Are you familiar with the kei car segment? Perhaps not, because in Europe they're relatively unknown to the general public, which only makes them more appealing. But don't be fooled, because if we had a broader perspective, they could be the ideal solution to the mobility problems of large cities . Yes, because these vehicles, at just 3,4 meters long, 1,48 meters wide, and up to 2 meters high, are perfect for navigating very narrow streets…
Well, one of the latest additions to this category is the Nissan Sakura . Do you remember a couple of years ago when the Japanese firm announced the IMk Concept? It was a kei car with a truly attractive design and, most importantly, powered by an electric drivetrain. And seeing the reception it received, it seems they didn't hesitate to give the project the green light. The Sakura debuts true to its philosophy , but wouldn't it be an option in Europe?
The aesthetics of the Nissan Sakura, in miniature, is reminiscent of that of the Qashqai or Ariya...
As you can see in the images, the Nissan Sakura's styling is very appealing . It's true that, being limited to such a small body, it can't afford many design liberties. Even so, it boasts a front end that, in many ways, is reminiscent of its larger siblings, the Ariya and Qashqai . This is mainly due to the shape of its headlights with full LED technology, the "V-Motion" grille, and the prominent placement of the Nissan logo.
The side view is what truly reveals its commercial positioning. Measuring 3,395 meters long , 1,475 meters wide, and 1,655 meters high, it looks more like a shoebox on wheels. Add to that a wheelbase that stretches to 2,495 meters . However, there are a couple of details we can't overlook. First, the near absence of overhangs, which is due to Nissan having built it on a unique platform.
Secondly, it features generously sized rear doors . The reason behind this design is to provide ample access to the second row. Furthermore, the sheet metal-to-glass ratio is well-balanced thanks to the generously sized windows. Finally, we have the rear end, which, apart from a few minor details, is an exact copy of the one sported by the 2019 IMk Concept. Of particular note are the taillights, the shape of the tailgate, and the diffuser.
The Sakura is electric, it has 47 kW of power and 180 kilometers of autonomy WLTC...
As we mentioned earlier, the Nissan Sakura is built on a brand-new platform . Thanks to this, it features an electric powertrain with 47 kW of power and 195 Nm of maximum torque. It's powered by a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery , giving it a range of 180 kilometers. However, there's a small catch: the estimated range was obtained using Japan's WLTC homologation standard.
Therefore, if we measure it using the more stringent WLTP standard, it will be even smaller. Finally, let's talk about its interior. It might seem odd to group it with the mechanics, but its platform provides ample space. According to Nissan, it has four generous seats and a 107-liter trunk . As for the design, it prioritizes simplicity and technology, with a digital instrument cluster integrated into the central touchscreen.
The remaining controls are within easy reach of the driver, but there are a few drawbacks. This is especially true regarding the climate control , as the buttons are entirely touch-sensitive . The overall quality, at least visually, is excellent, with fabric trim distributed throughout the dashboard and doors. Finally, safety and technology also shine, as it debuts innovative features such as the ProPILOT Park system.
Could Sakura be sold in Europe…?
Considering the characteristics of the Nissan Sakura, the following question arises : Would a car like this make sense in Europe? At first glance, it might seem not, but seeing its design, quality, technological level, and range, the answer could very well be yes. The problem is that customers aren't ready for this revolution and are still very attached to SUVs, but we all know that's not the right path.
To give you an idea of its market position in its home country, it will be available in Japan starting this summer in three trim levels: S, X, and G , and its price will start at around $14 . Admittedly, this figure already includes US incentives, but just think how well it could sell in Europe. Perhaps later on… Don't you think…?
Source – Nissan
