also on price and style. The Evolve version with the 40 kWh battery costs 133,900 zlotys, and with the 52 kWh battery – 146,900 zlotys.
44 years ago, the Nissan Micra debuted as a modest, boxy car designed to give the brand a lasting place in the European market. Today, after 5 generations and over 6 million units sold worldwide, it returns in a completely new guise, as a fully electric, stylish and modern urban hatchback. Its history is a testament to how great a transformation the automotive industry has undergone, but also proof that some things do not change; the need for an affordable, reliable and friendly city car remains the same as in 1982. Now, in 2026, this need is being met in a way that seemed impossible just a dozen years ago, without emissions, without noise, but with modern technology and a design that catches the eye. The Nissan Micra has come a long way, but it remains the same likeable city helper that won the hearts of millions of drivers. It just does it now in silence and with style.
Fot. Wikimedia Commons
