Someone in Nissan dropped the ball around the middle of the last decade.
The Japanese brand was an electric car pioneer with the launch of the Nissan Leaf in 2010. It was given a refresh in 2017 but sales have disappointed in recent years. Chinese car makers and others like Kia now occupy the space once filled by the Leaf. In truth, Nissan was slow to
recognise changing tastes…
Many pioneering electric cars, like the Leaf, were functional and a bit frumpy but buyers now expect their electric cars to look good too. Witness the dazzling new Renault 5.
So, this new third generation Nissan Leaf couldn’t be more timely. The Leaf now sits on the same platform as the larger Ariya EV and has a strong family resemblance to that model: it’s determinedly less frumpy than the Leafs of old.
With a drag coefficient of just 0.25, its sleek design optimises airflow to enhance both performance and range. Flush door handles, a flowing roofline, full under floor cover, and sculpted surfaces create a modern profile, while its signature front and rear lighting delivers a distinct, high-tech identity on the road.
“For the all-new LEAF, we’ve introduced a refined new expression of electric design – confident and modern, with unmistakable Nissan DNA,” said Giovanny Arroba, Vice President, Nissan Design Europe. “Its aerodynamic silhouette, distinctive lighting signature, and carefully crafted interior details reflect a deep understanding of what modern European EV drivers value – not just in function, but also in form and feeling.”
Two battery options will be offered, with usable capacities of 52kWh and 75kWh, giving the car an official range of 271 or 375 miles. But Nissan emphasises its efficiency at motorway speed, claiming it can cover more than 200 miles at an 80mph cruise. When you do reach your destination, it will charge at up to 150kW, recovering up to 260 miles of charge in just 30 minutes.
Mechanically, the Leaf has a new ‘three-in-one’ electric motor (meaning it combines the inverter, motor and reducer into a single package) that sends up to 214bhp and 261lb ft of torque to the front wheels. There’s MacPherson-strut suspension up front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear, while wheel sizes range from 18 inch to 19 inch.
Despite the Leaf’s new fastback bodystyle, Nissan claims it has plenty of rear head room, while the boot capacity is put at 437 litres.
The interior has also been completely reinvented, with the dashboard built around a pair of 14.3 inch screens running a Google-based infotainment system.
As you’d expect, the new Leaf comes with a comprehensive suite of driver aids including: ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link, which adapts to curves and changing speed limits for effortless highway driving; e-Pedal Step and adjustable regenerative braking that delivers one-pedal driving in urban settings; 3D 8-point Around View Monitor and real-time road visualisation, which helps manage tight manoeuvres. Standard safety includes Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and Driver Monitor System
Equipped with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality enables external device charging directly from the car, powering a variety of small to medium sized devices – such as kettles, portable lights, or electric grills – when camping or exploring the great outdoors.
Built at Nissan’s Sunderland plant, there’s a lot riding on this new Leaf. The marque has been in the wars recently after a recent failed merger with Honda. Still, it has a lot going for it… including experience gained from having sold more than 700,000 mark 1 and mark 2 Leafs.
Launch details suggest it could yet be a contender again in the EV space, when the this mark 3 Leaf goes on sale early next year.