2023 Nissan Leaf: What to expect?

With the government's continued support and initiatives to promote the adoption of EVs, the Malaysian electric vehicle segment has been observing remarkable growth. A slew of new electric cars hit the market in 2022, including the Ora Good Cat, BYD Atto 3, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Volvo Recharge models, and Mercedes-Benz EQ range. Well, this year also, the space is likely to host a number of new launches, one of which is the all-new 2023 Nissan Leaf.

The official distributor of Nissan vehicles in Malaysia, Edaran Tan Chong Motor, has recently teased the arrival of the 2023 Nissan Leaf on its social media handle with the “Coming Soon” tag. The upcoming EV is the refreshed iteration of the second-gen Leaf introduced in the local market in 2019. Here’s what we expect from the upgraded model.

2023 Nissan Leaf exterior

The latest version of the Leaf benefits from a revised front fascia featuring a new grille shape, refreshed front bumper moulding, and new headlights with a new black inner finisher. Further adding to the EV’s sleek, streamlined, and sporty silhouette are a modified rear diffuser and rear spoiler, and aggressive new 5-spoke 17-inch aluminium-alloy wheels. The automaker also updated the exterior badges of the EV reflecting the new Nissan brand identity.

The latest colour palette offered in other markets comprises seven options - Brilliant Silver Metallic, Gun Metallic, Super Black, Deep Blue Pearl, Glacier White, Scarlet Ember Tintcoat, and Pearl White Tricoat.

2023 Nissan Leaf interior

Inside, the 2023 model year updates might include a bigger 8-inch infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Nissan Door-to-Door Navigation, and NissanConnect EV and services. The latter will allow the driver “to remote connect to the vehicle to start a charge, monitor the state of a charge, and turn on the heat or A/C before ever getting into the vehicle.”

Other changes that could be made to the new Malaysian-spec Leaf include a new badging on the steering wheel and a fresh start-up video on the instrument cluster. The seats are likely to come wrapped in black cloth with gloss black finishers. Adding to the convenience is a 60/40 split fold-down mechanism for the rear seats and a large rear cargo area that can accommodate up to 849 litres of luggage with the second row folded down.

2023 Nissan Leaf drivetrain, range, and charging

In the global markets, Nissan offers the upgraded Leaf in two versions - S and SV PLUS. The former comes equipped with a 110-kW e-motor that is capable of generating a maximum power of 147 horsepower and a peak torque of 320 Nm. The mill is paired with a 40-kWh lithium-ion battery that offers a driving range of 240 km.

The SV PLUS, on the other hand, is powered by a bigger 160-kW motor kicking out a maximum power of 215 horsepower and a peak torque of 340 Nm. Here, the capacity of the lithium-ion battery system is also larger measuring 60 kWh which lets the EV run for 341 km on a single charge. Nissan is expected to offer the higher-spec iteration in the local market.

As for the charging, the new Leaf will support two charging ports – Type 1 for 6.6-kW AC slow charging and CHAdeMO which offers 50kW fast charging.

2023 Nissan Leaf safety

In terms of safety, the EV is likely to benefit from the latest ProPILOT Assist4 system, which is a hands-on driver-assist system combining the brand’s Intelligent Cruise Control and steering assist technologies. The new Leaf may also be getting the following driver-assist technologies as standard -

• e-Pedal 5 allowing the driver to start, accelerate, decelerate, and come to a full stop and hold with the help of the accelerator pedal only
• Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Departure Warning
• Radar-based Blind Spot Warning
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• High Beam Assist
• Rear Automatic Braking
• Intelligent Forward Collision Warning
• Intelligent Lane Intervention
• Blind Spot Intervention
• Intelligent Driver Alertness
• Intelligent Around View Monitor

2023 Nissan Leaf price

Nissan Malaysia offers the current Leaf at RM 175,800, which will surely go higher on account of the latest technology and higher driving range.

So, are you excited about the 2023 Nissan Leaf launch in Malaysia? Let us know in the comments.

Also read: All-new 2024 Nissan GT-R facelift unveiled in Japan; gets several updates