2018 Nissan Leaf to cost £26,490 03 | 10 | 2017
NISSAN’S SECOND GENERATION all-electric Leaf is now on-sale at Scottish dealerships, priced from £26,490 (including a government grant). The car will initially be offered as a ‘2.Zero’ limited edition, and first cars are due to be delivered at the start of 2018. (Related: New Nissan Leaf boosts range)
Nissan has heavily reworked the new model of the world’s best-selling all-electric car in a bid to take on increasing competition in the fast-growing electric car sector.
Powered by a 147bhp motor — that’s an increase of 40bhp more than the outgoing model — that produces 199lb/ft, it can achieve 0-62mph in around eight seconds, 3.2sec faster than the current car.
The new model, which is also fitted with a floor-mounted lithium ion 40kWh battery — the old car had a choice of 24kWh and 30kWh — has a New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) range of 235 miles on a single charge. Compared to the previous model, that’s 80 miles more than the range-topping 30kWh battery and 111 miles more than the entry-level Leaf.
The new model also starts at £500 less than a mid-range Black trim 30kWh first-generation car. However, it is though £4810 more than the current cheapest Leaf, the 24kWh Vista trim.
Nissan designers have responded to criticism of the styling of the first-gen Leaf and ensured this second-gen model has a sportier look, echoing certain lines the latest Micra. Much work was carried out in the wind tunnel to reduce wind resistance and increase efficiency.
The latest Leaf is also the first Nissan to be sold in the UK with the company’s ‘ProPilot’ semi-autonomous driver assistance system. The system — which also features an autonomous parking system — can steer, accelerate and brake for the driver on highways and in single-lane low-speed traffic.
Another first in the new Leaf is Nissan’s e-Pedal. This automatically combines the resistance of the front-axle regeneration system and brakes to slow the car when the driver lifts off the pedal.
Externally the 2.Zero launch edition gets LED daytime running lights, privacy glass and 17in alloys, while the cabin boasts a new 7in infotainment system which is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also a leather steering wheel.
Related: Scotland to stop sales of non-hybrid petrol and diesel cars by 2032
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Jim McGill