This updated new Nissan LEAF could be music to the ears of lease customers - because it’s been given a sophisticated new soundtrack.
Nissan has treated the LEAF to something of a ‘recharge’ ahead of the '21 year models going on sale.
It’s still available with two power outputs, depending on which trim level you opt for, of either 40kWh or 62kWh. The lesser of those powertrains delivers a range of 168 miles, while the 62kWh version features an ‘e+’ battery giving you up to 239 miles between charges.
Performance-wise, it’s no slouch. The bigger battery unlocks a 0-62mph time of just 6.9 seconds, which is almost hot-hatch territory. That battery can also be charged to 80 per cent in just 90 minutes using a 50kW DC connection.
The LEAF also remains one of the safest cars on the road. This new version features Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention (IBSI) as standard, as well as an Intelligent Rear View Mirror (IRVM), which is available as an option on N-Connecta and Tekna grades.
In terms of creature comforts, you’ll also enjoy in-car Wi-Fi, as well as full Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
But the big news with this refresh is that the LEAF now features something called ’Canto’, which is a purpose-designed noise - or Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS), as Nissan calls it - emitted from the car in order to herald its arrival and keep pedestrians and passengers safe.
What does it sound like? Well, it ‘sings’ in a manner where the pitch increases or decreases as you accelerate and slow down, and there are satisfying pings and gongs when you do things like reverse or indicate.
Nissan says Canto ‘carefully complements its surroundings and is clearly audible, without being too alarming to pedestrians, residents and passengers’.
And there’s some clever science being implemented here. The sound designers and engineers at Nissan Japan used a ‘spectrum of sonic palettes’ while also considering the precise way humans hear and process sound waves
Marco Fioravanti, Regional Vice President of Nissan, says: “Customer safety is paramount, not only for those behind the wheel, but those surrounding the car as well.
“As the world becomes more and more electrified, this sound will soon become part of the soundscape of our roads as Nissan’s signature EV sound moving us closer to our goal of a zero-fatality driving experience.”
Meanwhile Paul Speed-Andrews, Noise and Vibration Development Manager at Nissan Technical Centre Europe, adds: “After engineering the ‘Canto’ sound, we installed it to the LEAF to enable us to carry out both subjective and objective evaluations to better match the expectations of the European customer.
“It was important that we not only created a sound that aligned with the new regulations, but also matched Nissan’s brand image. We have always been pioneers in safety and innovation and it is great to know we are helping to shape the future of electrification.”
If that ‘sounds’ good to you, be sure to check out some of our Nissan LEAF lease deals.
Enjoyed this? Read our latest news:
- CUPRA unveils powerful VZ5 Formentor
- Renault reveals Megane Hatchback plug-in hybrid
- All-new BMW 2 Series Coupe revealed
- New Emira is ‘most accomplished Lotus ever made’
-
Skoda offers all-electric SUV to emergency services while Tesla's new hot hatch teased for 2023
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to our newsletter here.
