Nissan has shared the first images of their new Micra supermini two years after the previous generation was axed, featuring a number of radical changes.

As the popular Japanese brand continues to seek a new partner after relationships with Honda turned sour, the latest version of the Micra will be a heavily restyled version of the Renault 5 E-Tech - winner of the European Car of the Year award for 2025.

Speaking to the motoring publication Auto Express, Matthew Weather, Vice President of Design for Nissan Europe, noted that creating a distinctive model from the retro-themed Renault represented a fun challenge.

He explained: "The Renault 5 is a great car, and that gave us a great base. We then just had to add our DNA and that was probably the challenge.

"When you look at the car you’re going to feel Micra, but you’re also going to feel Nissan, and on top of that you're going to feel a slight shift in what it’s offering."

Whilst the next-generation Nissan Micra features a very similar shape to the new Renault 5 E-Tech, there are a number of notable differences between the two superminis.

The Nissan's front end is defined by a pair of ring-shaped daytime running lights, which surround the sleek, rectangular headlights - somewhat of a nod to the third-generation Micra that proved popular from 2002 to 2010.

The new hatchback also adopts a much sharper appearance, helped by a lower bonnet line and a front air intake hidden by black plastic and chrome trim at the bottom of the bumper.

Whilst Nissan has yet to share any images of the new Micra's interior or details over performance, the new hatchback will use the same AmpR Small platform as the Renault, with customers able to choose from two battery choices.

The standard model will come equipped with a 40kWh battery and 118bhp electric motor, which offers 190 miles per charge and a 0-62mph time of around nine seconds in the Renault.

More premium variants of the Micra will offer a more substantial 52kWh battery pack, for a range of very nearly 250 miles, and 148bhp motor for slightly slicker acceleration.

Whilst buyers will need to wait until 2026 to get behind the wheel of the latest Micra, Nissan has also shared details surrounding the next generation Leaf, which is due out later in the year.

The model that helped to make electric vehicles popular will be re-invented as a crossover, featuring a higher ride height, yet retaining the sleek bodywork of the current vehicle.

It is likely that the new Leaf will use the same batteries available in the Ariya SUV, in addition to using the same platform, and will be produced in the company's Sunderland factory in North-East England.