The quick take
The Renault 5 is the one I would want to be seen in. The Nissan Micra is the one I would probably recommend to someone who wants the same basic small-EV idea without shouting about it.
Both are small electric hatchbacks aimed at everyday driving. Renault quotes up to 250 miles of range from the larger 52kWh version of the 5. Nissan quotes up to 257 miles for the 52kWh Micra, with 15% to 80% charging in as little as 30 minutes. On paper, there is very little between them. Emotionally, they feel quite different.
Design and personality
The Renault 5 has proper charm. It does the retro thing without feeling like a lazy copy of the old car. It is bright, cheeky and a bit playful, which is exactly what small cars should be. Too many small EVs feel like appliances. The 5 feels like someone actually cared.
The Nissan Micra looks softer and less dramatic. That is not a criticism. Some people do not want a car that looks like it is trying to win Instagram every time it parks outside a coffee shop. The Micra is still modern, but it feels more grown-up and easier to live with visually.
Range and charging
The official range figures are close enough that I would not choose between them on range alone. The Renault 5 with the 52kWh battery is quoted at up to 250 miles. The Micra with the 52kWh battery is quoted at up to 257 miles.
In the real world, both will depend heavily on speed, temperature, wheel size and driving style. Around town, they should be very efficient. On a wet winter motorway, do not expect the brochure figure. That is true of pretty much every EV.
Practicality
Neither car is trying to be a family SUV. These are compact hatchbacks for commuting, city driving, weekends away and the sort of normal life that does not involve carrying half of Ikea every Tuesday.
The Micra has a quoted 326-litre boot, which is decent for this sort of car. Renault also pitches the 5 as a proper everyday city car, with seating for up to five, but I would treat both as best for singles, couples, small families or second-car duties.
Company car and salary sacrifice appeal
This is where both cars become very interesting. Fully electric company cars sit at 4% Benefit-in-Kind for the 2026/27 tax year, which makes small EVs particularly attractive for company car drivers and salary sacrifice users.
The lower the P11D value, the better the tax position, so trim choice matters. A small EV with just enough spec could be a very clever company car.
My verdict
I would choose the Renault 5 because it makes me smile. It has that rare small-car quality where it feels desirable rather than just sensible.
But I can see why someone would pick the Micra. It gives you similar electric range, a familiar name, useful practicality and a slightly calmer personality.
