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.

    Nissan-Leaf-1.jpg

    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.

    Nissan-Leaf-2.jpg

    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.

    Nissan-Leaf-7.jpg

    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.

    Nissan-Leaf-8.jpg

    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.

    Nissan-Leaf-4.jpg

    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

    Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on twitter.com/Scotcars

    Jim McGill

     

User Comments

Login or register to post comments.