2019 Nissan Leaf - First impression

Nissan has recently launched the 2019 Leaf in Malaysia at a starting price of RM 188,888. This is the second generation of the EV, and like its previous model, it is available in a single trim option. The Leaf made its local debut in November 2018, at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show which wasn’t that long ago and now it has stepped on our shores. So, what are our views on the all-new 2019 Nissan Leaf? Here is its first impression.

The overall silhouette of the new Leaf is simply amazing and is nothing like the previous generation model. There are a host of changes that Nissan has incorporated. At the front, there is the diamond-inspired holographic grille that’s big and looks gorgeous; it comes along with the premium brand badge and thick chrome surround. The brand’s signature boomerang LED headlamps, and daytime running lights have been worked upon and look sportier and aggressive than before. The rectangular front fog lamp unit adds to the deal.

The side view of the electric vehicle displays a new set of 17-inch diamond-cut ‘turbine’ alloy wheels which look good and are sportier than the ones on the previous model. These units tend to add a more modern and upbeat style to the car rather than making it look mature. The new Leaf also gets the iconic two-tone ‘floating roof’ that apart from adding to the style factor, contributes to the ‘car’s aerodynamic front. The dual power adjustment and folding outer rearview mirror are wind-diffusing and are integrated with LED turn signals.

Moving to the rear end of the Nissan EV, we have elements that allow Leaf to slice through the air, thus providing an efficient and unbelievably quiet ride. We see an aerodynamic spoiler, a rear diffuser, and aerodynamic underbody panels. The new pair of tail lamps are sleeker than before and looks sportier.

Now let us open doors and have a look at the interior of the new Leaf. Since it’s an EV and that too a premium one, expect the use of top-quality materials, a driver-centric design, and an immaculate fit and finish. Not much elaboration is required on this topic. With features like a distinctive centre console, flat-bottom leather steering wheel, the Leaf offers satisfactory convenience of driving electric. What we need to focus here is the new innovative instrument cluster that lets you customize every driving detail from power use to the range, all on an analog speedometer, and full-color screen. Under the customizable display options are included - audio information, battery charge, battery capacity, driver assist system, chassis control, and energy economy.

The cabin is quiet and luxurious with all the seats wrapped in leather Alcantara, also with a flexible boot space of 435-litre, you can carry all that you need.

Some of the other mentionable cabin features include - a 7-inch information display, multi-functional steering wheel with multi-info display, audio, hands free telephone, and cruise control switches, Nissan intelligent key with immobiliser, push-start button, adjustable intermittent front and rear wipers, power windows with driver one-touch up/down, automatic air-con system with timer, and cargo area with tonneau cover.

Digging more into the 2019 Nissan Leaf specs, we found what most of you might be interested in the power configuration. Instead of a 24 kWh unit found in the previous model, the new Leaf sports a 40 kWh lithium-ion battery with a claimed operating range of 311 km (NEDC test cycle).

The battery pack is mounted underneath the car’s floor, and it sources power to the EM57 electric motor that drives the front wheels. The mill offers 150 PS of maximum power and 320 Nm of peak torque. Together all this results in 0 to 100 kmph run in 7.9 seconds, and the top speed is electronically limited to 155 kmph.

The 2019 Leaf comes with an e-Pedal function that allows you to brake and accelerate in just one motion making the driving experience exciting as ever. Besides, it also helps to relax and reduce driving fatigue. There are four driving modes on offer - D (offers immediate torque), B (offer more aggressive regenerative braking), ECO (limits motor output & conserve energy), and B-ECO (suitable for downhill driving).

In terms of safety, Nissan Leaf standard safety kit includes six airbags (front, side, curtain), Ride Control and Trace Control, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Driver Alertness (I-DA), ABS with EBD & brake assist, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with Forward Emergency Braking (FEB), Hill Start Assist, and Around View Monitor (I-AVM) with Moving Object Detection (I-MOD).

The new 2019 Nissan Leaf will be offered as CBU units imported from Japan. Though it doesn’t qualify for the current EEV scheme, it gets full import tax exemption. Besides, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), the official distributor of Nissan cars in Malaysia, is offering the new Leaf at RM 3,500 per month for a 3-year contract under the Nissan car subscription service. Great, right?