Nissan Leaf Review

Introduction

The best-selling electric car in history, the Nissan Leaf continues to lead the charge of a rapidly emerging EV market. Refreshed and modernized, the 2nd generation of the tech-driven Leaf looks set to double down on its growing success in the UK.

Background

When it first touched down in a UK market cautious about electric, the Leaf was viewed by many as a quirky gimmick. But as electric car popularity soars and the electric vehicle revolution takes hold of the UK in the 2020 decade, there can be no doubt this handsomely designed and well-equipped EV should be a serious consideration for anyone in the market for an affordable new family hatchback.

Drive

The Leaf is a smooth and enjoyable drive - near silent on the road and thanks to an upgraded interior, comfortable and quiet both in the front and back. The new Leaf squashes range anxiety fears, with Nissan claiming an impressive 168 miles on the standard model, a huge 50% increase in driving range on the previous model. If you opt for the larger 62kWh battery, that increases the range to an imposing 239 miles, putting the Leaf among the 10 longest-range electric cars you can currently get your hands on.

The revamped Leaf is no slouch, the standard 40kWh battery model has around 150 brake horsepower and is capable of powering from 0-60 in around 8 seconds, with the 62KWh battery option offering a hefty 217 brake horsepower and shaving around a second off that 0-60 time.

• 40kWh & 62kWh batteries
• 168 mile and 239 mile WLTP driving range
• 0-60 in 8 secs
• 150bhp

Design

The 2nd generation Leaf ushers in a new rugged, angular and futuristic design while still retaining a premium overall feel. In doing so, style is cranked up to 11 with a sharp front nose, new “boomerang” lights, and the trademark Nissan ‘V Motion’ front-grille, ensuring the Leaf remains fiercely individual and eye-catching on the road.

The cabin also gets a premium makeover with high-quality materials and stylish blue detailing on the seats, wheel and dash. All models as standard get a crisp, easy-to-use 8-inch touchscreen to control the car’s key functions, with size increasing on higher spec options. Four adults can sit comfortably in the Leaf and the boot is one of the biggest in the hatchback market, with up to 435-litres of space available and the ability to fold the back seats to increase this further. All helping to firm up the Leaf’s credentials as a practical family hatchback.

• Stylish new design
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Premium aqua blue stitching
• 435 litre boot

Options & Specs

There are four spec levels available with the Leaf; ‘Acenta’, ‘N-Connecta’, ‘Tekna’ and top of the range 'e Tekna’.

The Leaf is generously equipped from top to bottom, with the entry level Acenta model offering an 8- inch touchscreen, sat-nav, Apple Car Play and Android Auto. N Connecta trim gives you improved safety assists, a 360-degree camera and rear privacy glass.

Upgrade to Tekna and you’ll get heated seats in the front and back, 7-speaker Bose stereo system and Nissan’s flagship PROPILOT autonomous driver assistance pack. The top of the range Nissan e Tekna model gives by far the most substantial upgrade, with man-made suede seats, a swish metallic blue front bumper and the addition of a 64kWh battery improving the Leaf’s range to an impressive 239 miles.

• Four trim levels
• Apple Car Play & Android Auto
• Upgraded 64kWh battery available

Running Costs

The Leaf is simple and cheap to run, with the most preferable option being a public 50kW charging point which will restore the Leaf battery to 80% in around 40 minutes. These are becoming far more common in the UK at everyday locations such as supermarkets, cinemas and gyms and can usually be located through a variety of third-party apps.

If it’s convenience you’re after, the wall-mounted 6kW home charger can charge comfortably overnight, taking just over 6 hours to reach full charge from empty. There’s always the option to charge from a standard 3-pin socket, but it will take around 13 hours to fill your Leaf to 100% and its worth factoring in your energy tariffs before taking this route.

Nissan have also safeguarded fears on the lifespan of the Leaf’s battery, with an eight-year and 100,000-mile warranty in place should the unlikely happen and your battery prematurely run into issues.

• Charge at home or using public charge points
• 6 hours to fully charge at home
• Charge fully overnight
• 100,000-mile battery warranty

Summary

It’s official that electric cars are here to stay – with current sales figures rocketing and new models arriving at a rate of knots. The Nissan Leaf sits at the forefront of this change to the automotive category, and thanks to a full generation already under its belt it holds a clear advantage over the flurry of new electric rivals entering the market.

With the first generation acting as a springboard for success, the new Nissan Leaf offers improved technology, smarter design and utilizes the best range technology to position itself as an excellent mid-size family hatchback. No longer a radical alternative, the new Nissan Leaf is well-equipped to not only lead the way for electric hatchbacks but go toe-to-toe with its combustion engine rivals too.

• Trendsetting EV
• Futuristic looks
• Market leading tech
• Leasing costs from £178.99 per month.

*Based on Select’s car review website metascore analysis, taking into account the UK’s top six leading independent car review site scores, the Nissan Leaf scores a fantastic 4.1 out of 5 

Where to next?

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_{*Score based on Select’s unique meta score analysis, taking into account the UK’s top five leading independent car website reviews of the Nissan Leaf}

_{**Correct as of 18/04/2023. Based on 9 months initial payment, 5,000 miles over a 48 month lease. Initial payment equivalent to 9 monthly payments or £2,298.42 Ts and Cs apply. Credit is subject to status.}