The Nissan LEAF has always been a car that divides opinion. Some love this fully electric vehicle for its bold engineering and surprisingly enjoyable driving dynamics, but to date, many other green-minded potential buyers have struggled to make a case for it. But things are changing. For the latest model year, the brand has introduced a slightly smarter look. Plus value has been prioritised across the line-up.
We remember vividly setting off in the first generation LEAF model back in 2010 and struggling to get much more than 60-70 miles out of it between charges. With this second generation design, Nissan claims a homologated WLTP driving range of 168 miles from the standard 39kWh model - or 239 miles (WLTP) from the alternative 'e+' version with its 59kWh battery. Even if you think in terms of a 'real world' driving range being about two-thirds of those total figures (which is our experience anyway), you can't deny that these readings represent an impressive improvement, representing a 50% increase over the final version of the original generation model.
The 39kWh lithium-ion battery that virtually all LEAF models still use produces 110kW (which equates to 148bhp) and 320Nm of torque - making the LEAF feel quite fast from a standing start: Nissan say that the 0-62mph time is about 9.8s. In the past with LEAF models, the amount of retardation you got when lifting off the throttle meant that the brake pedal was something you rarely needed to use. With this second generation model, you'll hardly need it at all thanks to 'e-Pedal' technology that can bring the car to a complete stop when you come off the accelerator. The key news here though is that the larger 59kWh battery 'e+' version of this car has now been priced much more accessibly - and this uprated model's longer 239 mile driving range could be key in convincing potential buyers who might otherwise be swayed by longer-running EV rivals in this segment.
In terms of design, Nissan has made this MK2 model sleek and quite practical - boot space is rated at 435-litres for example. As for charging, well if you can find one of the 50Kw charging points springing up in our cities, you'll be able to re-charge your LEAF to 80% of battery capacity in just 40 minutes. For home use, Nissan can now sell you a 7.5Kw domestic charging point that will be able to fully re-charge the car in five and a half hours.

Intelligent emergency braking with pedestrian recognition

Automatic climate control with pollen filter and timer

LED signature daytime running lights with directional indicator

Electrically adjustable and folding door mirrors

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins)

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW

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Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change

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Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins)

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW

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Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years

Man Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty

Leaf

110kW N-Connecta 39kWh 5dr Auto

Leaf

110kW N-Connecta 39kWh 5dr Auto