Latest news with #Micra
NZ Autocar
2 days ago
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Nissan may sell its HQ to save funds
Amid a series of cost-cutting efforts (outlined here) in its fight for survival, Nissan may sell off its global headquarters. Following a massive loss reported for the last financial year the struggling Japanese automaker may sell off its Yokohama base. Located in the Minato-Mirai 21 district, the building is estimated to be worth over 100 billion yen ($NZ1.2b). Now Nikkei Asia reports the building appears on a list of assets Nissan intends to sell before the end of the financial year. The company's newly appointed CEO, Ivan Espinosa, has announced upcoming asset sales. However, he has not yet specifically mentioned Nissan HQ. If it does sell, it may lease the building instead. McLaren did a similar thing a few years ago. Some of Sunderland's spare capacity might be used by Chinese partner, Dongfeng. Nissan is embarking on a major cost-cutting scheme. It will likely close up to seven factories, including two domestic sites. The workforce will significantly downsize, with 20,000 jobs going in the coming years. Espinosa said that former management mishandled things by opting to go large in 2015. Nissan started building more plant and was aiming for sales of eight million units eventually. Now it is selling under half that annually. Nissan is also halting the development of certain models to cut costs. Six vehicle platforms will go, leaving just seven in the line-up. The company is also busy unifying more products and in doing so will reduce parts complexity by 70 percent. Nissan is also trying to determine how to survive on its own after a recent failed merger with Honda. Around 3000 R&D staff are now working on cost cutting initiatives. New Euro-only Micra is based heavily on Renault 5. Badge-engineered cars like the Micra/Renault 5 will help bring new models to market at a reduced cost. Nissan will also strengthen its partnership with Mitsubishi to accelerate the development of new products. It might even allow its Chinese partner, Dongfeng, to build cars at some of its underused factories, like Sunderland.
RTÉ News
2 days ago
- Automotive
- RTÉ News
Toyota to launch Rav 4 plug-in with extended range
Toyota's latest iteration of the Rav 4 plug-in is to have a significant increase in battery capacity that the company says will allow it to drive in electric mode for up to 100 kilometres. The revised vehicle should be in Ireland by early next year and will be similar in size to the current model. The new car's designers have opted for a more rugged look compared to the softer profile of the current car, with more prominent wheel arches and a boxier, more angular shape overall. There's a new 22.7 kWh battery to increase the electric range to 100 kilometres, which Toyota says will be sufficient to meet most drivers' needs. In addition, a new 50 kWh on-board charger will be able to get the battery from 10 to 80 per cent capacity in about 30 minutes, which will be a welcome development for PHEV drivers used to slower charging times. Non-fast charger times have also been improved. The 150 kWh motor - an increase of 16 kWh - delivers better acceleration, and a new cooling system has been developed to keep the battery operating at optimum efficiency. A full hybrid version, with a 2.5 engine, will also be introduced. In what should be a welcome development, Toyota will introduce a new software package with the new Rav4, and a 12.9" infotainment screen will have better and faster connectivity. The car's standard safety package has also been improved, with an enhanced pre-collision system and better lane-changing capacity. Voice commands will allow the driver to direct navigation, media, in-car temperature, and vehicle control. The driver's screen will be a 12.3" unit. On the EV front, Nissan has revealed its electric version of the Micra - one of the world's enduring city cars. Closely related to the new electric Renault 5, the Micra has some retro touches, such as the front and rear lights, that nod to previous versions of the car, first launched in 1982. The electric Micra will have two battery options - a 40 kWh unit with a claimed range of 310 kilometres and a 52 kWh unit with a claimed range of 408 kilometres. Nissan says the car should be capable of a fast charge capacity of 15 to 80 per cent in 30 minutes. A heat pump, which allows for better efficiency in colder weather, will be standard. Interestingly, the car weighs in at 1,400 kg, which should help significantly with range. The boot capacity is a practical 326 litres. From the mid-range up, the Micra will have a Google-powered infotainment system for its 10.1" screen and the interior has been given a significant upgrade. A comprehensive safety system is also included.
Car and Driver
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
Nissan Micra Is a Cute EV That Aims to Revitalize the Brand in Europe
Nissan is bringing back the Micra name in Europe with a new electric hatchback that's based on the Renault 5 E-Tech. The Micra's overall shape matches the Renault, but it gets circular headlights and taillights and unique bumper treatments. Two powertrains are available, with a smaller battery and 121-hp motor providing 191 miles of range; a bigger battery and 148-hp motor bring 253 miles of range. Nissan is shifting away from cars to a more SUV-heavy lineup in the United States. The Versa and Altima sedans are bound for retirement after 2025, while the Leaf hatchback will morph into a crossover for 2026, and plans for an electric Maxima successor have been shelved. That leaves just the Sentra—set to grow for its next generation—and the sporty Z coupe as the only cars left. But over in Europe, there's still demand for small cars, and Nissan has unveiled the new sixth-generation Micra hatchback, which now comes exclusively as an EV. Nissan The Micra hatchback has never been sold in the United States, although if you live in a state along the northern border, you may have spotted fourth-generation Micras driving around on Canadian plates. If you've recently vacationed in Europe, this latest Micra might also look familiar, as it is closely related to the stylish Renault 5 E-Tech. The Micra doesn't have the same slick retro look as the Renault, but it's cute and has its own referential design elements. While the roofline, C-pillar, and overall stance are clear giveaways of its Renault bones, the front fascia is unique. The Micra wears interesting headlights with a main rectangular element flanked by rounded LEDs above and below, emulating the circular lights of past Micras. All Micra EVs ride on 18-inch wheels, and the lower portion of the bodywork is dominated by gloss-black trim. The taillights are also circular, with a small piece poking outwards that makes the taillights look like an upside "Q." The two-tone look seen here will be optional, and buyers can also pair the body color with a gray roof. Nissan The cabin bears a strong resemblance to the Renault, with a 10.1-inch center touchscreen that's angled towards the driver and attached to a 10.1-inch digital gauge cluster. The central HVAC vents and climate controls are also canted to the left, while the dashboard in front of the passenger features stitched indentations that create an eye-catching shape in the ambient lighting. Another fun detail is a molded outline of Mount Fuji in the storage compartment between the front seats. There's a choice of two batteries, either a 40-kWh unit or a 52-kWh pack. All Micras feature a single electric motor on the front axle, and the smaller battery brings 121 horsepower and a claimed 191 miles of range. The bigger battery bumps output up to 148 hp, along with 253 miles of estimated range. It also allows for charging at 100 kW on a DC fast-charger. The Micra supports vehicle-to-load capability too, allowing the car to power other electronic devices. The Micra is likely too small to make it in the United States, as it measures less than 157 inches long. That means it's at least 20 inches shorter from nose to tail than a subcompact Versa sedan. Hatchbacks also haven't proven popular on our shores, inspiring Nissan's decision to grow the next-generation Leaf into a small SUV. But the new Micra proves that even as SUVs continue to increase their market share worldwide, small cars still have a place on the tight streets of Europe. Caleb Miller Associate News Editor Caleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan.
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Nissan Micra goes electric, unveiled in Euope markets. Will it come to India?
Nissan's new electric Micra has been unvieled in Europe, featuring an updated design and advanced EV capabilities The all-new Nissan Mircra EV somewhat retains the circular design aesthetic from the older ICE model. Check Offers Nissan has unveiled the electric iteration of its Micra in the European markets. With most manufacturers turning to making SUVs, Nissan is placing a confident bet on its humble small hatchback. The iconic Nissan Micra will now be entering its sixth generation. Based on the same underpinnings as the Renault 5 E-Tech, the new Micra brings fresh design flair and EV tech to a familiar nameplate. Nissan Micra: Design Designed at Nissan Design Europe in London with the continent's urban buyers in mind, the new Micra breaks away from the conservative styling of its past. It features bold, circular headlights and taillights with body-coloured inserts—an eye-catching detail reminiscent of the 2011 Smart Forspeed Concept. The LED lighting even performs a 'wink' animation when locking or unlocking the car. While the Micra remains a hatchback at heart, it borrows a few SUV-like styling elements, such as black body cladding on the bumpers, side profile and wheel arches, giving it a slightly rugged edge. All variants ride on 18-inch wheels, with a total of 14 colour combinations—including two-tone options with black or grey roofs—to add more visual personality. Also Read : Nissan Kicks scores 5 stars in Latin NCAP crash test Nissan Micra: Dimensions Despite its SUV-inspired design cues, the new Micra sticks to its city-friendly roots. It measures under 4 metres in length and rides on a 2.54-metre wheelbase. The cabin is configured as a five-seater and offers 326 litres of boot space—ample for urban runs and daily errands. Nissan Micra: Interior Inside, the dashboard is nearly identical to the Renault 5 E-Tech, with dual 10.1-inch digital displays taking centre stage. Nissan adds its own brand identity and unique touches like a moulded Mount Fuji outline between the front seats to distinguish it. Nissan Micra: Powertrain and range Built on the CMF-BEV-based AmpR Small platform, the Micra will be offered in two configurations. The base variant features a 121 bhp electric motor paired with a 40 kWh battery, offering up to 308 km of WLTP-certified range. The higher-spec version gets a 148 bhp motor and a larger 52 kWh battery, extending the range to 408 km. The larger battery supports 100 kW DC fast charging, enabling a 15 to 80 per cent top-up in just 30 minutes. Both variants are equipped with a heat pump, battery heating and cooling functions, and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability that allows the Micra to power external devices. Nissan Micra: Handling Nissan promises 'best-in-class' ride and handling, thanks to a low centre of gravity, balanced weight (ranging from 1,400 to 1,524 kg), and a multi-link rear suspension setup. While similar claims were made about the Renault 5 E-Tech, only real-world driving will reveal whether the Micra delivers on this front. Nissan Micra: India Launch? The new Micra is expected to arrive in European showrooms by late 2025. While official pricing has not been announced, it is expected to cost slightly more than the Renault 5 E-Tech, which starts at around €25,000 (approximately ₹ 22.5 lakh). Nissan is positioning the Micra as a more premium offering within its compact EV portfolio. It will soon be joined by other electric models like the new Juke and an upcoming Leaf-based crossover. While there is no official word on whether the new electric Micra will make its way to India, given the rising demand for compact electric cars in urban centres, the Micra EV could potentially be a strong contender. With brands like Tata, MG, and Maruti Suzuki aggressively expanding their electric lineups, Nissan's move could add welcome diversity to India's small EV segment. Check out Upcoming EV Cars in India, Upcoming EV Bikes in India. First Published Date: 22 May 2025, 16:27 PM IST
TimesLIVE
7 days ago
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
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.
