Sharp-looking Nissan Leaf unveiled with 600km of range
In its third generation, the Nissan Leaf is now a sleek and slippery family crossover that ticks plenty of boxes.
The Nissan Leaf kicked off the electric revolution, it's fair to say, as a slightly awkward family hatchback. Forget all that because for two generations, it was leading to something special.
The latest Leaf is completely reimagined and is no longer wanting for range. It will front up handsomely to the likes of Kia EV3 and Kona Electric.
Nissan will be targeting the urban dweller but also high-mileage business users with a 75kWh long-range battery pack. That gives new Leaf up to 600km of range on a single charge, up with EV3. Powering the newcomer is a front-mounted 160kW motor that gives it a claimed 7.6sec sprint time, while top speed is 160km/h.
Nissan also says peak DC charging speeds of up to 150kW are possible, so a 20 to 80 per cent recharge takes under half an hour. Its long-range Leaf will even offer around 325km of range at sustained motorway speeds of up to 130km/h (UK testing).
The entry-level fronts with a more modest 52kWh battery, and while it aims for urban users, it is still said to be capable of 432km from a charge (WLTP). This version uses a 130kW electric motor. Its maximum charge rate is 105kW. It can still manage a 20-80 per cent top up in 30 minutes. Acceleration to 100 takes 8.6sec and it too tops out at 160km/h.
Design
Where the former Leaf had a Cd of 0.28, this has a sloping roofline, a Kamm-tail rear, and ero management up front. All contribute to a Cd of 0.25. The sloping roofline is key to the new design, the shape being modern, attractive and at the same time aero-efficient.
Nissan has also sprinkled heritage elements into the design of the new Leaf, like the blacked-out rear panel.
It isn't a large vehicle, being 4350mm long, only around 50mm more than rival Kia EV3. Eighteen and 19-inch wheels are available.
The cabin is a mix of clean digital interfaces, and practical physical controls. Its twin-screen layout is new to Nissan, the dual 14.3-inch screens bigger than Ariya's. They also run the latest electronic hardware, and include intelligent voice control and a Google-based navigation.
Below the main screen are touch-sensitive controls for the HVAC system and there's a volume knob, track-seek buttons and a shortcut for the parking cameras. High-spec models will feature a Bose sound system, with a speaker dedicated to hazard warnings and navigation.
Practicality
The rear seats evidently offer good knee and legroom for a relatively compact crossover. A flat floor means okay foot room too, while there is said to be generous headroom, despite a sloping roofline. Higher-spec models will have a sun-sensitive glass roof which helps increase headroom by 30mm.
Expect plenty of oddments storage, while a 437L boot is 50L up on that of the previous Leaf.
Evidently, there will be four trim levels available, at least in the UK and Europe. Specific features and pricing for each of these will be revealed closer to launch in Q4 of this year. Expect standard equipment and pricing to be competitive with the likes of Kia EV3 and Hyundai Kona Electric.
With this new generation of Leaf, Nissan is committed to returning back to the sharp end of the EV class. Here in New Zealand, Nissan says 'It's very exciting to see the unveil of the next-generation Leaf! However, we have no news to announce at this stage'.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NZ Autocar
a day ago
- NZ Autocar
MG QS three-row SUV dots down in Australia
MG Motor Australia now has its large family-sized SUV, the MG QS. It has shipped and is now in dealerships across Australia. The same model is promised here as well, according to the local MG website. So it should arrive soon in both Excite and Essence trim levels. The QS has a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine under the hood, delivering 153kW of power and 360Nm of torque. It mates to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Read our review of MG ZS hybrid+ Essence. MG says its QS is a genuine seven-seater, not a 5+2, and combines practical versatility with premium styling. The flexible third row of seats folds flat to make extra room for prams, sports gear, or luggage. Capacity ranges from 203 through 517 to 1052L, for seven, five and two seats in use, respectively. Both can tow up to 2000kg braked loads. Peter Ciao, Chief Executive Officer of MG Motor Australia, said: 'We're proud to officially welcome the MG QS to our dealerships across Australia. This is our first 7-seat SUV in the market, and it marks an exciting milestone for MG and our customers. 'The QS is designed with Australian families in mind – whether it's the school run, weekend sport or a family road trip. The extra space and versatility of a true 7-seater…will make a real difference in everyday life.' 'As always, we've focused on delivering exceptional value without compromising on style, performance or technology. With its spacious interior, turbocharged engine and premium features across both variants, the QS is a standout addition to our line-up. We're confident it will be a popular choice for families across the country.' Special features include tri-zone climate air, a powered fifth door and a Bose premium sound system. The QS comes with MG's 10-year factory warranty. Promotional drive-away pricing in Australia is $46,990 for the Excite 2wd model, and $50,990 for the Essence AWD version. Specifications
NZ Autocar
2 days ago
- NZ Autocar
New Suzuki e Vitara undercuts Elroq and EV3
The compact Suzuki e Vitara electric SUV is now available in the UK and is selling for less than EV3 and Skoda Elroq. That makes it amongst the most affordable in its class. It also comes with the option of all-wheel drive. Expect it here in 2026. An entry-level variant will be available with a 49kWh battery. Every other version gets a 61kWh battery pack, good for almost 400km of range. New electric Vitara cannot compete on range with the EV3 and Elroq, both being around the 600km mark. Despite a claimed maximum charging speed of 150kW, the e Vitara takes around 30 minutes to recharge from 15 to 70 per cent. See our Suzuki Swift RSC review here. The base model has a 106kW/189Nm motor. A medium-spec variant will come with a 128kW motor also driving the front wheels. Meantime, the top AWD variant has dual motors good for 135kW/300Nm. An Allgrip e 4wd system has a Trail mode that brakes spinning wheels and can send torque across the axle for improved traction. Normal, Eco and Sport modes are also available, while a button on the centre console ramps up the regen. Available to order from July, Suzuki hasn't yet revealed full specifications for the two trim levels. However, much is already known about this newcomer. New electric platform The e Vitara sits on a new EV-dedicated platform called 'Heartect-e'. Suzuki jointly developed it with Toyota and Daihatsu. A heat pump comes standard fit. At 4275mm long and with a wheelbase of 2700mm, the e Vitara is 100mm longer than its ICE power sib. There's an extra 200mm between the wheels for added interior space. It is wider and taller too, though is obviously heavier. The lightest version weighs in at 1702kg, while the dual-motor variant is nearly 1900kg. By contrast, the heaviest petrol Vitara is 1375kg. The design of the e Vitara echoes that of the Suzuki eVX concept revealed in January 2023. Key features include angular wheelarches, a sloping roofline, and extensive use of plastic cladding. There's a three-point matrix lighting signature at the front and rear. Both 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels will be on offer. The e Vitara has slightly more complex body surfacing than the concept while there's no faux-skid plate. Production versions use conventional door handles versus flush-mount items for the concept. The rear ones are hidden in the C-pillar. Its charging port is above the front-right wheelarch. Interior and practicality The concept's interior design isn't quite so motor-show ready but is a step forward on that of the ICE Vitara. Behind the two-spoke steering wheel is a 10.25-inch digital driver's display, part of a widescreen set-up that includes the 10.1-inch central infotainment screen. There's a small row of physical climate controls located on the dash, and a floating centre console. Also present are a rotating gear selector, a wireless charging pad, cup-holders and a large storage area underneath the centre console with charge outlets. The floor in the rear, while flat, is set high which might not suit taller adults. There's another pair of charging ports and two sets of ISOFIX child-seat mount points in the rear. Its 306-litre boot isn't huge; the smaller Jeep Avenger has 355 litres, by comparison. The Suzuki does feature a 60:40-split sliding rear bench though. It can be pulled forward by approximately 20cm. Even so, a high boot floor means maximum e Vitara luggage space is only 320 litres. Suzuki's will share electric tech with Toyota Toyota's Urban Cruiser is a rebadged e Vitara. It is the second electric model in its passenger car range after the bZ4X. And these will also be joined by the C-HR EV soon. Toyota and Suzuki have been working together on vehicles since 2016. In the UK, Toyota's Corolla Touring Sports and RAV4 PHEV have been rebadged as Suzuki Swace and Across, respectively. We asked Suzuki New Zealand about its intentions for e Vitara and it says it plans to launch the EV here next year. Timing is yet to be confirmed but CEO, Gary Collins, says it will likely here early to midway though next year.
NZ Autocar
3 days ago
- NZ Autocar
Sharp-looking Nissan Leaf unveiled with 600km of range
In its third generation, the Nissan Leaf is now a sleek and slippery family crossover that ticks plenty of boxes. The Nissan Leaf kicked off the electric revolution, it's fair to say, as a slightly awkward family hatchback. Forget all that because for two generations, it was leading to something special. The latest Leaf is completely reimagined and is no longer wanting for range. It will front up handsomely to the likes of Kia EV3 and Kona Electric. Nissan will be targeting the urban dweller but also high-mileage business users with a 75kWh long-range battery pack. That gives new Leaf up to 600km of range on a single charge, up with EV3. Powering the newcomer is a front-mounted 160kW motor that gives it a claimed 7.6sec sprint time, while top speed is 160km/h. Nissan also says peak DC charging speeds of up to 150kW are possible, so a 20 to 80 per cent recharge takes under half an hour. Its long-range Leaf will even offer around 325km of range at sustained motorway speeds of up to 130km/h (UK testing). The entry-level fronts with a more modest 52kWh battery, and while it aims for urban users, it is still said to be capable of 432km from a charge (WLTP). This version uses a 130kW electric motor. Its maximum charge rate is 105kW. It can still manage a 20-80 per cent top up in 30 minutes. Acceleration to 100 takes 8.6sec and it too tops out at 160km/h. Design Where the former Leaf had a Cd of 0.28, this has a sloping roofline, a Kamm-tail rear, and ero management up front. All contribute to a Cd of 0.25. The sloping roofline is key to the new design, the shape being modern, attractive and at the same time aero-efficient. Nissan has also sprinkled heritage elements into the design of the new Leaf, like the blacked-out rear panel. It isn't a large vehicle, being 4350mm long, only around 50mm more than rival Kia EV3. Eighteen and 19-inch wheels are available. The cabin is a mix of clean digital interfaces, and practical physical controls. Its twin-screen layout is new to Nissan, the dual 14.3-inch screens bigger than Ariya's. They also run the latest electronic hardware, and include intelligent voice control and a Google-based navigation. Below the main screen are touch-sensitive controls for the HVAC system and there's a volume knob, track-seek buttons and a shortcut for the parking cameras. High-spec models will feature a Bose sound system, with a speaker dedicated to hazard warnings and navigation. Practicality The rear seats evidently offer good knee and legroom for a relatively compact crossover. A flat floor means okay foot room too, while there is said to be generous headroom, despite a sloping roofline. Higher-spec models will have a sun-sensitive glass roof which helps increase headroom by 30mm. Expect plenty of oddments storage, while a 437L boot is 50L up on that of the previous Leaf. Evidently, there will be four trim levels available, at least in the UK and Europe. Specific features and pricing for each of these will be revealed closer to launch in Q4 of this year. Expect standard equipment and pricing to be competitive with the likes of Kia EV3 and Hyundai Kona Electric. With this new generation of Leaf, Nissan is committed to returning back to the sharp end of the EV class. Here in New Zealand, Nissan says 'It's very exciting to see the unveil of the next-generation Leaf! However, we have no news to announce at this stage'.
