Insurance Group: 22
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
0-62 Mph: 11.9 secs
BHP: 108 BHP
Range: N/A miles
PROS: The LEAF is easy to drive, well-equipped, spacious and extremely cheap to run.
CONS: It has a limited range which is reduced further in cold weather so it will difficult for most people to live with.
The LEAF’s electric motor generates 107 bhp at 9,800 rpm, while the torque figures stand at 206 lb-ft at 0-2,730 rpm. This translates into a top speed of 90 mph, with 0-62 mph arriving in 11.9 seconds. The electric motor’s torque is available from a standing start. This means that when you press the accelerator there’s plenty of pull and it is pretty punchy on the move too.
The steering is light around town, but is a bit slow, and that can be a little unsettling at higher speeds. However there is plenty of grip through bends and body-lean is well-controlled. The suspension cushions most bumps giving a comfortable ride. Refinement is one of the strengths of electric power and the LEAF is no exception. The electric motor can barely be heard, wind and road noise are well-muffled too.
The dashboard is clear and well-laid out, although the touch-screen satellite-navigation system’s many extra functions can be a little confusing. There is a range of instruments to give you information about economy, charge levels and local charging facilities.
The LEAF’s exterior is a little dull. The materials used in the cabin are basic but the build quality is good. The LEAF comes equipped with alloy wheels, climate control, a stereo, cruise control, electric mirrors, four electric windows, MP3 connectivity and Bluetooth connectivity as standard. It also features an advanced satellite-navigation system with a raft of useful extra functions, a reversing camera and a keyless system.
Those with a smartphone can use it to communicate with the car, making it possible to remotely check charge levels and operate the air-conditioning while the car is still plugged in.
The LEAF’s cabin is extremely spacious. Headroom and legroom is in abundance and four adults can be seated comfortably. The boot is decent size too, with the boot space figures standing at 330 litres with the seats up and 680 litres when the seats are down. The location of the battery pack does mean that there is a large step in the boot floor when the seats are folded, but that is a minor issue and overall practicality is very good.
The LEAF is well-equipped safety-wise, with stability control, six airbags plus an alarm and immobiliser to deter thieves. The LEAF is yet to undertake the NCAP crash tests but Nissan are expecting a high score thanks to the car’s rigid structure. The car’s reliability is not yet known but Nissan have an excellent record and it should not disappoint.
The car comes with a three-year warranty or 60,000 miles. It has low running costs and is exempt from road tax. It incurs a low insurance premium coming under the insurance bracket of 22. It has excellent green credentials with a Euro 5 emissions rating and zero carbon emissions.
The LEAF is priced at £30,990 which is slightly more expensive than its main rival the Mitsubishi iMiEV. It is lavishly equipped however with an extensive range of kit including satellite navigation.
The car has extremely low running costs and has zero CO2 emissions. This means that, like the iMiEV it is exempt from road tax and the London congestion charge. Reliability should not be a problem. It is also cheaper to insure than the iMiEV. However, it may be difficult to live with as it won’t go far between charges and its range is reduced even further in cold weather.
It is a good prospect for those looking for a well-kitted out, eco-friendly, practical medium family car, but requires a fairly large initial outlay and will not be suitable for long distance driving.
If you are seeking a well-kitted out medium family car that delivers practicality, economy and safety in an attractive package, the Nissan LEAF 5dr could be the car for you. With its low running co...
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