Name: Nissan Leaf Review
Item: Nissan Leaf
Author: Gumtree.com

Tesla might hog the headlines when it comes to electric cars, but it’s Nissan that’s been quietly dominating the global market. The Nissan Leaf has been cruising around city streets for more than a decade now, and when it launched it spearheaded the current move into electric motoring. These days, its rivals include not only combustion-driven city cars, but a new clutch of electric SUVs like the Kia e-Niro and hatchbacks such as the Renault Zoe. As the electric revolution gathers pace, the Leaf has its work cut out to hang on to its market position.

Visit the Nissan Leaf model page to explore available cars and learn more.

What we think about the Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf is a smartly styled electric car that offers practicality at a reasonable price.

Pros

Decent performance

Good range of kit as standard

Ample space in the boot

Cons

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Lack of headroom in the rear

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Infotainment system feels a bit slow

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Interior could be better put together

The Nissan Leaf launched in 2011 as one of the first electric cars to make a real impact. A reboot in 2017 gave it a more futuristic look, with some sharper angles heading off unkind comments that the previous incarnation looked like a squashed frog. It’s available in five trim levels, ranging from Accenta up to E+ Tekna.

Driving performance of the Nissan Leaf

Our Driving Rating8 / 10

You might not think people buy the Nissan Leaf in search of thrills behind the wheel, but don’t underestimate the fun that can be had with an electric car. The way they take off immediately when you put your foot down will be a source of pleasure to anyone who enjoys driving. The entry-level 40 kWh version of the car can go from 0 to 60 in a respectable eight seconds or so, while the more powerful e+ can do it in 6.9 seconds. The 2017 reboot brought in one-pedal driving, which lightly applies the brakes whenever you lift your foot off the accelerator. The steering feels precise, and the ride in the lighter 40 kWh version feels more comfortable than the Renault Zoe or the BMW i3.

Safety and reliability of the Nissan Leaf

Our Safety Rating9 / 10

The Leaf was awarded the full five stars from Euro NCAP in 2018. It comes fitted with at least six airbags, along with an Automatic Braking System, stability and traction controls. There are also two Isofix attachment points and options for Autonomous Emergency Braking and rear cross-traffic alert. The ProPilot semi-autonomous driving system offers lane-keeping and blind spot monitoring systems.

Under the bonnet of the Nissan Leaf

Our Engine Rating8 / 10

The reboot brought a major upgrade to the Nissan Leaf’s electric motors, with the various versions packing between 147 and 213 brake horsepower. This translates to a car that’s faster than the Renault Zoe, if not quite as quick as the Kia e-Niro or the Volkwagen ID.3.

What you'll find in the Nissan Leaf

Our Design Rating8 / 10

The original Leaf had a kind of globular look to it, which Nissan decided to do away with when it gave it a makeover. The second generation has a sleeker style, and also looks like a more conventional modern car. The combination of sharp angles and curves gives it a cheeky look that’s suited to city living. There’s an optional two-tone paint job if you want to add a touch of individuality.

Comfort and interiors in the Nissan Leaf

Our Comfort Rating6 / 10

If you enjoy a high driving position, you’ll be happy behind the wheel of a Nissan Leaf. Visibility is good in front, though it’s a good thing a reversing camera comes as standard, as over-the-shoulder visibility isn’t the greatest. Interior build quality has come a long way in the new clutch of EVs, and some competitors have stolen a march on the Leaf here. You get the feeling the inside has been kept low-key to keep costs down and bring the car within reach of a wide range of buyers.

What features you'll find in the Nissan Leaf

Our Features Rating6 / 10

An 8.0-inch touchscreen is fitted as standard, and physical shortcut buttons to the side make it easy to use while driving. You also get satnav, a DAB radio and smartphone mirroring. The standard stereo system has six speakers, and upgrading to the Tekna trim swaps that for a BOSE system with a subwoofer in the boot. There’s also a Nissan smartphone app that will let you switch on the climate control before you get in the car – ideal for cold mornings or the occasional sweltering summer’s day. You can also use the app to check the battery charge.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Nissan Leaf

Our Fuel Consumption Rating9 / 10

The Leaf doesn’t use fuel, but Nissan claims the battery will take you between 168 and 239 miles on a full charge. In the real world that figure is likely to drop to more like 140 miles. Charging at home on a regular charging point is likely to take around 6.5 hours for the less powerful version, or 10 hours for the 62 kWh e+. There’s a CHAdeMO connector available that can take these times down to under an hour, or you could uses Tesla’s Supercharger network.

Running costs of the Nissan Leaf

Our Cost Rating8 / 10

The less powerful version of the Leaf is a strong budget option, and the reduced costs of electric motoring will be a big draw for many. The battery comes with an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty. It won’t set you back too much to insure either, with the various versions sitting in insurance groups 21-25.

Our verdict of the Nissan Leaf

4 / 5 Gumtree rating

The Nissan Leaf is the original EV and is still managing to hold its own in an increasingly crowded market. With decent perform and sleek looks, it's a good entry point into electric motoring.

Nissan Leaf Review