Since 1982, Nissan has been producing a supermini car (B-segment) the Nissan Micra, also known as the Nissan March. So far, five generations of this model have arrived on the market, and the Japanese manufacturer has announced that, in the next two years, it will launch the sixth generation of Micra.
The new generation of Micra will be based on the same platform as the all-electric Renault 5 E-Tech, and Nissan is trying to capitalize on the current popularity of small city cars. It will be an all-electric car and will be produced in France.
Nissan is still hiding information about the car, which is understandable since its launch is still two years away. Also, information has previously appeared that the Japanese manufacturer is seriously considering a new model of a small city car that will be positioned below the Micra, but some believe that this model could be the next generation of Micra. Whether this will be true remains to be seen.
Given that it shares the same platform as the all-electric Renault, the Micra will be offered with a single electric motor with 95 hp (71 kW), 120 hp (89 kW) and 150 hp (110 kW). It will be equipped with 40 or 52 kWh batteries, which will allow a range of between 300 and 410 kilometers.
For years, Renault has produced special editions of its Renault 5 model inspired by one of the biggest tennis tournaments in the world, Roland Garros. The same path was continued with the new electric version of this model, the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric.
The special edition will be offered in three body colors: Pearl White, Midnight Blue, Starry Black and Matt Slate Gray. Each car will be equipped with a Satin Black roof trimmed with chrome trim, featuring Roland Garros logos and a St. Andrew’s Cross pattern inspired by the stadium’s architecture. There are also 18-inch Ecrou Diamond Black wheels with Matt Slate Gray center caps.
Inside, the seats are covered in recycled textiles, inspired by the fabric used to make sports equipment. There’s also plenty of Roland Garros logos, even on the e-pop shifter shaped like a tennis racket handle. Also, the dashboard lighting displays the inscription “Roland Garros Paris” and pays homage to the clay surface of the court.
When it comes to the powertrain, the 40 kWh battery version is powered by an electric motor with 95 hp (71 kW) and 159 lb-ft (215 Nm) of torque or 120 hp (89 kW) and 166 lb-ft (225 Nm) of torque, which is enough to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 10 seconds. It weighs 1,350 kg. The slightly heavier version (1,450 kg) is equipped with a 52 kWh battery, and is powered by an electric motor with 150 hp (110 kW) and 181 lb-ft (245 Nm) of torque. It reaches 62 mph in 7.5 seconds with a top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph) and a range of 400 km.
In February 2024, chief technology officer Kai Grunitz announced that the German manufacturer is developing a new small electric model, the ID.1, which will be positioned below the electric model ID.2. It is a new and affordable electric car that will cost under 20,000 euros and will arrive in 2027 as a replacement for the outgoing VW e-UP!.
The VW ID.1 is due to hit the market in three years, and is part of VW’s long-term plan that includes the introduction of 10 new all-electric vehicles for customers on a tighter budget. The manufacturer has not yet made a final decision whether the car will be developed on the Small MEB platform used by the current ID models or will partner with Renault using their AmpR Small architecture. The German media state that the second option is more certain and that discussions are underway between Volkswagen and Renault about cooperation on this joint project, with the aim of creating prerequisites for the mass production of a 20,000 euro electric vehicle. However, everything will depend on the costs of production and profit.
In the last few years, Volkswagen has presented several smaller models, among them the ID.Life, a “people’s car” concept available for every pocket, with a price of 20,000 euros. It is an urban car that retains simplicity and minimalist appearance, which is visible at first glance. No expensive materials. Recycled materials, wood, rice husk and rubber were used in the construction of the vehicle.
“In creating the ID. LIFE, we have consistently focused on the needs of younger customers. We believe that, even more so than today, the car of the future will be about lifestyle and personal expression. The customer of tomorrow won’t simply want to get from A to B; they will be much more interested in the experiences that a car can offer. The ID. LIFE is our answer to this,” said Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of the Volkswagen brand.
At the end of January, Renault premiered the electric version of the model that was the best-selling model in France in the 80s, the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric. Interest in this car is high, as Renault has so far received 50,000 requests. Takođe, Škoda has introduced the prototype of its new subcompact electric SUV, Škoda Epiq. It comes with more passenger space and luggage space, but also with a range of more than 400 km.
The price of electric cars is on the rise and the invasion of Chinese cars, which are slowly conquering the old continent, is increasing. This puts European manufacturers in a difficult position from which they are trying to find a way out. Are cheap small electric cars the answer!?
