Eco cars rated Nissan Leaf Feb 2011
Nissan’s hi-tech electric car, the Leaf, was designed from scratch to be an electric car, which brings benefits in terms of interior space and practicality. It costs £23,990 after the government's £5,000 low-carbon car grant is applied.
Nissan Leaf is 2011 Car of the Year
Our view
The Leaf feels futuristic inside and out, and is certainly the most realistic electric alternative to a regular hatchback – albeit about 40% more expensive to buy than the Golf BlueMotion.
What’s it like to drive?
The Leaf’s silence is striking; electric motors don’t idle, so a ‘computer log on’ chime is all you’ll hear when starting up. The muted whoosh of the electric motor is audible only when accelerating.
It picks up speed much like a regular 1.6-litre petrol hatchback and can cope with short motorway stints. The sat nav can help you find recharging points (there are some fast-charge facilities at selected Nissan dealerships). The Leaf seats five and its boot is only a bit smaller than the Golf’s.
Read our full Nissan Leaf First Drive report here
See how it stacks up against the similarly sized diesel Volkswagen Golf
£72bn figure is based on the price of the Nissan Leaf
Good for: In-town use with passengers and luggage; moderate-distance commuting.
Not good for: Extended motorway use.
Environmental credentials: Very good. 81g/km CO2 (using manufacturer's range and battery capacity figures)
Fuel cost for 50 miles: £1.45
Everyday usability: Average. 100 mile range (claimed) and an eight-hour charge time (using domestic mains supply).
