Nissan unboxes all-new Sakura electric minivehicle

MANILA: Nissan introduced the all-new Sakura electric minivehicle in Japan last Friday, May 20. The newest addition to Nissan's EV portfolio is expected to hit the market this summer.

Named after the famous Japanese cherry blossom, the Sakura offers greater consumer choice in the EV market due to its affordable price. In a statement, Nissan Executive Vice President Asako Hoshino said, “The all-new Sakura follows the Leaf and Ariya as a mass-market EV. We believe it will be a gamechanger for the Japanese market and will make EVs much more accessible to customers in Japan.”

The Sakura EV brings the minivehicle segment to new heights. Its agile handling and 4.8-meter turning radius allow drivers to easily perform sharp maneuvers. Despite its compact size, the Sakura boasts a roomy cabin and a sufficient driving range, making it ideal for commuting and shopping. It also has ProPilot Park, an automated system that makes parking easier and driving more enjoyable.

The Sakura has the instant, consistent power and quietness that EVs are known for. The Sakura's rapid and smooth acceleration makes merging on highways easier, thanks to advanced control technology and a motor producing 47kW and 195Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the technology developed by Nissan over the past decade through the creation of the Leaf has enabled the Sakura to boast the highest level of cabin quietness in the minivehicle segment.

Three drive modes — Eco, Standard, and Sport — offer the best performance for different settings. The driver can use e-Pedal Step to decelerate gradually and steadily by easing off the accelerator pedal, which also charges the battery via regenerative braking. The Sakura's speed can be controlled using just the accelerator pedal. This makes driving more pleasant on urban streets where repetitive acceleration and deceleration are required, as well as on snow-covered roads where smooth deceleration is needed.

Furthermore, the Sakura's low center of gravity improves stability and provides better riding comfort on uneven road surfaces.

The Sakura is powered by a cutting-edge lithium-ion battery with a proven track record of performance and dependability in the Leaf. The battery is compact due to the unique stacking method of its cells, allowing the Sakura to have a roomy interior. Despite this, it has a range of up to 180 kilometers, making it ideal for everyday use. The battery can also be used as a mobile power source during emergencies, providing a day's worth of electricity to a home.

The Sakura comes standard with the ProPilot Park system, a first for a minivehicle. ProPilot Park automatically regulates the steering, acceleration, braking, shifting, and parking brake while parking. These innovative technologies improve driving comfort and pleasure, from city streets to parking lots to highways.

The exterior design of the Sakura conveys elegance and power. Its front end and illuminating logo are indicative of Nissan's next-generation vehicles. The sleek compact headlights with projector-type triple beams improve nighttime visibility. The G and X grades also include large LED rear combination lamps that are inspired by the latticework on the rear door.

The aluminum wheels' design is inspired by the Japanese mizuhiki decorative knots that are often seen on gift envelopes and packages. This accent, which embodies traditional Japanese aesthetics, gives chicness to the Sakura.

The charging port on the right-side back of the Sakura illuminates when the lid is opened to ease nighttime use.

There are 15 body colors to choose from, including four two-tone variants that represent the four seasons.

A seven-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display meter and a large nine-inch navigation display are positioned horizontally in the Sakura's cockpit to facilitate viewing with minimal eye movement. The NissanConnect navigation system has a number of features that improve the driving experience in the Sakura, such as route planning based on charging needs, an emergency SOS call service, and Apple CarPlay wireless connectivity.

The seats are covered in a premium fabric and feature a cozy sofa style. Their horizontally oriented copper-colored accent gives the interior a stylish and spacious impression.

The cupholders are designed to grip beverages to reduce wobbling. There is also plenty of storage space for daily necessities. The horizontal instrument panel center tray, for example, can house a smartphone, a wallet, and other small items.

The twin-spoke steering wheel gives a sporty touch, while the optional Premium Interior Package includes leather-wrapped steering wheel.

There are three interior color options: black, beige, and blue gray.

The Sakura is set to go on sale in Japan this summer, with prices starting at around ¥1.78 million. Nissan will offer online purchase options such as video chats and a dedicated website, allowing customers to select from traditional face-to-face services to full online ordering from the comfort of their own homes.

Photos from Nissan

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