Nissan’s third-generation LEAF electric car has been reimagined as a spacious family crossover, writes Trish Whelan and Brian Byrne. The model has sold close to 700,000 units since its debut in 2010 when it was the first mass-produced electric vehicle with a range of just 120kms.
The new model is completely different to the previous model with a sleek new exterior design - every part designed with aerodynamics in mind - a longer range of up to 622 kilometres, faster charging speeds, intuitive technology and more spacious interior providing good seating for five adults, 437 litres of cargo space and power-operated tailgate. Boot space is 437 litres with all seats in use.
Onboard technology is designed for seamless integration. NissanConnect with Google built-in offers Google Maps with In Car Route Planner linked to the range in the battery; Google Assistance for hands-free control over navigation, media, climate; and Google Play for apps, streaming and productivity tools.
The new LEAF comes with a suite of advanced safety and driver assistance features including emergency braking, blind spot intervention to rear cross traffic alert. Its 3D Around View monitor, invisible bonnet view (being able to look below the car), and front wide view, make parking and navigating tight spaces easier, and safer.
Batteries are a 52kWh with up to 424kms range, and 75kWh battery which offers up to 622kms. Both variants support DC fast-charging (unlike previously), and are available in three grades of Engage, Engage+, Advance, and Evolve.
Standard features on the entry level variant includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED signature front and rear lamps, flush door handles, paddle shift for regeneration controls-Pedal Step, heat pump, ProPILOT with Navi-link, and Vehicle-to-Load capability.
Driving the Engage+ 52kWh battery powered at its Irish launch to motoring journalists last week, we were impressed with the car’s exterior styling, spacious interior, the 12.3-inch dual integrated screens for infotainment and driver’s information cluster, the 3D around view monitor, and with the car’s drivability.
LEAF Generation 3 model is built at Nissan’s production plant in Sunderland. Prices are from €36,095 to €51,795. All pricing is inclusive of applicable VRT Relief. Pricing for the more powerful 75kWh Advance and Evolve grades excludes the SEAI €3,500 grant.
The three generations of the LEAF are pictured below.
