Hampshire Life: February 2019 (^) 91
Turning over a new Leaf
EV pioneer Nissan has launched its second-generation Leaf,
now a more credible alternative to petrol and diesel power
I
t’s seven years since Nissan
launched the all-electric Leaf
and also introduced me to range
anxiety when its 90-mile range
on a full charge nearly left me
stranded after 60. Now the world’s
best-selling pure electric car,
with more than 350,000 sales,
Nissan has launched the second
generation, pushing performance,
power and range boundaries.
UNDER THE BONNET
An electric motor, mated to an
automatic gearbox, now has a
40kWh battery and, with 320Nm
of torque all the way to 3,283rpm,
then the maximum 150PS of
power to 9,795rpm – this is a mean
machine in every sense. New real-
world MPG testing gives a range of
168 miles in normal driving – 242
miles in urban driving with eco
mode. There are charging points –
one for a domestic three-pin plug,
taking up to 21 hours, and a 7kW
home wall charger which takes
7.5 hours, and the other for 50kW
public fast chargers taking 40 to
60 minutes for an 80pc top-up.
HOW IT DRIVES
The Leaf corners flatly, with good
grip and steering feel, to carry
momentum through corners and
avoid wasting battery power
getting up to speed again, but the
ride is on the firm side on rough
surfaces. The unique e-Pedal,
which can be switched on and off,
makes driving easy and relaxing.
SPACE AND COMFORT
It will seat five adults but the
back seat cushions are high to
accommodate the big battery,
legroom is at a premium and
there’s little footroom under the
front seats. The 385-litre boot is
useful, but range-topping Tekna
has an extra speaker for the Bose
sound system on the floor.
AT THE WHEEL
A conventional speedo, eco-power
gauge instead of a rev counter and
battery life and range readouts
are easy to read. Connectivity is a
strong point and the infotainment
screen includes selectable data
displays about energy use.
FINAL SAY
This award-winning new Leaf is
so good, when it comes to electric
motoring, it can win hearts and
minds. And no worries about
range with a bit of planning ahead.
SPEC AND TECH
Price: Nissan Leaf Tekna from
£28,390 after £4,500 plug-in grant
Powertrain: 110k w/150PS
electric motor, 40kWh battery, and
automatic transmission
Performance: 0-62mph 7.9
seconds; top speed 89mph
Range: 168 miles combined; 242
miles city (new WLTP real-world
testing)
WORDS: Andy Russell
MOTORING
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