The other nominees in the competition were the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Citroen C3/DS3, Dacia Duster, Ford C-MAX/Grand C-MAX, Opel's Meriva, and the Volvo S60/Volvo V60.
The Leaf was awarded 257 points, against Giulietta (248) and Meriva (244).
The result means two key awards in a week for Nissan. The Juke won the Continental Irish Car of the Year 2011 last Thursday.
The Leaf goes on sale in Ireland in March. There has already been strong pre-ordering for the electric compact hatchback, following its tour of Irish Nissan dealerships and retail centres in the autumn.
