What's stopping us?
The Nissan Sakura, a compact electric vehicle inspired by the Japanese Kei-car concept, is making waves in Europe. This unique vehicle, with its doors that swing wide open for easy and comfortable entry, is set to redefine the small car category in the European Union.
The EU is planning to introduce a new car category, modelled after the Kei-car, but tailored to European design and customer preferences. The focus is on scalability, competitiveness, affordability, while maintaining high safety and connectivity standards. Notably, the EU has yet to introduce a similar car category like the kei car in Japan.
The Nissan Sakura, a Japanese uniqueness, is already a popular electric car in Japan. Around 30% of new registrations are for this car, a testament to its popularity. The compact dimensions of the Sakura - a length of 3.395 meters, a width of 1.475 meters, and a height of 1.665 meters - make it suitable for navigating narrow alleys, with a turning circle of just 4.80 meters.
The Sakura is equipped with several driver assistance systems, including the "ProPilot Park" system that maneuvers the car into a parking spot automatically. It also boasts the E-Pedal mode, allowing the driver to rely on the gas pedal alone.
The Sakura's power specifications are impressive. It has a maximum power of 47 kW (64 PS) and a maximum torque of 195 Newton meters. Its liquid-cooled battery, with a capacity of 20 kilowatt hours, is enough for 180 kilometers in the Japanese WLTC cycle.
The Sakura can be charged at home with a maximum of 3.5 kW or at a direct current charger with a CHAdeMO connector at 30 kW, and bidirectionally if needed. This versatility in charging options adds to its convenience.
The second row of the Sakura is spacious, with a flat electric car floor and a wheelbase of 2.495 meters. The backseat can be slid and the backrests can be folded down, increasing the trunk volume. Despite its compact size, the Sakura offers a trunk volume of 107 liters.
The Nissan Sakura has been winning accolades, having been named the winner of the Japan Car of the Year Awards 2022/2023. Its name, Sakura, is derived from the Japanese cherry blossom, a symbol of Japanese culture.
The popularity of the Sakura, like the Kei cars in Japan, continues to impress its users, making its fans absolute of this kei car. As the EU prepares to introduce a new small car category, the Nissan Sakura sets a high benchmark for what can be achieved in terms of compact, efficient, and technologically advanced cars.
