Nissan Sakura

FIRST DRIVE We try the kind of kei car that could inspire the EU's E-regulation models

- Jordan Katsianis

NISSAN is one of the few manufacturers to offer an all-electric version of a Japanesemarket kei car, with the odd-looking Sakura forging a path few others have dared to follow. You might think that's not a very useful piece of information, but because the European Union is using kei cars to help define a new E-regulation vehicle type that's under discussion, the Nissan is very relevant - so we've taken one for a spin in Japan to see what could be in store for buyers over here.

Kei cars have to obey strict regulations governing their dimensions, and as a result many of them have a rather humorous, very upright appearance. Their maximum length is 3,400mm, while they can't be more than 1,480mm wide. For context, the smallest Toyota for sale in Europe is the Aygo X, but even this is 376mm longer and 260mm wider.

However, one rule that's not quite so stringent is the maximum height of 2,000mm. So, many makers, including Nissan with the Sakura, make their kei cars tall. This not only looks cute, but it's also incredibly space efficient; the room inside models like this isn't just large for city cars, but for cars in general.