Nissan reveals all-new Micra EV

Nissan is guaranteeing smiles for all with the unveiling of its long-awaited, all-new Micra EV.

While this already marks the sixth generation of the brand's bestselling supermini, it's actually the first time that the Micra is being offered solely as a battery-electric vehicle (BEV). Unlike generations past, the car will also come only as a five-door. (The Micra has thus far been sold in a three-door configuration too.)

The Micra EV's cutesy outlook comes courtesy of its rounded DRLs and inverted Q-shaped taillights

Designed by Nissan's European design team, the Micra EV drops the angularity of its predecessor as well as Nissan's iconic V-Motion grille. Instead, it embraces a wholly futuristic outlook that banks more on cuteness - courtesy especially of its inverted Q-shaped tail lights and large circular DRLs. The latter can even perform a 'welcome wink' upon unlocking the car.

Measuring under four metres long and less than 1.8 metres wide, the Micra has stayed resolutely faithful to its microcar identity, while also gaining more of a crossover aesthetic. Black plastic cladding covers the car's wheel arches, door sills and bumpers, while 18-inch wheels are standard on all trims offered in Europe. (Yes, 18-inch wheels on a supermini.)

Built atop of a BEV-dedicated platform, the Micra EV gets a generous wheelbase of 2,540mm despite measuring under four metres in length. It also rides on 18-inch wheels as standard 

Still, because it's built atop of the BEV-dedicated 'AmpR' platform (shared with the likes of the Renault 5 E-Tech and Twingo E-Tech), the Micra EV gets a generous wheelbase of 2,540mm for its segment, which should bode well for passenger space. Its 326-litre boot is also very spacious for a car of its size.

On the inside, the Micra EV's standard equipment includes twin 10.1-inch displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen, the latter of which offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. Meanwhile, the car's penchant for fun continues with special easter eggs: A moulded outline of Mount Fuji is incorporated into the storage space between the front seats, as well as on the sill of its tailgate.

Rear passenger space should be impressive thanks to the car's long wheelbase, while the car also gets a decently-sized 326-litre boot

The Micra EV will retail with two battery options in Europe, with the car's power output increasing in step with battery size.

The lineup starts with a 40kWh option, which powers a 90kW electric motor that also produces up to 225Nm of torque. Nissan is claiming a driving range of 308km with this variant.

Twin 10.1-inch displays are offered as standard on the car 

Those who intend to use their Micra EV outside of the city, however, should be more inclined to opt for the 52kWh battery pack, which gives it a more generous claimed range of 408km. The car also gets extra poke with this larger battery pack, which powers a more powerful 110kW electric motor that can produce up to 245Nm of torque.

Nissan claims to have kept the Micra EV on a strict diet too; even the larger battery pack gives the car an unladen weight of just over 1.5 tonnes. Both variants also offer added functionality thanks to their Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, which allows owners to use the car to power external devices.

Japanese easter eggs: An imprint of Mount Fuji can be found on the centre console and on the sill of the car's tailgate opening 

If you're reading this in Singapore and hoping to get your hands on the car, though, here's some bad news: Like the previous Micra, the new Micra EV looks set to be available in Europe, where it will go on sale later this year in 2025.