ON THE ROAD – IAN LYNAS ON THE MIGHTY NISSAN MICRA 350SR

Prior to the launch of the new Micra EV, Nissan has given one of its wildest creations, the Micra 350SR, which is mid engined a refresh for its 23rd birthday with updated components and even Apple Carplay.

Based on a Sunderland-built 2002 Micra K12 and created by the racing team behind Nissan’s 1990s British Touring Car successes, Nissan GB originally commissioned the 350SR more than twenty years ago to demonstrate the cars platforms adaptability and to celebrate the model’s little-known racing pedigree in Japanese motorsport. The Micra 350SR is powered by the 3.5 litre block from a Murano with headers from a 350Z, NISMO high-lift cams and induction, plus a modified ECU, taking power from 265bhp to around 300bhp and with only 1200kg to propel, performance can be conservatively described as pleasing. Over the past two decades, the car has been displayed at Nissan events and loaned to journalists, but time marches on and, with 2025 marking its anniversary, plus a sixth-generation Micra just around the corner, the 350SR deserved a well-earned refresh. To assist, Nissan GB turned to the designers at Nissan Design Europe in London, the same team responsible for the new Micra EV and who dreamt up the incredible Concept 20-23 show car.

Both Micra EV and Concept 20-23 share design DNA with the K12, notably in their rounded lights and silhouette. The team felt it was important to respect the car’s heritage and place in Nissan’s history, so chose to adopt a light-touch approach. Nissan Design Europe’s young designers, who were already familiar with the 350SR, developed a new exterior look that gives a nod to the car’s original livery, while visually bringing the car up to date. The design combines a satin’liquid silver base with blue highlights and fresh graphics based on Nissan’s new ‘=III 23’ iconography, which appears on both the new Micra and the new Leaf, and was inspired by the rear lights of the legendary 300ZX. The grille and lower parts are finished in gloss black, along with the original, newly refurbished 18 inch Rays 350Z alloys. LED headlights with semi-circular daytime running lights complete the car’s new look, while referencing both the new Micra and providing a brighter and safer view of the road ahead. Moving to the interior, it has been updated with new seats and harnesses, plus a nine inch touchscreen with Apple Carplay and Android Auto for navigation and entertainment. Although this allows drivers to stream music through the car’s new speakers, it is a feature best reserved for cruising or while parked, best let the engine speak. The 350SR made its debut at the 2025 SMMT Test Day at Millbrook Proving Ground; the very same venue used during its development over 20 years ago.

The first Micra appeared back in 1982 and in several markets was known as the March and it replaced the Cherry which was a very popular small car in Ireland. The body style was originally designed for Fiat as a replacement for their 127, but then the Italian carmaker adopted the Giugiaro style of the Uno instead.

Ian Lynas