Car Review – Turning over a new Leaf
Monday, October 3rd, 2011Jim Rawlings reviews the Nissan Leaf – the electric car leading the eco-driving charge!
Time to put on my bow tie and say “The award for the World Car of the year 2011 has been awarded to…” – if this was an awards programme on television now would be the moment for a long pause while we hold our breath and some celebrity rips open a gold envelope – “…the Nissan Leaf!” Yes, this electric car now has another shiny gong on the mantelpiece to accompany its earlier award as European Car of the Year.
Always keen to take the opportunity to drive a world beater we recently tested this Nissan “Leading, Environmentally friendly, Affordable, Family” Car – that’s “Leaf” to you and me. Some people have preconceived ideas about electric vehicles and comments tend to centre on milk floats, golf buggies or for the classically minded Harrods delivery vans. However let us dismiss any ideas of specialist vehicles. The Leaf has distinctive styling to aid its passage through the air but is not in any way futuristic or indeed “wacky” as some electric powered vehicles are. In fact, if you saw one parked in your local supermarket car park you might not even notice that you were looking at such a futuristic machine.
Interior
Inside the Leaf offers comfortable accommodation for four adults, five at a pinch. Our test model was upholstered in an attractive cream colour which gave an impression of light and spaciousness. It was easy to access using the keyless entry system and the driver’s seat was comfortable.
It was at this point that the differences between the Leaf and a standard car started to become apparent. You get a digital speedo and clock which is no different from a conventional car, but with the addition of a battery temperature gauge and a remaining charge gauge which tells you how far you can travel before recharging. There is a built-in touch-screen sat nav which incorporates a multitude of other functions and is easy to use. The system will inform you of the nearest charging point. The equipment level is high including reversing camera and Bluetooth. I was intrigued by the facility to communicate with the car via your mobile phone or PC to check charge levels, start or stop charging and even start the air conditioning system. With only one model, the equipment level is very comprehensive – the only optional extra being a roof-spoiler with solar cells.
On the road
The next innovation is there is no gearbox and of course no clutch but instead a cute chrome knob marked P – Park, R – reverse and D – Drive. You just press D and accelerate away. Two things strike you immediately: the speed of acceleration with the power instantly available and up to 60mph is very impressive (figures quoted suggest that the power available is equivalent to 2.5 litre V6 petrol engine.) And the take-up of speed on the move is just as impressive; a top speed of 90 mph is quoted.
A display on the top of the dash indicates the power you are using, while coasting or braking regenerates the battery and adds miles to the range. A cute feature is the visualization of a tree which loses leaves as you use power but adds them as power is added back to the battery. An electric parking brake is standard.
It handles well in the urban roads we tested it on and although some of the surfaces were quite rough we enjoyed a comfortable ride. The position of the battery ensures a low centre of gravity which makes the Leaf feel very secure and stable when cornering. Overall the car feels solid and easy to drive.
There is zero engine noise and minimum noise from any other source; indeed as a safety feature a synthesised noise is produced externally to alert pedestrians and especially those with a sight impediment. On the safety theme the car also has stability control and six airbags.
The range is quoted at 100 miles but drops significantly if you use the air conditioning or drive fast. Most test report an average of 80-90 miles. However the manufacturers claim that easily covers the majority of motorist’s daily trips.
Pros
The Leaf is a comfortable, solid five-seater that the AA estimates could be run for 2p per mile against 14p per mile for a similar size diesel or petrol car. It is easy to use and fun to drive.
It is exempt from congestion charge and has nil vehicle excise duty – although this is not necessarily a sales incentive to some drivers with a disability who already benefit from these concessions. Zero emissions from the vehicle but of course a power station has had to produce the electricity initially.
Cons
The price – £29,000 (£24,000 after the £5,000 government grant)
Limited range and charging points (although these are increasing)
Charge time – a full charge still takes 8 hours (although fast charging points deliver 80% in 30 minutes). You will need a charging point installed at home for an estimated cost of £1,000.
Charging stations may not be easy to use for those with reduced upper-limb dexterity or strength.
Summary
Currently I would think this car was suited for an urban environment certainly while the charging structure is still under development.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, 534 electric vehicles were registered in the first quarter of 2011, and they predict that 3,000-5,000 will be on the road by the end of the year. However, confidence in the charging infrastructure will need to increase to reach that figure.
Even given the drawbacks highlighted above, it must be hats off to Nissan to take the bold step of launching the first mass production electric car.
Fact file
Price: £23,990 (after grant)
Is it available on the Motability Scheme???
Tax band Nil
Dimensions: Length 4445mm
Width: 1770mm
Height: 1550mm
CO2 emissions: At vehicle Nil
Thank you to Karl at Desira Nissan for the loan of the vehicle.
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- Car review – Toyota Yaris
This article first appeared in the issue of Disabled Motoring. This monthly magazine goes out free to members of Disabled Motoring UK, the charity for disabled drivers, passengers and Blue Badge holders.
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Tags: car review, disabled, Nissan