Overview
Nowadays, electric cars are an ideal option for large and small families. They have many advantages over fuel models and are also easily adapted to the needs of drivers and passengers. The leader among all family electric cars is often called the Nissan Leaf by experts and ordinary users. It has virtually no weak points and creates ideal conditions for travel for people of all ages. We invite you to look at this car and understand why it is considered the best in its class.
What is the Nissan Leaf?
In 2010, the famous Japanese company Nissan released the electric model Leaf, the first such car in the world to be launched into mass production. This significant event prompted other manufacturers to develop their electric cars more actively. They attracted the best specialists to work and tried to catch up with the Japanese.
The Nissan Leaf is a 5-door hatchback. Its first generation appeared in 2010, and the second was in 2017. The newer version eliminated some problems and became more attractive. Throughout its history, this car has been constantly improved. The developers supplemented it with innovative developments, which made it possible to stay ahead of competitors. This circumstance also allowed the Nissan Leaf to win various international awards regularly and, until 2020, hold the status of the best-selling electric car in the world.
Today, the Nissan Leaf remains a popular model. It is actively sold in Europe and North America and occupies a worthy place in terms of sales in its native Japan. You can buy it in the company’s showrooms and at Nissan GTR salvage auctions, where many other brand models are also sold. Currently, the basic configuration of the newest version costs $ 28,140. This price is meager compared to similar competitors’ models, making the Nissan Leaf one of the most affordable electric cars. This model is the best option for families with different financial capabilities.
Key characteristics and safety of the car
Nissan Leaf is attractive not only for its low cost but also for its excellent characteristics. In almost all respects, this model is slightly inferior to one or another competitor, but in combination, it is much superior to each. This is explained by the fact that Nissan knows how to find the optimal balance, depriving the electric car of shortcomings.
Leaf is a front-wheel-drive car. It is equipped with Nissan EM57-branded engines originally developed specifically for this model. Today, Leaf is offered with electric motors with 148 hp and 236 hp capacity. Their capabilities allow it to accelerate to 100 km/h in 7.4 and 6.8 seconds, respectively, and reach a maximum speed of 144 km/h and 157 km/h. These figures cannot be called record-breaking, but for a family car, they are optimal.
Nissan Leaf is produced with standard 40 kWh lithium-ion batteries. Their energy reserve is enough for a maximum of 240 kilometers, which is a good indicator for a family electric car. To charge the battery, you can use a standard 6.6 kW charger or a 50 kW CHAdeMO fast charging system. Replacing energy reserves from 20% to 80% will take only 1 hour.
Nissan Leaf is one of the safest electric cars. This is confirmed by the highest ratings from such status organizations as Euro NCAP and IIHS, as well as numerous positive reviews from owners of this model. The highest safety indicators were achieved by increasing the strength of the body. It does not fall apart even with substantial impacts, which significantly increases the chances of the driver and passengers in the event of an accident. Also, Nissan Leaf can boast the presence of modern elements and safety systems (FEB, LDW, LI, BSW, CTA, HBA, DAA, AVM, MOD, HAS, ESP and many others). They give vehicle owners a sense of security, greatly enhancing every trip’s experience.
Exterior and interior space
The appearance of the Nissan Leaf has changed throughout its history as an electric car. The modern version of this vehicle uses an updated design in which various fashion trends are combined with the classic Leaf. The result is a rather exciting and unique combination with a pleasant visual impression. This model has expressive LED headlights, unique 17-inch alloy wheels and a signature radiator grille.
The interior of the Nissan Leaf has also been constantly changing. At different times, the interior was decorated in black, gray and beige tones, and shades of dark blue were also used. Modern versions of the electric car are darker than their predecessors. The interior design uses mainly black and gray colors, forming a rich interior look. The Nissan Leaf dashboard is highly convenient and informative. It perfectly combines analog and digital technologies, making reading the necessary data easy. The dashboard can be easily adapted to each driver’s needs, making it easier and faster to find information.
The seats deserve special attention. The Nissan Leaf has high-quality, wear-resistant materials, so they will not lose their attractive appearance even after several years of active use. The driver’s seat is height-adjustable, allowing you to choose the optimal position to drive the car as comfortably as possible. The rear seats are not height-adjustable but have a folding design. Thanks to this, passengers have the opportunity to choose the optimal angle. The rear seats can be removed if necessary, freeing up space for transporting large items.
Trims and their differences
Nissan Leaf is available to families in 5 trim levels. The simplest and cheapest is Acenta. It stands out for its basic functionality and the absence of any frills. At the same time, it is not inferior to more expensive modifications in the number of available safety systems. This option is suitable for families who rarely use the car. More advanced is the N-Connecta trim level. It differs from Acenta by having 17-inch wheels (instead of 16-inch in the basic version), a heated steering wheel and seats, and more advanced automatic climate control. N-Connecta also has front and rear parking sensors.
The Tekna trim level is a slightly improved version of N-Connecta. It is somewhat more expensive, but the price difference is not big. The main difference from N-Connecta is adding an enhanced ProPILOT Assist system to the car. It helps the driver control the vehicle and avoid various troubles on the road. The Tekna also has a premium audio system, unique seat trim, cornering lights, and other less significant options.
The Nissan Leaf recently became available at e+ N-Connecta and e+ Tekna trim levels. These are almost entirely identical to the N-Connecta and Tekna but are equipped with a more powerful electric motor and a capacious battery. This makes it possible to accelerate the car faster and increase its power reserve. Both e+ trim levels are more expensive but remain affordable for most families.
Reasons for the popularity of Nissan Leaf among families
From its first days of existence, the Nissan Leaf has been considered one of the best family electric cars. This happened due to many factors, one of which is high safety. This parameter is critical for trips with children and other family members and often plays a significant role when choosing a model. Nissan Leaf guarantees reliable protection for drivers and passengers, which is always considered a priority option. It receives high marks from various organizations and successfully passes any crash tests.
This model attracts families with its reliability and durability. Thanks to these qualities, you will not often need to take the electric car to a car service and change it for a new one after several years of operation. The reason for the love of families for the Nissan Leaf is the high comfort level. People of any age, including children, will feel good in the cabin of this car. For families, the presence of a spacious luggage compartment is also essential. It makes it possible to use an electric car on trips, trips to the store, and other events where you must take many personal items with you.
Nissan Leaf is attractive for its affordable price. This is one of the main selection criteria for many families, so they prefer this model without hesitation. At the same time, buyers get an electric car ahead of many more expensive models in terms of characteristics and capabilities for relatively little money. Leaf is also good because its manufacturer offers five options for completing the electric car, from which everyone can choose the most suitable one.
If a family decides to buy an electric car, the choice often falls on the Nissan Leaf. This model stands out for its excellent performance characteristics, has no problems with functionality and safety, and provides high comfort. Drivers and passengers who are in the Nissan Leaf get real pleasure from the trip and get to their chosen destination without any problems.
