Nissan Leaf Summary
The first electric car mass-produced by a major manufacturer, the Nissan Leaf is a good option for those seeking a quiet, environmentally conscious ride. Though it's gasoline-free, that doesn't mean the Nissan Leaf lacks pace—it has a top speed of 140 km/h. The exterior has changed only subtly since it debuted in 2010, and yet it retains a sleek and modern aerodynamic design. The design is functional too, as aerodynamic features such as slanting LED headlights and wind diffusing side mirrors allow the vehicle to achieve better range.
Nissan Leaf Safety
A great deal of thought went into the safety features of the Nissan Leaf. All vehicles come standard with six airbags: front-driver and passenger, side-body front and rear, and head front and rear. Optional automatic on/off headlights and fog lights are included in more expensive trims in models 2013 and later. Other features available in newer Nissan Leafs, from around 2017 to 2019, are:
- Four-wheel antilock braking systems (ABS) and traction control, to reduce the risk of skidding
- Energy-absorbing front and rear bumpers to mitigate the impact of minor accidents
- Blindspot warning and cross-traffic assist for added safety when backing up
- Child seat anchors and rear door safety locks for those with families
Nissan Leaf Interior
The interior of the Nissan Leaf matches its exterior—somewhat subdued but surprisingly sleek and modern. This is true even for older models. As part of a highly functional interior layout, the vehicle comes equipped with standard power windows and air conditioning. Heated seats and steering wheels are also available for models 2012 and onwards.
Nissan Leaf Technology
As this is an electric vehicle, the most important technology is the Nissan Leaf's battery-powered engine. Charging-times for the base model are somewhat disappointing, falling somewhere around 20 hours to get back to full power. Though, you can cut charging-time down to a tenth of that by opting for the Charge package, which adds a DC fast-charger port.
The advanced technology in the Nissan Leaf extends to the vehicle's interior. A Bluetooth hands-free phone system and a USB connection to charge your smartphone are included. With each generation, the Nissan Leaf’s interior tech features and options grow more impressive. Newer 2019 models include:
- Centre console multimedia centre with a five-inch, full-colour display
- GPS navigation to ensure you always end up at your destination
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless integration with your smartphone
Nissan Leaf Space
Due to the smart battery placement in the Nissan Leaf under the seats, the interior of the cabin is impressively roomy for a compact car. Legroom in the backseat is not as plentiful as in the front, but cargo space in the trunk is impressive. However, you don't gain as much space as you might expect when the 60/40 split rear is folded.
Nissan Leaf Comfort
The Nissan Leaf's range is somewhere between 117 km for earlier models (2011 and 2012) and 250 km for the 2019 model. The range could be more if your vehicle has an additional battery pack. The Nissan Leaf’s front-wheel drive and firm suspension are suitable for driving on paved roads, making for a smooth ride in the city and on the highway.
