The Nissan Sakura is the small electric kei car that we still want but can’t have
With automakers now having fully electric offerings of different sizes, buyers now have more choices. One important segment, especially here in the Philippines, is for small A-segment vehicles. Full battery electric vehicle (BEV) models in this segment include the likes of the BYD Seagull, VinFast VF 3, and the Jetour Ice Cream.
Now, you will notice that none of those are Japanese. That’s because Japanese automakers currently do not offer any small BEVs in our market. Nissan does have one, but we just can’t get it—the Sakura electric kei car.
In case you don’t know what it is, the Nissan Sakura is exclusively sold in the Japanese market where it also enjoys a good amount of popularity. And while it is exclusively right-hand drive as well, we just can’t help but wish we could also get it here in the Philippines.
Nissan has actually recently given this an update that’s aimed at making it more refined and elegant. In front, the mid-grade G and top-spec X variants get a body-colored panel for the front grille, along with a redesigned bumper with U-shaped copper-colored accents. The G and X also get redesigned alloy wheels—14-inches for the X with a blacked-out finish, and 15-inches for the G with a two-tone finish and geometric look similar to other new Nissan products.
True to its name, a new Minamono Sakura paint job is available, described by Nissan as one that “captures the image of cherry blossoms blooming by the water’s edge reflected on the water’s surface,” matched with a Sterling Silver roof.
Other additions include a locking mechanism for the charge port lid and connector, and two 1500W AC power outlets that can be used to power household appliances or be used as a mobile power source in times of disaster. Also added is approach unlock and walk-away locking, rear seat reminder, an additional cupholder on the passenger side, improved air conditioning, and the relocation of the drive mode switch.
As before, the Nissan Sakura is powered by a single electric motor that produces 64 horsepower and 195Nm of torque. It can drive up to 180km on a single charge with its 20kWh lithium-ion battery. Since it is designed for Japan, replenishing the battery can be done through CHAdeMO charging in 40 minutes (up to 80%), or through Type 2 AC charging in eight hours.
With it exclusively designed, produced, and sold again for the Japanese market, chances of the Nissan Sakura coming to the Philippines is nothing more than zero. Who knows though? Perhaps Nissan could decide in the future to expand its markets to include left-hand drive markets like ours, or maybe even make a new small EV that’s similar to this.
