New Nissan Micra EV vs. Micra 2016: which is better?
How much better is the new Nissan Micra EV over the previous generation Micra?
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By Ben Welham
Last updated: 20 June 2025
2025 marks the year the sixth-generation Nissan Micra is born, though this time it’s a fully electric car based on the Renault 5’s platform.
So, how good is it really and should you consider it over the previous generation Micra from 2016 to 2023?
Our guide will answer:
What are the main differences?
Is the new Nissan Micra EV or Micra 2016 better to drive?
Does the new Nissan Micra EV or Micra 2016 have better tech?
Which car has the better styling?
Is the new Nissan Micra EV or Micra 2016 more reliable?
What are the new Nissan Micra EV vs. Micra 2016 dimensions?
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Main differences between the New Nissan Micra EV and Micra 2016
The differences between these two Nissan Micras far outweigh the similarities. In fact, one of the only things they have in common is the badge on the boot lid.
For starters, the old Nissan is petrol-powered and runs on a three-cylinder engine humming away, whereas the new Micra EV is based on the Renault 5 E-Tech's platform, offering much quieter driving.
Then there’s the design, which is drastically different. The new car still has elements of the original in its looks, with curved lines, but is fundamentally very different.
Inside is drastically different now, too. The old car didn’t have all that much in the way of infotainment, whereas the new Micra is a complete overhaul.
New Nissan Micra EV vs. Micra 2016: styling
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If you parked the two cars next to each other, you’d be hard pressed to see the similarities. You’d know they’re probably related, but it’s a bit of a stretch.
The new car gets the bug-eyed look reminiscent of the older K12 Micra from years ago, but we think it adds a playful appeal to the car and is something a bit different to other same-y cars on the street.
The back is very much the same, with thin circular brake lights joined by a thin black line, proudly displaying ‘Nissan’ spelled out in full.
The previous car, on the other hand, has a much sleeker design and is probably the least Micra-looking Micra you can buy. But that’s not to say it’s a bad car, quite the opposite.
New Nissan Micra EV vs. Micra 2016: what are they like to drive?
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Behind the wheel, they’re very different animals.
For starters, the Micra (2016-2023) has a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine, which inherently has a completely different character to that of an electric car, with mechanical engine noises, different smells and driving dynamics.
This generation of Micra comes with either a manual or CVT automatic gearbox, making it probably the last manual Micra Nissan will ever make.
The new Micra, on the other hand, couldn’t be more different. Powering it are the same options you get in the Renault 5 – either a 120hp or 145hp front-mounted electric motor.
The former is mated to a 40kWh battery, while the more powerful version gets a larger 52kWh battery, good for 192 miles and 253 miles of range, respectively.
Dynamically speaking, they’re going to feel very similar in a town or city setting at lower speeds, but get up to higher speeds, and the Micra EV may feel more planted thanks to the batteries lining the floor.
Nissan hasn’t said whether it’ll make a sporty Micra NISMO based on the Alpine A290 hot hatch, but they feasibly could.
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New Nissan Micra EV vs. Micra 2016: interior and technology
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Aside from its cuter exterior looks, the interior is another area that’s had a makeover.
Starting with the old car, this has a very basic but functional interior with a seven-inch infotainment screen that’s quite basic by modern standards, but it works if that’s all you need.
The new Micra, however, shares yet another thing with the Renault 5, and that’s its interior.
You may recognise its 10.3-inch screen and general switchgear, and that’s because it’s straight from Renault, but this is no bad thing because the Google system works really well, is crisp and easy to use, and has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The rest of the interior is plush and neat, meaning you’re never going to feel overwhelmed by too many switches and features hounding you all day long.
New Nissan Micra EV vs. Micra 2016: boot space and practicality
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Boot space and overall cabin space is a big talking point when it comes to small hatchbacks and city cars.
You want to maximise your space, no matter the size, and luckily, Nissan is good at doing just that.
Even the old car has a 300-litre boot (grows to 1,004 litres with the rear seats folded) with decent rear legroom and generous amounts of headroom, but thankfully, Nissan has improved it even more for the new car.
The new Micra EV has 366 litres of boot space and solid levels of interior space, similar to that of the Renault 5. This means it’s slightly less than some rivals, but it more than makes up for it in boot space, getting 155 litres more than the equivalent MINI.
New Nissan Micra EV vs. Micra 2016: safety and reliability
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Most Nissans are very safe cars - they have to be by law. But, comparing an old vs. new model is hardly fair when it comes to overall safety and reliability, because the chances are the newer one is going to win every time.
For reference, the old car still scored four out of five stars in its 2017 Euro NCAP safety test, though with the stricter testing of today, this may be different. But with this, it had safety features such as intelligent emergency braking, lane departure warning, and high beam assist.
More safety features include six airbags, Electronic Stability Program, anti-lock brakes, and Hill Start Assist. So, it’s safe to say it’s well-equipped.
The new car hasn’t been independently tested by Euro NCAP yet, but the Renault 5 has, and it scored four stars, so we can imagine the new Micra won’t be too different from this.
The Micra EV, as you’d expect, comes with loads of safety features, including Nissan's ProPILOT Assist with adaptive cruise control, lane keeping and emergency braking.
It also gets blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert and intelligent speed assist. Additionally, the Micra EV includes features like driver monitoring, safe exit alerts and a 360-degree camera.
New Nissan Micra EV vs. Micra 2016: dimensions
New Nissan Micra EV
Length: 3,950mm
Width: 1,780mm
Height: 1,500mm
Boot space: 366 litres
Micra 2016
Length: 3,999mm
Width: 1,743mm
Height: 1,455mm
Boot space: 300 litres
Verdict: New Nissan Micra EV vs. Micra 2016: which should you buy?
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When a new car comes out, it can be hard to know which one is for you. Do you stick with the old one or go with the tempting shiny new one?
Well, if you’re not quite sure, perhaps our short verdict will help you.
You should consider a Nissan Micra (2016-2023) if...
Petrol power suits you better
Your budget is happier with a used car
Tech isn’t that important to you
You should consider a Nissan Micra EV (2025-) if...
You really want an electric car, and a good one at that
You live in or commute through a city often
Boot space is important to you
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