Latest news with #compactcar
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Toyota's FT-Me: A Tiny EV with Big Potential
Earlier this year, Toyota unveiled the FT-Me, a compact electric vehicle designed to rethink city travel. This futuristic microcar is more than just small. It is smart, efficient, and packed with thoughtful features that make urban mobility easier and greener. With a footprint of less than 2.5 meters, the FT-Me is built to zip through crowded streets, squeeze into tight parking spaces, and offer a more flexible alternative to traditional cars. Unlike most electric cars that focus on large battery capacity and long-range driving, the FT-Me is designed for quick, efficient urban commutes. It is made for people who need a practical solution for getting around the city without the hassle of parking struggles or high charging demands. Toyota is redefining what it means to own a city car by focusing on convenience, sustainability, and accessibility. Most city cars are small, but they often sacrifice function in the name of compact design. Toyota took a different approach with the FT-Me by blending smart engineering with a stylish and modern look. Inspired by a jet helmet, the FT-Me has a sleek and protective shape that makes it feel more solid and safe than other microcars. It is designed to provide a confident driving experience while keeping a compact footprint. One of its biggest advantages is how little space it takes up. The FT-Me can fit into half a standard parking spot, making it a perfect choice for crowded city centers where parking is a daily challenge. Whether you are weaving through tight streets or looking for a quick place to park, this car is built to make urban life easier. The FT-Me is not just for experienced drivers. In some markets, it will be legal for people as young as 14 years old to drive, opening up new transportation possibilities for teenagers, professionals, and even older adults who want a simple, efficient way to move around. This makes it one of the most versatile microcars available, catering to a broad range of drivers. Safety is also a top priority. The FT-Me offers 360-degree visibility, helping drivers stay aware of their surroundings and improving safety in busy city traffic. It also comes with seamless smartphone integration, which means you can unlock it, start it, and access smart services all from your phone. This kind of tech-focused approach makes the FT-Me feel modern and convenient for daily use. Toyota has made sustainability a key focus for the FT-Me. The car is built using recycled materials, helping to cut down on environmental waste and reduce its carbon footprint. In fact, its overall carbon emissions are 90% lower compared to traditional city cars, making it one of the most eco-friendly vehicles in its category. Energy efficiency is another strong point. The FT-Me consumes three times less energy per kilometer than most standard electric vehicles, proving that bigger batteries are not the only way to make an EV efficient. On top of that, it features a solar panel roof that can generate up to 20 to 30 kilometers of extra driving range per day, reducing the need for frequent charging. For short daily commutes, this means some drivers may never need to plug it in at all. Toyota has a strong commitment to making transportation accessible for everyone. The FT-Me reflects this with its inclusive design, which allows it to be driven entirely using hand controls. This means people with mobility challenges, including wheelchair users, can operate the car without the need for expensive aftermarket modifications. Unlike many vehicles that require extra customization for disabled drivers, the FT-Me is built to be ready to drive straight from the factory. This level of inclusivity makes it a standout option for individuals who often struggle to find vehicles that meet their needs without additional costs or changes. At the moment, the FT-Me is designed primarily for the European market, where compact urban mobility solutions are in higher demand. Toyota has not announced any plans to bring the FT-Me to the United States. With the American market's preference for larger vehicles and stricter safety regulations, microcars like the FT-Me face significant challenges in gaining widespread acceptance. For now, it remains a European-focused innovation. The FT-Me is more than just a concept. It is a glimpse into what city driving could look like in the years ahead. Smaller, smarter, and more sustainable, it is designed to meet the changing needs of urban dwellers while minimizing environmental impact. Whether it becomes a widespread option or remains a niche solution, Toyota is setting the stage for a new way of thinking about personal mobility. As cities continue to evolve and prioritize cleaner, more efficient transportation, cars like the FT-Me could play a big role in shaping the future. Toyota has taken a bold step forward by offering a vehicle that is practical, accessible, and environmentally responsible. Time will tell if this vision becomes a reality, but one thing is certain—this little car is making a big statement.
Mail & Guardian
22-06-2025
- Automotive
- Mail & Guardian
Baic Beijing X55 Plus is a treat, but that infotainment system needs an upgrade
Head turner: The Baic Beijing X55 Plus is still get looks wherever it goes. The Baic Beijing X55 quickly became a favourite after its release in 2022. It was crowned the winner of the compact family car category at the South African Car of the Year awards in 2023 and also received the 2023 Readers' Choice Award from Top Gear South Africa. Besides being a truly attractive vehicle, it offered some really cool features such as the pop-out door handles that have become common now, a tonne of advanced safety features and also had a beautiful drivetrain with a 1.5 litre turbocharged engine paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that delivered 130kW of power and 305Nm of torque. Baic decided to expand on the success of the Beijing X55 in the third quarter of 2024 by releasing the Beijing X55 Plus, which includes sharper exterior styling and updated technology. The upgraded model comes with 'Sporty Blade' alloy wheels (18-inch or 19-inch) and features a revised rear diffuser, home to a set of double exhaust tailpipes, while still maintaining the overall aggressive look of the vehicle. The interior gets a pair of leather bucket seats in the front and a spacious and comfortable back that offers enough headroom and legroom for adult occupants. The dashboard has a real sporty feel to it and completes the interior magnificently. There is also a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Easy Connection, which allows users to mirror their smartphone screens for seamless access to apps and entertainment. This is where I was slightly inconvenienced by this vehicle. The Beijing X55 Plus does not come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Sure, these features are not a deal breaker, but at the same time it makes life so much easier when driving, especially because of the connection most of us now have with our smartphones. The Easy Connection service offered in the Beijing X55 Plus does mirror the phone screen to the infotainment system, but it does not allow you to use the screen to navigate around things like Google Maps or Spotify. You still have to use your phone. The infotainment screen also felt a touch unresponsive at times. Again, it is not a deal breaker, but because every setting is located in that infotainment screen, it becomes slightly inconvenient. The interior of the Baic Beijing X55 Plus However, that is about as bad as it gets. The Beijing X55 Plus has a sophisticated voice control system that is extremely responsive. It can be activated by simply saying the words 'Hello Baic'. I didn't try it out at first, but I was at a complex and the security guard who was checking my licence decided to try it out. Before I knew it, he had opened the windows and the sunroof. When driving the Baic Beijing X55 Plus, it is slightly punchy, but extremely smooth and it has enough power on the open road, great handling and terrific suspension. The MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension is said to be inspired by Mercedes-Benz technology, reflecting a partnership Baic has with the German carmaker in China. Baic has claimed a fuel consumption of 7.7 liters per 100 kilometres. I managed just over 8 litres per 100 kilometres. Baic has also not compromised on any safety features in the Beijing X55 Plus. It comes equipped with a 540 degree 4D transparent chassis panoramic view camera and active driver aids such as blind spot detection, intelligent cruise assist, lane keep assist, autonomous emergency braking and forward collision warning. Pricing and verdict The Baic Beijing X55 is available in three variants: the dynamic priced at R469 900, the elite priced at R509 900 and the premium priced at R514 900. The upgraded X55 Plus really still offers value for money. The drivetrain is probably one of the best from the Chinese manufacturers in the compact SUV segment, but the infotainment system is something that is integral to your experience in the vehicle and just feels inconvenient at times. All Baic Beijing X55 Plus models come with a five-year/150,000km warranty and five-year/60,000km service plan.
Car and Driver
18-06-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Volkswagen Jetta Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview As compact cars have fallen out of favor in the automotive zeitgeist, affordable and efficient four-doors like the Volkswagen Jetta have become increasingly rare. That's especially true if you're looking for a compact car of German origin, as the Jetta is the final holdout following the standard Golf hatchback's demise. With a starting price below key rivals like the Honda Civic and Mazda 3, the Jetta is a value play. Its cabin is spacious, its 158-hp turbocharged inline-four gas engine boasts great fuel efficiency, and it comes chock-full of standard features. It might not be the most exciting compact around (look to the Jetta GLI if that's what you're after), but the Jetta's value proposition is hard to deny. What's New for 2026? After a substantial refresh last year, the Jetta gets only minor packaging tweaks for 2026. All Jetta trims now benefit from rear seatbelt pretensioners. The SE trim now comes with a sunroof as standard equipment, and the top-tier SEL model gets an eight-speaker premium VW audio system. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta is expected to start around $24,000 and go up to $31,000 depending on the trim and options. S $24,000 (est) Sport $26,000 (est) SE $27,000 (est) SEL $31,000 (est) 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k While it's hard to ignore the S model's bargain price, the Sport trim hits the sweet spot for just a few dollars more. The Sport trim justifies its title with a front anti-roll bar, VW's XDS brake-based limited-slip differential, and standard 17-inch alloys. On the feature side are heated front seats, stainless-steel pedal trim, black window trim and mirror caps, and a 60/40 folding rear seat; all in, it's a steal for a moderate price increase. However, if power seats, remote start, satellite radio, and wireless charging are dealbreakers, you'll need to step up to the SE. Engine, Transmission, and Performance The 2026 Jetta carries over with the turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder making 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed manual is now only available in the Jetta GLI, so the eight-speed automatic handles gear swaps regardless of trim. In our initial test drive, we found that the updated model drives much the same as before. The chassis is tuned more for a quiet and comfortable ride than razor-edge handling, but that doesn't mean it's not entertaining within its limits; just know that its steering isn't as precise as its GLI sibling's or even the Mazda 3's. In this case, "performance" means a pleasant personality that doesn't mind stretching its legs when called upon. 0–60-MPH Times The last Jetta SEL we strapped our test gear to knocked off the dash to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. View Photos Volkswagen More on the Jetta Sedan 2025 Jetta 1.5T Doesn't Save the Manuals Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 Jetta yet, but last year's Sport, SE, and SEL trims tied for top efficiency honors with an EPA-estimated 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. The base Jetta interestingly received a slightly lower rating, checking in with 29 mpg city and 39 mpg highway. We're pleased to report that previous Jetta models with the automatic exceeded their EPA Highway estimates in our 75-mph fuel-economy route, returning an impressive 42 mpg. For more information about the Jetta's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo The Jetta provides a satisfying amount of front passenger head, shoulder, and legroom. The rear passenger compartment is reasonably roomy as well. The interior's design is contemporary, if not particularly fashionable, and although the feature content increases with each higher trim, every cabin caters to the driver and boasts excellent outward visibility. The base S has cloth upholstery, manually adjustable seats, useful door pockets, and a deep center console bin. Features including ambient interior lighting, wireless device charging, and ventilated front seats are reserved for the most expensive models. Though the Golf GTI hatchback trades partially on its cargo capacity, our testing revealed the Jetta held seven bags out of sight in its trunk, whereas the Golf swallowed only five behind its rear seat. Likewise, the Jetta held three extra bags more than the Golf (18 total) with the back seats folded, so there's no need to feel like you're forgoing cargo space by selecting the Jetta over a Golf. View Photos Volkswagen Infotainment and Connectivity Jetta S, Sport, and SE trims get a basic 8-inch digital gauge cluster; the SEL gets a 10.3-inch fully customizable setup. Thankfully, the tiny but useful hard knobs for volume and tuning on either side of the touchscreen remain. We're less excited about the exit of the previous Jetta's simple and familiar three-dial HVAC control setup, replaced here with a more finicky touch setup as seen in other VW products. A 4-speaker audio system is standard, the SE improves things with a six-speaker setup, and the SEL gets an eight-speaker Beats Audio rig. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability are baked in (wireless is standard on the SE and SEL), and VW's Car-Net feature allows for gesture controls such as swiping and pinch-to-zoom. Two USB-C ports are standard. Every Jetta has a mobile hotspot as long as you're willing to pay for a subscription-based data plan, and wireless charging is standard on the top two trim levels. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Even the entry-level Jetta comes with a handful of standard driver-assistance technology, and upgraded equipment such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist are all available. For more information about the Jetta's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Volkswagen has an above-average limited warranty and below-average powertrain coverage. To offset the latter, the company provides some complimentary maintenance. Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 20,000 miles Specifications Specifications 2025 Volkswagen Jetta Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan PRICE Base: S, $23,220; Sport, $24,500; SE, $26,200; SEL, $30,225 ENGINE turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection Displacement: 91 in3, 1498 cm3 Power: 158 hp @ 5500 rpm Torque: 184 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm TRANSMISSION 8-speed automatic DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 105.7 in Length: 186.5 in Width: 70.8 in Height: 57.7 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 51/43 ft3 Trunk Volume: 14 ft3 Curb Weight (C/D est): 3100 lb PERFORMANCE (C/D EST) 60 mph: 7.1 sec 1/4-Mile: 15.5 sec Top Speed: 126 mph EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 33/29/39–40 mpg More Features and Specs
Auto Express
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Car Hunter: Help! I need a small, stylish and spacious car for £7,000
If you want to get ahead in the urban jungle, then a city car should be at the top of your shopping list. Small, easy to drive and cost-effective to run, they can fit through the tight gaps and into the smallest parking spaces. The best city cars offer style, a classy cabin and are equally at home on the open road as they are on city streets. Advertisement - Article continues below Few are as funky as the Smart ForFour, which combines distinctive looks with a novel rear-engined layout and the sort of quality you'd expect from parent firm Mercedes. Or how about the MINI hatchback? Ever since BMW reinvented the British icon two decades ago, it has set the small-car standard for eye-catching style and driver fun. Taking a similarly retro-themed approach is the Fiat 500, which features cheeky looks and some of the lowest running costs in the business. For: Looks great, easy to drive, packed with equipment Against: Cramped rear seats, weak engine and handling Despite nearing its 20th birthday, the Fiat 500 still looks as fresh and trendy as ever, especially in Lounge trim that adds neat alloys and a range of funky colours. Only on the move does the car's age show, with its 1.2-litre engine being the most sluggish and least efficient here. The ride is also a little bouncy, and the light steering offers little feedback. Yet it's a doddle to drive in town. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Huge popularity when new means there's plenty of choice on the used car market, and £6,800 buys you a 21-plate Mild Hybrid Pop with just 35,000 miles on the clock. Advertisement - Article continues below The style continues inside, where a full-width body-coloured dash insert and heavily cowled dials hark back to the original 500. The light-coloured trim materials and distinctive checked fabric on the seats make the 500 feels surprisingly luxurious. This is enhanced by a generous amount of kit, including touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto, a panoramic glass roof, air-con, cruise control and parking sensors. The 500's upright driving position is comfy, but the rear seats are cramped and are best suited to kids. Its 185-litre boot matches the Smart's, but there's less space with the back seats folded. Used Fiat 500 deals For: Great fun to drive, punchy engine, refined Against: Expensive, larger dimensions, least standard kit The slightly bulbous third-generation MINI hatchback is the biggest car here, but it's still compact enough to make light work of crowded urban areas, plus it's packed with retro appeal. It's the most engaging of these three to drive, and a range of responsive engines adds to the fun. Firm suspension results in a fidgety ride, but the refined MINI is the best choice for long trips. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Strong residuals mean you'll have a higher mileage at this price, but we found a 16-plate, diesel-powered Cooper with 70,000 miles for £6,000. Advertisement - Article continues below Like its exterior, the MINI's cabin has been treated to some retro design touches, such as the large circular binnacle in the centre of the dash, some eyeball air vents and metal toggle switches. Quality is first rate, with soft-touch materials and a robust fit and finish giving the British machine a real upmarket feel. While the One is the entry-level model, you get air-con, electric windows and infotainment that features Bluetooth, DAB and USB connectivity. The low-slung driving position is great, but taller occupants will feel cramped in the back, and the three-door layout makes access tricky. But the 211-litre boot is the biggest here. Used MINI hatchback deals For: Five doors, tight turning circle and low running costs Against: Basic infotainment, not suited to long journeys If you want head-turning kerb appeal, then the quirky Smart takes some beating. This is largely down to the trademark exposed Tridion safety cage, which is finished in a colour that contrasts with the rest of the car. Despite its rear-engined layout, the Smart ForFour isn't sporty to drive, but with its narrow body and tight turning circle of 8.65 metres, it's the most agile car around town. It rides bumps well, while its 0.9-litre three-cylinder engine delivers decent urge and strong efficiency. For £5,600 you can bag a 15-plate 1.0-litre Passion with 44,000 miles. The Smart is equally adventurous inside, where you'll find a distinctively designed dash and a bold, albeit possibly controversial, two-tone colour scheme. High-grade materials and solid build quality create an ambience that could generally be described as upmarket. The infotainment is fairly basic, but there's a neat smartphone cradle, plus air-conditioning and cruise control. A five-door layout boasts versatility, but while there's plenty of space up front, those in the back will feel a little hemmed in. At 185 litres, the ForFour's boot is on the small side, but the rear bench can be quickly folded flat to free up 975 litres of capacity. You can also fold the front passenger seat down to accommodate extra-long loads. Used Smart ForFour deals Now you can buy a car through our network of top dealers around the UK. Search for the latest deals… Find a car with the experts Flawed hybrid car efficiency data to stifle UK EV sales and propagate pollution Flawed hybrid car efficiency data to stifle UK EV sales and propagate pollution Half a million extra PHEVs could reach UK roads by 2030 in place of cleaner EVs due to changes surrounding the ZEV Mandate New Ford Fiesta: latest details on supermini's potential return New Ford Fiesta: latest details on supermini's potential return The Ford Fiesta could be coming back as an electric car, and here's everything we know so far Kia is returning to its 'Keeping It Affordable' roots Kia is returning to its 'Keeping It Affordable' roots Mike Rutherford thinks new cars are simply too expensive, but some manufacturers are starting to do something about it
Daily Mail
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Micra is back... but as an EV: Nissan's supermini enters an electric era after 40 years on sale in Britain
Nissan has provided new details of its forthcoming compact electric vehicle it hopes will help change its fortunes in the wake of its multi-billion-pound cost-saving drive to save the company. While the new EV might feature a name Britons are familiar with, it will be very different to the car we've known for four decades. A week after the Japanese auto giant simultaneously announced its disastrous 2024-25 financial results - posting a £3.8billion loss - and a £1.3billion-saving recovery strategy to lift it out of the red, it has presented a first-look at its new Micra. It is one of three new EVs scheduled for release before the end of next year, meaning it bears the weight of expectation and success to keep Nissan ticking over. The nameplate is one Britons typically know as a cheap, easy-to-drive town runaround that's ideal for learners and loved by older drivers since it debuted in 1983. And it might look very familiar to some drivers - especially EV enthusiasts. That's because it shares parts with a Renault sister model that many believe is the best electric car on the market right now... Nissan Micra is back... but not as you know it: The sixth generation of the Japanese car giant's compact hatchback has been unveiled... and it is exclusively electric Nissan UK unveiled its new Micra to a select few members of the press on Tuesday. It will see the return of a popular nameplate after the previous (sixth) generation Micra ceased production in the middle of 2023. It kickstarts the Japanese brand's new electric line-up which will also include a revised Leaf and a new Juke EV – both of which will be built in Sunderland before the end of next year - and an unspecified battery-powered city car to follow later. In a blow to Sunderland in 2010, Nissan shifted production of the K13 fourth-generation Micra (pictured) to India History of the Nissan Micra The Micra has been around since 1982, and while it didn't set the world on fire it was known for being reliable and versatile. The first-generation car - arriving in the UK in 1983 - was considered marvelously contemporary, and with multiple engines including a 1.2-litre option and manual and automatic gearboxes it was an immediate hit with learner drivers in particular. The Mk2 Micra – k11 - arrived in 1992, with new engines, and exciting new options like power steering, ABS, and electric windows. A facelift arrived in 1997 including a refreshed interior, and this was one of the best-selling Micras in the UK. The third generation, K12, came in 2002 and brought the bubble look that many younger drivers will think of when they hear the name. It's the version that inspires today's new EV Micra, with round headlights, and bulbous proportions. It had the most body styles of any Micra including the 2005 C+C (Coupe + Convertible) that referenced the Figaro. Before Micra production wrapped up, the fourth gen K13 launched in 2010, and the fifth iteration arrived in 2016. It was more angular, and sleeker with sharper lines and a premium interior. Over six million Micras have sold globally. Micra 'reborn' for an EV generation While the new electric Micra has plenty of nods to models that preceded it, the car maker describes it as a 'reborn Micra' and 'not a retro design'. However, Nissan design manager Bert Dehaes says the new Micra has 'timeless qualities' and 'iconic signatures' from Micras of old, particularly the K12 (on sale between 2002 and 2010) that 'translate to a new generation'. This includes inspiration for the 'bug eye' front headlights and 'gelato scoop' cut out that links the front and rear doors. But arguably the biggest change is that the Micra is much bigger than before in the hope of attracting more family buyers. Micra project manager Elodie Sawruk doubled down on the Micra as now being a 'solid, robust SUV looking car' with 'an iconic heritage inspired design' just with 'modern surprises'. Externally, the Micra is 11cm longer than the R5. It is also chunkier, with a wider stance and side cladding that gives it an SUV look Is it just a rebodied Renault 5? With Nissan's long-running partnership with the French Renault Group, it's great surprise that Micra will be produced on a shared platform to keep costs down. The good news is that it will be based on what is the standout electric car in 2025. Nissan confirmed it is indeed very similar to the new Renault 5 E-Tech that's captured the minds of both seasoned car testers and the general public, who have lapped up its funky design and brilliant driving characteristics. Sawruk said that it uses the R5 as a 'base car' but 'isn't replicating' its French sibling. That said, the interior does feel cut and paste; it uses the same fabrics, 10-inch dual screens (on higher trims, seven and 10-inch on lower trims) and shares the same electronic software. However, there are a few Mount Fiji graphics dotted around the cabin to remind customers that they're driving a Nissan. Externally, the Micra is some 11cm longer than its French counterpart. It is also chunkier, with a wider stance and side cladding that gives it an SUV look. All the body panels are bespoke for the Micra too. But the biggest similarity to the R5 is the drivetrain... Nissan's charging time estimations from 15 to 80 per cent are currently three hours and 55 minutes for the 40kWh Micra on a 7.4kW AC charger, and five hours and 10 minutes for the 52kWh battery Battery, range, performance and charging The new Micra will come with the option of a 40kWh or 52kWh battery. These are claimed to provide 192 and 253 miles of range on a single charge respectively. The smaller battery unit is linked to an e-motor delivering 120hp, while the larger pack is married to a 150hp electric drive system: like-for-like stats with the R5. The smaller battery is available with the entry and mid Engage and Advance trims, while the 52kWh larger battery gets the mid and range-topping Evolve specification. Nissan estimates charging from 15 to 80 per cent to take three hours and 55 minutes for the 40kWh Micra on a 7.4kW AC charger, and five hours and 10 minutes for the 52kWh battery. Using a 11kW device, it will charge from 15 to 80 per cent in two hours and 35 minutes or three hours and 15 minutes respectively. The 40kWh can DC fast charge up to 80kW while the 52kWh version can go up to 100kW which will deliver 15 to 80 per cent charge in 25 minutes or 30 minutes. Practicality, interior choices and tech While Micra has grown in dimensions, it's certainly not a big car - so don't expect a boot of epic proportions. It has a respectable 326-litre boot – again the same as the R5 – and 1,106 litres with all the seats down. The seats split 60/40 as well. It means the luggage capacity is greater than the new Hyundai Inster, which has a cargo space of between 280 litres and 351 litres, and Citroen e-C3's 310-litre offering. There's no 'froot' (a front boot) up front, but Nissan has provided a 27-litre under floor storage area in the back to house the charging cables when not in use. Having sat in the Micra, we can tell you that the interior room isn't all that capacious; there was enough rear headroom for us (I'm 5'3) but a 5'11 colleague had his hair pressed firmly into the roof lining. That said, it is adequately proportioned for kids to travel in the back on longer journeys. The Micra comes with Google Built-In which gives you Maps, the Play Store and Google Assistant along with a host of apps, putting less demand on your smartphone. The Engage trim has a seven-inch digital driver screen and a 10.1-inch display touchscreen. The Advance and Evolve trims have two 10.1-inch screens. Again, this is all very Renault 5, but that's gone down a treat so far with customers. New Nissan managing director James Taylor said that by using an established nameplate, Nissan can entice people into EVs as there is a 'familiarity there'. Will this tactic work on you? Pricing – how much will the Micra cost? We pressed and pressed but Nissan has refrained from revealing the Micra's price. However, the wide bet is that it will ring in around the same as the Renault 5 E-Tech. The R5 starts at £22,995. Pricing and full technical confirmation is expected soon with first drives in September. New Leaf and Juke EVs a lifeline for Sunderland car factory Nissan's new managing director, James Taylor, confirmed there will be four new Nissan EVs as well as new e-Power hybrid models launching in the next two years. While the Micra will be made in France alongside the Renault 5, the Leaf and Juke EV are planned for production in Sunderland. Taylor says this is a 'fantastic opportunity to increase [Nissan's] product offer, attract new customers and grow the brand in the UK'. The Micra was designed by the company's development division in London, further promoting UK jobs. Taylor told press at the launch that using established nameplates helps manufacturers like Nissan entice people into EVs, as there is a 'familiarity there'. He noted as well that the SEO search for the Leaf is still off the charts despite it currently being discontinued – something for marketing to tap into. Nissan's obviously hoping that it can capitalise on the same success as other manufacturers bringing back nameplates from the past.
