SAKURA_07_ev
In our last blog on the Nissan Sakura, we introduced you to Japan’s cherry blossom-inspired electric mini car – a marvel of urban mobility designed for the fast-paced streets of Tokyo. Since then, this little powerhouse has taken Japan by storm, outselling even its larger, more expensive EV counterparts. While the Sakura isn’t making its way to Mzansi quite yet, it stands as a brilliant example of Nissan’s forward-thinking approach to electric mobility.
So, what makes this tiny EV such a game-changer? Let’s take a closer look.
Designed For The #BigCityLife
The Sakura is a kei car, a category of ultra-compact vehicles that must adhere to Japan’s strict regulations on size and power output. These cars are built for efficiency in crowded urban spaces, making them ideal for weaving through traffic, squeezing into tight parking spots, and navigating narrow streets. Measuring just 3.4 m long and 1.48 m wide, the Sakura is the perfect fit for city life.
But don’t let its small size fool you—this EV is packed with cutting-edge Nissan technology. The ProPILOT driver assistance system helps with automated steering and braking, while ProPILOT Park takes care of parallel parking for you. It is electric driving made effortless.
Punchy Performance With An Eco-Friendly Heart
Despite its compact size, the Sakura delivers a zippy ride. It’s equipped with a 47 kW electric motor, producing 195 Nm of torque – plenty of punch for merging onto highways and handling stop-start traffic with ease. Drivers can choose between Eco, Standard, and Sport drive modes, tailoring the experience to their needs, whether that’s maximising battery life or adding a little extra oomph.
Speaking of battery life, the Sakura boasts a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery, which Nissan has cleverly designed using stacked cells for a compact fit. It offers a range of 180 km per charge—perfect for daily commutes and city trips. Need a quick top-up? The Sakura can fast-charge from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes, making range anxiety a thing of the past.
Also read: A New Take On The Metaverse – Nissan Sakura VR Launch
Spacious And Smart Interior
You might expect such a tiny car to feel cramped inside, but the Sakura surprises with a roomy, well-designed cabin. Clever space utilisation means there’s ample headroom and legroom, and the high seating position provides excellent visibility. The minimalist dashboard houses a 7-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display and a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, keeping all essential information and controls at your fingertips.
The Sakura also features an e-Pedal Step, which allows for one-pedal driving – lifting off the accelerator automatically engages regenerative braking, helping to recharge the battery while slowing the car down smoothly. It’s the kind of smart innovation that makes Nissan’s EV technology stand out.
A Sales Sensation In Japan
Since its launch in 2022, the Sakura has become Japan’s best-selling electric car. Nissan has sold over 60,000 units, with demand so high that sales had to be temporarily paused to keep up. Part of the appeal? Its affordability. With a starting price of just 2.5 million yen (roughly R300,000), the Sakura is an EV that’s accessible to a wide audience.
It also comes in 15 colour options, including stylish two-tone variations, proving that small and practical doesn’t mean boring. And while kei cars are built with Japan in mind, it’s easy to see how a vehicle like the Sakura could thrive in other densely populated cities around the world.
What The Sakura Means For Nissan’s EV Future
The Nissan Sakura may not be coming to South Africa just yet, but its success signals something exciting – the future of electric mobility is diverse, innovative, and tailored to different markets. Nissan is proving that EVs don’t have to be massive, high-performance machines. Instead, they can be affordable, efficient, and designed to fit the specific needs of everyday drivers.
For South African Nissan fans, this is a glimpse of what’s to come. Nissan continues to push boundaries in EV development, and while the Sakura is designed for Japan, who’s to say a similar urban-friendly EV won’t make its way to our shores in the future?
We’ll be keeping a close eye on Nissan’s electric innovations, so be sure to check back soon for more exciting updates on the brand’s latest developments!
