The Nissan Micra has been reborn as an all-electric hatchback
After a brief hiatus the Nissan Micra has returned as a suave-looking electric B-segment hatchback. If it seems like you've seen it before, that's because you have — this sixth-generation model is a reclothed version of the new Renault 5.
While the two cars bear a striking resemblance, the Micra sports a more rounded front end with a longer, taller bonnet and a pair of oval LED daytime running lights that pay homage to headlamp design of its third-generation predecessor.
It also gets a noticeably more pronounced front spoiler, chunkier wheel arches lipped with protective black cladding and something Nissan calls an ice cream scoop: a 1cm wide indent that runs from the front to the rear of the back passenger door. It's apparently reminiscent of the shape a scoop would make if dragged across the surface of untouched ice cream. 18" alloy wheels are standard and customers can choose between three model grades (Active, Iconic or Sport) and a total of 14 contemporary exterior colours.
The cabin is a dead ringer for the one doing duty inside its Renault 5 sibling and shares the same basic layout and digital accoutrement, with two large 10.1" screens fitted to the dashboard. The one in front of the driver acts as an instrument cluster while the other is a dedicated multimedia touchscreen with a bright, flowing interface supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Running the latest iteration of NissanConnect, it further offers Google built-in services giving owners access to a plethora of downloadable apps, various media streaming services and voice control functionality (Google Assistant).
Subtle differentiation is provided by a moulded outline of Japan's most famous landmark, Mount Fuji, incorporated into the storage space between the front seats; three options of upholstery trim (Modern, Audacious or Chill) and customisable ambient lighting with 48 hues. While the front cabin is fitted with ample storage bins for oddments, the boot offers 326 l of luggage space. Added practicality is offered by the 60:40 split folding rear seats.
From launch, Nissan is offering the Micra with a choice of two powertrains, both of which use front-mounted synchronous electric motors of varying output. Tipping the scales at 1,400kg and juiced by a 40kWh battery pack, the entry-level model makes 90kW and 225Nm of torque and offers a maximum driving range of up to 308km. The 1,524kg flagship gets a larger 52kWh battery and puts out a more substantial 110kW/245Nm while range increases to 407km. DC rapid charging up to 100kW is supported (15% to 80% charge in 30 minutes) as is bidirectional AC charging, which effectively turns the Micra into a four-wheeled power bank — something that would make it most useful during load-shedding.
Unfortunately, as is the case with the Renault 5, it's not going to be making its way to South Africa any time soon. European deliveries, however, will commence later this year.
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The Citizen
2 hours ago
- The Citizen
Nissan Spirit of Africa shows how competition 4x4-ing should be
The 21st running of the event, and third sponsored by Nissan, came with the added task of restoring the author's take on four-wheel-drive battle events. Annual Spirit of Africa this year saw new the Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior being the vehicle of use. Image: Charl Bosch Off-roading, whether as a passenger or behind the wheel, has been part of my life for more than 25 years. Having spent a great deal of my formative years, post-2000, in the back of a single cab Isuzu KB, two double cab Mitsubishi Colt Rodeo V6s and a Nissan Pathfinder with my father, late mother and brother criss-crossing Southern Africa from Swaziland to the Caprivi strip, the passion and appreciation for what these vehicles can do remains undiminished to this day. Not the best memory An invite nine years ago to attend an off-road jamboree in fully kitted-out short wheelbase Mitsubishi Pajero came with the same then enthusiasm, but ended in complete distrain. ALSO READ: Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior stakes claim in off-road bakkie fight Being a competition environment, the event was anything but enjoyable and ultimately descended into an ego trip filled with unsavoury post-results behaviour and remarks. I was, therefore, apprehensive to say 'yes' to the annual Spirit of Africa media event this week, as the competition aspect of off-roading has left a resounding bitter taste in my mouth. Celebrating a milestone Marking its 21st anniversary this year, and the third to be sponsored by Nissan, I decided to tick the 'yes' box as, unlike last time, I was to compete with my colleagues and not self-image driven individuals keener to belittle others than enjoying what had been set-up. Spirit of Africa this year celebrated its 21st running. Image: Charl Bosch The brainchild of 11-times South African rally champion and motorsport legend Sarel van der Merwe, the event this year took place at the Sandwani Game Lodge outside Cullinan, and saw the media and Nissan representatives use the newly launched Navara Pro-4X Warrior on 16 stages varying from high speed to slow and technical. Supposed to be as testing as possible, but within each driver and the car's limits, the 15 competing Navara Pro-4X Warriors made for an evocative sight standing next to each other. Spirit of Africa yes' and no's Confidence was something I had nothing of. Unlike some of my colleagues who were taking part in their third or fifth event, I was the rookie and under illusion that this won't be easy first time out. The Spirt of Africa fundamentals are, in fact, easy: each team starts out with 100 points and lose points for reversing (30), hitting the marker poles (10), the red flag indicators (30) and for every second over the stipulated time each stage would normally take. The devised stages were tight and confined in some places. Image: Nissan What's more, warnings and being disqualified for being unnecessarily silly – speeding in between stages for example – are also applicable, with the very real outcome of being thrown-out completely if damage to the car is recorded. Gaining points though comes via the speed sections, completing the stage within or faster than the mandated time, and not hitting any of the mentioned poles. Welcome Pro-4X Warrior There was the topic of who the Australian-developed Navara Pro-4X Warrior would perform first time around. The work of Melbourne-based engineering firm Premcar, the Pro-4X Warrior, as its name points out, uses the 'normal' Pro-4X as a base, but receives a redesigned front bumper with a steel bashplate, wider front and rear tracks, uprated springs and dampers, and a lift-kit that raises ground clearance from 221 mm to 232 mm. The Navara Pro-4X Warrior showed no let-up in its maiden Spirit of Africa. Image: Nissan Completing the upgrades are 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tyres, side-steps, 'riveted' wheel arch cladding, red accents, Pro-4X Warrior decals on the side of the loadbox, black mirror caps and a black grille with a red Nissan badge. Besides red Warrior embroidery work on the headrests of the front seats, the interior is otherwise identical to the Pro-4X, with the same applying to the standard features sheet. Underneath its bonnet, the stalwart YD25DDTI 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine has not undergone any changes and as such, delivers 140kW/450Nm to the rear or all four wheels via a seven-speed automatic gearbox. Action commences Pre-event rule briefing over, I decided to sideline the happenings of almost a decade ago and try to enjoy my time with the Pro-4X Warrior rather than worrying about the scorecard. But, as my colleague Willem van de Putte famously put it, once behind the wheel and into the stage, the competitive aspect takes over as simply having fun turns into a desire to win, not being silly and completing the stage with one's race-face on. The first stage involved a simple speed test, but through a tunnel of poles and flags on either side. My driving partner, Naresh Maharaj, acquitted himself brilliantly and we finished it relatively trouble-free. Navara Pro-4X Warrior should its worth going up and down. Image: Charl Bosch Knowing that the slow and technical sections tend to suit me better, I took the wheel for the second stage, which became a disaster not long after. Tight and twisty it was, precision was the key and unfortunately, a few poles got touched – some disappearing underneath the Pro-4X Warrior – as I simply to get into a rhythm with the clock ticking. As disappointed as I was, the driver swap for the next speed section went according to plan with a clean run. Stage four, named Blood, Sweat and Gears, had everything I loved about off-roading; rocky outcrops, tight corners, a few downhill section, blind crests and a steep descent at the end. Stages demand patience, precession and not hitting any of the placed market poles. Image: Charl Bosch Again though, a few wrong lines saw poles being touched, yet I was starting to get into the swing of things and, admittedly, taking it very seriously. Another well executed speed section later, the second section of the event, a slalom and then a an uphill park in reverse, went completely array as both Naresh and I copped a 'DQ' for different infringements that had departed our minds in the heat of battle. Admittedly, this resulted in memories of the past event flaring back up. However, I knew I couldn't let it keep me downhearted as I made peace with the fact that our #10 Navara Pro-4X Warrior had probably dropped to the back of the field. The final technical and twisty section, despite appearing anything but difficult, proved to be the most enjoyable. Third last stage came with a water crossing. Image: Charl Bosch Again, all about being precise, smooth and accurate, it also included a river crossing and a tight uphill turn to the left and the right. Dropping downhill at the finish, less poles were clipped and more points gained, though we still had no idea where we ranked overall. For the final pair of speed tests, Sandwani's version of the Mulsanne straight had been laid out. But, unlike the famous stretch of public French road that forms part of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, there would be slipstreaming. Instead, the stage was a side-by-side drag race, on gravel. Penultimate stage consisted of a high speed drag race. Image: Charl Bosch Having kept the Navara in 4L or high range four-wheel-drive throughout the event, thoughts of possibly switching back to the default 2H came up for discussion as we prepared to blast off. Concerns, however, of traction being lost settled the argument and instead, an impromptu launch control method was settled upon. With 4L still selected, dabbing the throttle while keeping my left foot on the brake saw the Pro-4X Warrior accelerate quicker than I had expected when the 'go' call crackled over the handheld radio. Feeling stable and undramatic, we crossed the line well ahead of our competition and at close to 120 km/h. The second run was just as faultless and once again, Naresh and I won our battle, albeit with a slightly narrower margin than before. While supposed to have taken place over the mentioned 16 stages time constraints meant only 12 could be completed, the final being a figure-of-eight with each car starting at the opposite end based on their number. A stage that balances speed with smoothness into the corners, I knew I had to do well after what had been a much better second half of the event than the first. Badly cut-up in places by the time we arrived, the stage was testing but fun, and while two poles we touched, I exited with a smile in complete contrast to how it started a few hours before. Top 10 finish At the end of it all, we didn't place 15th, but rather scored a top 10 finish, aptly in 10th place as per our vehicle number. From L-R: Naresh Maharaj, Sarel van der Merwe and The Citizen's Charl Bosch at the end of the event. Image: Nissan An event that ended on a high despite my pre-conceived notions, no egos arose and became thoroughly enjoyable as a discipline of this type should be. What's more, it also showcased the capability of the Navara Pro-4X Warrior as no vehicle developed issues or sustained damage throughout the day. NOW READ: Nissan Navara traverses Africa without a single squeak or rattle
TimesLIVE
4 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
Nissan's struggles open door for Chinese carmakers in SA
Chery SA CEO Tony Liu said the Chinese automaker is exploring all available avenues to establish its first production facility in the country. Liu was responding to a question from TimesLIVE Motoring about whether an established plant, such as the Nissan Rosslyn operation whose future is under doubt, might be of interest. News agency Reuters reported in May that Japanese manufacturer Nissan was considering global plant closures, potentially including shutting the doors of its Tshwane facility. 'SA boasts a proud legacy of local vehicle manufacturing, and Chery is committed to strengthening the industry for generations to come. This would also allow us to enhance our contribution to local communities,' he said. According to Liu, the brand's outlook features two potential pathways: partnering with an existing manufacturer to 'help address current production gaps' or set up its own, dedicated manufacturing plant, realising the 'full production capabilities' of Chery. The CEO said the manufacturer's customer base, which grew to 55,000 over the three years since market re-entry, represents critical mass that has justified a feasibility study to assess how local manufacturing could support its long-term volume aspirations. 'Beyond market size, SA being the largest new car market in Sub-Saharan Africa, Chery recognises SA's role as a gateway into Africa through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.' Liu said local manufacturing would also enable contribution to the domestic supply chain, with commitment to broad-based black Economic empowerment requirements. Meanwhile, Nissan SA representatives have countered the notion that the Rosslyn plant is on borrowed time. 'Nissan wants to clarify the news is not based on any official information of the company,' said head of communications Ramy Mohareb. 'At this stage we are not able to inform you which plants will be affected. Our focus remains on our operations and the dedicated workforce that drives our success,' he told TimesLIVE Motoring. The Rosslyn plant employs 1,080 people and has been operational since 1966. Mohareb was unable to comment on the facility's output, or elaborate on plans to sustain its business and protect local jobs and retailers. In 2024 the brand's top-selling NP200 half-tonne bakkie, produced at Rosslyn, was discontinued. The plant only produces the one-tonne Navara. A well-placed industry insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed the view that Nissan SA, in its present guise, would struggle to find longevity. 'The key to being a successful manufacturer in SA is sufficient export volume, which Nissan never had. The best-selling SA cars and light commercial vehicles only manage about 25,000 units per year, insufficient for competitive manufacturing. This needs to be complemented with a proper export programme to reach a viable volume,' the source said. 'Toyota, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Ford have the programmes but Nissan, with a few thousand Navara exports into Africa, aren't close. Getting there is a parent company decision. The SA factory needs to be part of the global supply chain, not a local market factory with a handful of exports to small regional markets.' According to the insider, the peak of Nissan SA's sales dates as far back as the period of 1976 to 1978 when it was the leading manufacturer in SA. 'Its most successful models included the original Datsun 1200s and the B120/140 bakkie, the original Datsun 1600s and the Skylines. The first Maxima and Primera were great cars but not quite the sellers they should have been. On the bakkie side, the Hardbody took the fight to the Hilux, but this faded as the last Hardbody's life was extended, ultimately a life of more than 20 years.' 'In my view, Nissan's product offering didn't keep up with the changing demands of the SA buyer. As the market evolved, moving from sedans to SUVs and crossovers, Nissan's range reduced significantly and the individual products were less competitive within their respective segments.' Mikel Mabasa, CEO of Naamsa, the national automotive business council, said the organisation was waiting for Nissan SA to provide an outline of its local plans. He said Naamsa was concerned by media reports casting doubt over the brand's future in SA. 'Any [possible] closure is not something we take lightly. We have a lot of people employed through such plants, not only those on the production line, but the value chain, including those who support the plant with components. If Nissan decides to discontinue operations, we will activate discussions with them directly, understanding their position and identifying how we can support the future of the facility,' Mabasa said. 'Naamsa will be at the forefront in working with partners to see what can be done to safeguard the plant for future operations,' he said, referencing the 2017 disinvestment of General Motors, where similar conversations were had. 'Isuzu was able to raise their hand and the Gqeberha plant was saved.' Separately, Mabasa confirmed Naamsa had been in discussions with brands who are importers, eyeing SA as a destination for manufacturing operations. He said Naamsa welcomed intentions for new operations by brands, whether it involves repurposing existing plants or establishing a greenfield investment from the ground up. Spokesperson for the department of trade, industry and competition, Bongani Lukhele, said Nissan had not provided formal communications on the issue, and the department was therefore not in a position to respond to queries.
TimesLIVE
8 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
Nissan offers buyouts to US workers, halts global pay rises
Cutting the US workforce runs counter to President Donald Trump's aim of creating jobs and boosting domestic manufacturing through initiatives including a 25% tariff on imported vehicles. Nissan's operating profit margin in North America including the US, its biggest market, worsened in the business year ended March, even as it sold more cars than a year before. It offered buyouts to Canton workers after launching a job cut plan in November and has followed that with another round. Analysts attributed Nissan's troubles to factors including an ageing line-up, a lack of hybrid models in the US and excessive focus on increasing output under former top executive Carlos Ghosn, whose near two-decade year tenure ended in 2018. Separately, Nissan on Tuesday said it had paid ¥646m (R80.2m) in compensation to former CEO Makoto Uchida and three other executive officers who left their positions at the end of March. Nissan has yet to disclose a full list of production sites it plans to close. At home in Japan, Oppama and one other plant are under consideration, sources told Reuters this month. Nissan has said it will consolidate Mexican and Argentinian pick-up truck production into a single Mexican site, and Renault will buy its stake in their joint Indian business. It has also said it would close a Thai plant by June. On Wednesday, Bloomberg News reported Nissan is considering raising more than ¥1-trillion from debt and asset sales which would include a syndicated loan guaranteed by the UK government.
