Nissan Leaf

Overview

Gone are the times when gasoline or diesel was the only source of performance. Nissan Leaf isn't really the first car to embed electronic workforce, but it is the revolutionary model which brought electric drives into mainstream segment. Having said that, Nissan Leaf is environment-friendly, affordable family small hatchback car by Nissan which offers seating capacity to 5-passengers in plenty of space. Looking after the sales record for this car, it is assumed that it is world's best selling electric car with global success. Specifically talking about Malaysian market, Nissan Leaf hits the target and offers smart alternative for the fuel-sipping petrol-diesel cars. Indeed, Leaf is not lauded with a lot of accessories and features, moreover, its not brands purpose behind manufacturing this car. It is meant to be the forte electric car with a decent performance output.

Interior & Features

The cabin space of Nissan Leaf is futuristic to say the least in accordance to the styling and aesthetics of the drive. A touchscreen is mounted in the middle, which takes care of the entertainment functionality of the passengers. This small car of Nissan offers plenty of room for five occupants and there luggage with boot count of 370-litres and rear seats folding capacity in 60/40 ratio. The seats are covered in leather upholstery with dashboard interfaced multi-information display panel which gives information including speed, time, outside temperature, Eco indicator, lithium-ion battery temperature gauge, remaining percent of the battery, power meter and much more. Other accessories packed in this car that ease driving and handling of the vehicle includes audio control with Bluetooth handsfree, cruise control and drive selector function. While the front armrest houses centre console box wherein you can keep the small handy things.

Exterior

The imprint of being an electric car is clearly felt looking at Leaf's exterior profile badged with Blue Nissan Emblem representing the concept of Zero Emission technology in cars. The body structure is designed maintaining the aerodynamics all-over; starting from the headlamps, side mirrors to roofline and antenna mounted on the rear end reducing wind noise and balancing the vehicle in high speeds. The rear roof spoiler is provided with solar panel that charges battery upto 12V used to run the vehicle accessories. Overall, the 16-inch alloy wheels are fitted with tire size measuring 205/55 R16. Overall dimensions of the car measure 4445mm X 1770mm X 1550mm (L X W X H) while with a decent wheelbase measuring 2700mm there isn't really anything to be upset about in this segment.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

Nissan Leaf is a completely new car talking about its mechanics and performance. There is no fuel tank, transmission or exhaust pipe, it runs solely on 100 percent renewable and sustainable energy source - Electricity. This makes Nissan Leaf economical and energy-efficient car giving maximum power output of 109 PS at 3008-10000rpm and high torque of 254 Nm at 0-3008 rpm. Running with the lithium-ion battery, it takes electrical consumption of 150 Wh/km. This system is mainly equipped in the car instead of petrol engine to reduce the energy loss by instantly converting stored power in the battery to electricity that is used when the user pin down on accelerator pedal. Talking about the performance segment, despite being an electric drive with AC synchronous power input Nissan leaf still delivers a decent 0-100 kmph acceleration in a mere 11.5 seconds, the maximum top speed of the car measures 140 kmph.

Braking & Safety

Firm handling and braking of the vehicle is due to presence of Independent McPherson strut, coilsprings front suspension and torsion beam axle, coil springs rear suspension with all-wheels ventilated disc brakes. Rear-view monitor keeps check on distant vehicles and inform you for the track needs to be followed traversing ahead. Furthermore, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Hill-start Assist function keeps check on vehicle's movement in different terrains by distributing equal brakeforce to all the wheels. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control are provided to reduce engine power, applying specific brake pressure and keep the vehicle in track not loosing the control over steering and wheels.

Verdict:

The car has everything from decent performance, environment friendly engine, to a posh cabin. There isn't really a reason not to buy Nissan Leaf. However the expensive price tag on the car and non-contemporary designing may raise some questions amongst the buyers.