Nissan turn a new Leaf as drive to electric picks up speed

Taken From the Irish Independent 06/09/2017 Eddie Cunningham

NISSAN today unveiled their brand new electric Leaf.

A significant departure from the current model on looks and power, the 5dr hatch is due to hit the Irish market next February.

At a time when electric power is regarded as the ‘future of motoring’, the new Leaf’s arrival could hardly be better timed.

The car’s new e-powertrain now gives it a 40kWh capacity (up 10kWh) which boosts its range to a claimed 378km (on the so-called ‘New’ European Driving Cycle) between charges.

The current model starts at €21,490 for the 24kHh version (199km claimed range) and €24,490 for the 30kWh (250km range).

There will be a higher-power version with larger battery capacity and longer range – and at a higher price of course – towards the end of 2018/beginning of 2019.

This new Leaf looks and feels like a larger car now even though it is only a bit longer, wider and lower and on the same platform as the current one.

There will be a higher-power version with larger battery capacity and longer range – and at a higher price of course – towards the end of 2018/beginning of 2019.

This new Leaf looks and feels like a larger car now even though it is only a bit longer, wider and lower and on the same platform as the current one.

And the design of the cabin gives it the typical ‘modern Nissan’ treatment. There is a clean dash and more than a sense of extra space – excellent rear room I found. Nissan claim it can carry five people in decent comfort; four adults I’d say.

And there is a large boot. Good package all round.

It also looks much more like a mainstream Nissan than the current model. Sharp, crisp lines remind me of the Qashqai and Pulsar from the side and the Micra at the back.

Apart from the electric vehicle side of things there are some important elements in the new car too:

*The e-Pedal technology is a key development. It allows you to start, accelerate, decelerate and stop just by adjusting the pressure of your foot on the accelerator. When the accelerator is fully released, both regenerative and friction brakes are applied automatically, gradually bringing the car to a stop. Nissan say the car holds its position even on steep slopes until you press the accelerator again. But, of course, you still have to use the conventional brake pedal for sudden stops.

*A ProPILOT driver assistance system, for use on single-lane driving on highways, is claimed to make driving easier in heavy traffic.

* ProPILOT Park can control steering, acceleration, braking and gear selection to automatically guide the car into a parking spot.

There is also a new interface on the smartphone app so you can monitor the car’s state of charge, find the nearest charging station and pre-heat or cool the car before driving. And there’s a new-look of the 7-inch, full-colour (TFT) display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto feature in the infotainment system.

Road tax will be €120, like the current one, because of its zero emissions and the €10,000 combined VRT rebate and SEAI grants will apply.