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DS 3 E-Tense vs Nissan Micra
Selected trimPallasChange trim248 mi · 54 kWh · £36,995
Selected trimEngage 40kWhChange trim196 mi · 40 kWh · £22,995
At a glance
In this comparison, DS 3 E-Tense leads on motorway range and running costs, while the Nissan Micra leads on value for money, family practicality and charging speed.
Which should you choose?
Choose the DS 3 E-Tense if...
- you do long motorway journeys - it has the best estimated real-world range at speed
- you want the lowest running costs - from just 1.9p per mile on off-peak electricity
Choose the Nissan Micra if...
- you want the most for your money - best overall spec per pound
- you need the most family-friendly option with good safety and space
- you need the fastest charging of these options
- you drive in the city - it's compact with an excellent turning circle
How we reached the recommendation
Verdict
Our take
The Nissan Micra leads in the most categories, but each car here has its strengths.
ValueNissan
DS
4.5
Nissan
6.2
Motorway RangeDS
DS
4.5
Nissan
3.6
FamilyNissan
DS
1.9
Nissan
6.1
ChargingNissan
DS
3
Nissan
4.2
Cost Per MileDS
DS
8.2
Nissan
6.9
City DrivingNissan
DS
7.4
Nissan
8.9
What each car does better
See the specification differences behind the verdict, with supporting figures for each advantage.
Key specifications
Compare the key specifications for your selected trims.
| Measure | DS 3 E-TensePallas | Nissan MicraEngage 40kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £36,995 | £22,995 (better) |
| Official range | 248 miles (better) | 196 miles |
| Boot space | 350 L (better) | 326 L |
| 10-80% rapid charge | 30 min | 30 min |
| 0-62 mph | 9 sec | 9 sec |
Size Comparison
View:
Align by:
DS 3 E-Tense
Nissan Micra
Length
DS 3 E-Tense4,118mm
Nissan Micra4,084mm-34mm
Width
DS 3 E-Tense1,802mm
Nissan Micra1,780mm-22mm
Height
DS 3 E-Tense1,534mm
Nissan Micra1,530mm-4mm
Space, size & parking
Parking & manoeuvring
Compare exterior dimensions to assess how each car fits UK parking spaces.
| Measure | DS 3 E-TensePallas | Nissan MicraEngage 40kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,118 mm | 4,084 mm |
| Width (mirrors folded) | 1,802 mm | 1,780 mm (better) |
| Width with mirrors out | 1,988 mm | Not available |
| Height | 1,534 mm | 1,530 mm |
| Turning circle | 10.7 m | 10.2 m (better) |
| Clearance in a standard bayA standard UK parking bay is 2,400 mm wide. | 598 mm spare | 620 mm spare (better) |
People & luggage
Compare seating, child-seat mounting points, boot space and towing capacity.
| Measure | DS 3 E-TensePallas | Nissan MicraEngage 40kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot space (seats up) | 350 L (better) | 326 L |
| Boot space (seats down) | 1050 L | Not available |
| Frunk | Not available | 0 L |
| Towing capacity (braked) | 0 kg | 0 kg |
How each stacks up
Percentile ranks against UK EVs of the same body style.
DS 3 E-Tense
Not enough peers to make confident percentile claims.
Nissan Micra
- Uses 143 Wh/km on the WLTP cycle, more efficient than 85% of hatchback EVs we track.
- One of 33 of 232 UK EVs in our catalogue with V2L (vehicle-to-load) support.
Full specifications
| Specification |  DS 3 E-Tense Pallas |  Nissan Micra Engage 40kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4.12m | 4.08m-34mm |
| Width | 1.80m | 1.78m-22mm |
| Width (mirrors) | 1.99m | Not available |
| Height | 1.53m | 1.53m-4mm |
| Wheelbase | 2.56m | 2.58m+22mm |
| Ground Clearance | 170mm | Not available |
| Capacity | ||
| Boot (seats up) | 350L (better) | 326L |
| Boot (seats down) | 1050L | Not available |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Practicality | ||
| Turning Circle | 10.7m | 10.2m (better) |
| Kerb Weight | 1,550kg | 1,400kg (better) |
| Electric | ||
| Battery | 54kWh (better) | 40kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | 248 mi (better) | 196 mi |
| Max DC Charge | 100kW (better) | 80kW |
| Pricing | ||
| UK MSRP | £36,995 | £22,995 (better) |
| Price after EV grant | £35,495 (-£1,500) | £21,495 (-£1,500) (better) |
| Details | ||
| Body Style | SUV | Hatchback |
| Available | 2023+ | 2026+ |
Range & charging
Range, charging & battery
Check official and estimated driving range alongside charging speeds, efficiency and battery technology.
| Measure | DS 3 E-TensePallas | Nissan MicraEngage 40kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Official range (WLTP) | 248 miles (better) | 196 miles |
| Estimated motorway rangeEVcarsguide estimate at sustained motorway speed. | 207 miles (better) | 137 miles |
| 10-80% rapid charge time | 30 min | 30 min |
| Max rapid charge rate | 100 kW (better) | 80 kW |
| Home AC charging | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| Energy consumption | Not available | 143 Wh/km |
| Usable battery capacity | 50.8 kWh (better) | 40 kWh |
| Battery chemistry | Not available | LFP |
| Battery architecture | 400V | Not available |
| Heat pump | Not available | Standard |
Driving & everyday use
Performance & drivetrain
Compare acceleration, power and drivetrain specifications for the selected trims.
| Measure | DS 3 E-TensePallas | Nissan MicraEngage 40kWh |
|---|---|---|
| 0-62 mph | 9 sec | 9 sec |
| Power | 115 kW (better) | 90 kW |
| Torque | 260 Nm (better) | 225 Nm |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
What the critics say
See how UK motoring publications rate each car in their road tests. One car has more review coverage than the other - we show that rather than guessing.
DS 3 E-Tense
Pallas
No critic reviews gathered yet for this car.
Nissan Micra
Engage 40kWh
Watch the reviews
Watch selected video reviews here, or visit each model page for the full collection.
Reviews and videos discuss each model overall; the specifications above apply to your selected trims.
Prices & deals
Calculate your real costs
For a useful running-cost comparison, factor in your mileage, charging access and current petrol or diesel car alongside the EV estimate.
Compare with petrol or diesel
Compare purchase price, energy, road tax and maintenance with a petrol or diesel alternative.
Calculate company-car tax
Work out monthly Benefit-in-Kind using current and future HMRC rates.
Cost per mile
Compare EV charging costs per mile with petrol and diesel using your charging options.
Check a lease quote
Assess the effective monthly cost alongside the list price and expected depreciation.
Safety & ownership confidence
Euro NCAP - Nissan Micra Engage 40kWh
Tested 2024
Adult Occupant80%
Child Occupant80%
Vulnerable Road Users77%
Safety Assist68%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Warranty
Check the published battery warranty cover for each selected trim.
| Measure | DS 3 E-TensePallas | Nissan MicraEngage 40kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Battery warranty | 8 years | Not available |
| Battery warranty distance | 160,934 km | Not available |
Buying options
Get a quote
DS 3 E-Tense
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Nissan Micra
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Frequently asked questions
Is the DS 3 E-Tense worth the extra £14,000 over the Nissan Micra?
The DS 3 E-Tense costs £14,000 more than the Nissan Micra. For that premium it adds 52 miles more WLTP range. On EVcarsguide's combined category scores, the Nissan Micra comes out ahead overall.
Which is cheaper to own over 5 years, the DS 3 E-Tense or the Nissan Micra?
The Nissan Micra is £14,000 cheaper to buy. Running costs are almost identical - about £152 a year either way, at 8,000 miles on an off-peak home tariff. Add 5 years of charging and the Nissan Micra comes out roughly £13,960 cheaper overall. These figures cover list price and home charging only - insurance, servicing, tyres and depreciation will move the real total.
What are the DS 3 E-Tense and Nissan Micra like on a long motorway trip?
EVcarsguide estimates a real-world motorway range of about 207 miles for the DS 3 E-Tense and 137 miles for the Nissan Micra - both below their WLTP figures, because sustained high speed is the hardest case for an EV. The DS 3 E-Tense goes roughly 70 miles further between charging stops. Both rapid-charge to 80% in a similar time, around 30-30 minutes.
Which is easier to park and drive in town, the DS 3 E-Tense or the Nissan Micra?
The two are within 22 mm on width, so neither is meaningfully easier to thread into a tight space. In a standard 2,400 mm bay that leaves about 620 mm of total clearance for the Nissan Micra and about 598 mm of total clearance for the DS 3 E-Tense. The Nissan Micra also turns in a 0.5 m tighter circle, which helps with U-turns and multi-storey ramps.
Go deeper on each car
Visit the full model pages for owner feedback, expert reviews, used prices and battery-health information.
Compare against other rivals
Compare similarly sized and priced electric cars before finalising your shortlist.
More DS 3 E-Tense comparisons
More Nissan Micra comparisons
See both cars in our rankings
EVcarsguide scores every verified EV on price, range, family use and running costs. Here is where this pair appears.
Where the DS 3 E-Tense and Nissan Micra rank among the cheapest EVs after the grantWhere the DS 3 E-Tense and Nissan Micra rank among the best family EVsWhere the DS 3 E-Tense and Nissan Micra rank among EVs under £40,000Where the DS 3 E-Tense and Nissan Micra rank among the best small electric carsWhere the DS 3 E-Tense and Nissan Micra rank among the best motorway EVsWhere the DS 3 E-Tense and Nissan Micra rank among the best city EVs
If neither is quite right
Explore other verified electric cars that may better suit the priorities this pair does not meet.
Data accuracy
Specs are sourced from manufacturer websites and manually reviewed. These figures were last verified .