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Nissan Leaf: Test Drive Review

Date: 10 May 2013   |   Author: Tristan Young

Category: Lower medium
P11D price: £28,435
Key rival: VW Golf Bluemotion
On sale: May 2013

Just two years in and Nissan has revised its all-electric Leaf to make it more efficient and more user-friendly.

Visually, there's little to tell new from old, at least externally. There's a slightly revised front bumper, new alloy wheel design and an extra colour choice. However, internally there are some significant improvements. The boot, at 370 litres, is 40 litres larger, as a result of the charging kit being relocated under the bonnet. In the cabin there's more rear foot room thanks to a new (and more comfy) front seat design. The interior is also now available in black, rather than just beige.

Unfortunately, the interior dash plastics haven't seen the same level of improvement and now look dated against the likes of the latest Golf or even Hyundai i30. Nissan also hasn't added reach adjustment to the steering wheel, which would improve the driving position for taller drivers.

But it's the efficiency gains that will be most welcome. Tweaks to aerodynamics, weight and electronics mean the official range has increased to 124 miles from 109. The 0-62mph time has also improved and is now 11.5 rather than 11.9 seconds.

There's also been a few advances that help real-world range too. Responding to customer feedback on the first Leaf, these include a greater level of brake-energy regeneration available using a function on the drive selector.

The first-generation Leaf also suffered from much poorer range when the car was operated in cold conditions. Nissan has solved this with a new, 70% more efficient heater, and the firm was confident enough to launch the car in sub-zero conditions, with seemingly minimal drop-off in range.

Suspension changes also mean the Leaf now feels more secure and 'planted' on the road, particularly at higher speeds.

The other difference likely to attract more buyers is the way the car is sold. Firstly, the Leaf is being offered in three trim levels, rather than one. This means the entry-level Visia is priced from £20,990 (including the £5000 Government EV grant), and offers a car that's less well-equipped than the previous-generation version. The mid-spec Acenta is the equivalent of the outgoing model and there's now also a top-spec Tekna, which adds a better sound system and other equipment niceties such as LED headlights.

But beyond the lower pricing, Nissan is also offering customers the chance to lease, rather than buy, the battery. This knocks a further £5000 off the price, but means fleets will have a minimum of £70 per month to pay on battery lease.

The sum of the changes mean the manufacturer expects sales to significantly increase. In 2014, the revised car's first full year, sales are expected to be 3500, half to fleets. Last year Nissan sold a total of 900. And with the changes alongside an ever-improving charging infrastructure, this increase seems totally achievable.

Nissan Leaf Acenta
P11D price £28,435*
Model price range £20,990-£30,490*
Residual value 35.0%
Depreciation £18,485
Fuel £1376
Service, maintenance and repair £1557
Vehicle Excise Duty £0
National Insurance £0
CO2 (tax) 0g/km (0%)
BIK 20/40% per month £0/£0
Service interval 18,000mls
Insurance (1-50) group 23
Warranty 3yrs/60,000mls (car) 5yrs (battery)
Boot space min/max 370 litres
Electric motor/power 80kW/109hp
Top speed/0-62mph 90mph/11.5secs
Range 124 miles
* not including £5000 Govt. discount

Verdict


For low-mileage drivers, the Leaf now makes even more sense.
8/10

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