Nissan updates the LEAF

What's the news?
According to Nissan there are over 100 changes to the latest version of its all-electric LEAF. There is now a three-model range and all versions can travel further before needing to recharge. The new model is available from €20,990 (including the €5,000 government grant as before).

Exterior
None of the changes alter the LEAF's appearance, but customers can now choose from a greater range of paint colours. On the entry-level XE version the colour does not extend to the door mirror caps, which are painted black. The XE also comes with 16-inch steel wheels with plastic trims; for the SV 16-inch alloy wheels are fitted, as are body colour door mirrors. The top of the range LEAF SVE gets 17-inch alloys and LED headlamps.

Interior
The new trim levels come with extra equipment including rear view monitor and remote activation of the charger and heater on the SV. Top of the range SVE models come with Nissan's Around View Monitor, a Bose sound system and heated leather seats. Meanwhile, combining the motor and charger as a single unit has freed up extra luggage space.

Mechanicals
The driving range has been improved by 24 kilometres to a claimed 199 kilometres. A 32kg weight reduction helps in that respect. Charging time can be reduced by specifying the optional 6.6kW charging option, which halves the time needed to replenish the battery.

Anything else?
Running costs for the LEAF promise to be low with Nissan quoting one cent per kilometre - compared to seven or nine cents for diesel and petrol cars. Over a year, covering 20,000km, owners could save an estimated €1,800. That figure does not include any saving due to the €120 annual road tax or the 50% potential saving in servicing costs due to the smaller number of serviceable items on the car.

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