Nissan Leaf review
Nissan's timing could not be more perfect. Its ￡23,990 Leaf goes on sale next February, just in time to garner the government's new ￡5,000 grants (and VAT at 20 per cent), which are already factored into that sticker price.
With a claimed 100-mile range from its 551lb, 24kWh, 90kW (121bhp) lithium-ion battery, which powers the 80kW (107hp) AC brushless electric motor driving the front wheels, the Leaf has a top speed of 90mph and 0-60mph acceleration in about 12sec. This, claims Nissan, is the answer. Did I miss the question?
In a short drive along the shores of Lake Geneva it's clear that, while there's power in the battery, the Leaf is a strong performer.
Acceleration is fine and the Leaf is more than capable of holding its own on the motorway - better than most single-speed electric cars, in fact.The steering feels too light, however, and accessing the enhanced regenerated braking via the central gear knob is fiddly.
