How do you seize consideration for a brand new small electrical automobile (EV) in a sea of comparable automobiles hitting the market from Asian producers? Straightforward: you slap it with a badge that hyperlinks it to the world’s first mass-produced EV, the Nissan Leaf hatch.
At first look, that’s about all the brand new SUV-shaped Leaf shares with the primary two generations of the nameplate. However regardless of the physique type reinvention, the brand new Leaf was developed with effectivity to the fore.
Therefore Nissan’s obsession with aerodynamics and the brand new look. It’s a design stuffed with fascinating element and greater than a touch of the Nissan Z sports activities coupe when considered from the again.
The headline determine is a variety of as much as 600km on a single cost, however can Nissan hold the worth smart?
We gained’t know that reply till nearer to the Leaf’s arrival in Australia in 2026, however we did get an opportunity to drive a pre-production prototype model of the automobile to its limits at a particular World Automotive of the Yr jurors’ day in France.
How a lot does the Nissan Leaf price?
We’ll should take a little bit of a guess at this one, as Nissan hasn’t introduced pricing for the Leaf in any market but.
Given the circa-$60,000 drive-away beginning value of the bigger Nissan Ariya mid-size electrical SUV, we’d wager the brand new Leaf will begin from round $45,000 for the entry-level variant with the smaller battery (if it’s even supplied Down Beneath).
For the higher-spec variations just like the one examined right here with the massive battery and all of the bells and whistles, we’re anticipating the sticker to be nearer to $60,000.
To see how the Nissan Leaf strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
What’s the Nissan Leaf like on the within?
Regardless of being 140mm shorter than its predecessor, the brand new Leaf is extra spacious inside because of intelligent packaging.
Nissan has tucked the heating and air flow system underneath the bonnet, releasing up cabin area – although this does imply there’s no entrance storage compartment (or ‘frunk’) – which you’ll actually respect from the entrance seats.
The cabin takes heavy inspiration from the bigger Ariya, with an ethereal open-plan really feel up entrance and neat touches all through.
The supplies used aren’t maybe fairly as premium to the contact, however the brand new Leaf is way nicer inside than the outdated one. Our high-spec check automobile featured light-and-dark artificial leather-based upholstery, and a panoramic glass roof that dims on the contact of a button (that includes a dinky little ‘Leaf’ brand inside).
Added to which can be a pair of 14.3-inch screens caught collectively utilizing a slick, Google-powered infotainment setup with extra options than any proprietor will uncover in just a few years of possession.
Sensible touches embrace beneficiant door bins, a big centre console that includes a helpful wi-fi charging pad, ISOFIX youngster seat mounts within the outer rear seats, and a boot that’s 50 litres greater than earlier than at 437L.
There’s additionally area underneath the boot flooring for charging cables or no matter takes your fancy, and the again seats fold down if you’ll want to carry bigger objects.
Whereas front-seat passengers get a great deal of area, once you sit into the rear you’re abruptly reminded that this isn’t an enormous SUV. So sure, two adults will match again there, however three can be a squeeze, and anybody with massive ft will discover there’s not a lot area underneath the entrance seats.
Nonetheless, the tape measure says there’s extra room again there than within the outdated Leaf, so we will’t complain an excessive amount of.
| Dimensions | Nissan Leaf |
|---|---|
| Size | 4350mm |
| Width | 1810mm |
| Peak | 1550mm |
| Wheelbase | 2690mm |
| Cargo capability | 437L |
To see how the Nissan Leaf strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
What’s underneath the bonnet?
The Nissan Leaf is predicated on an electric-only platform – ‘CMF-EV’, shared with the Ariya – with the motor mounted up entrance for front-wheel drive and, in Europe at the very least, a alternative of energy outputs and battery capacities.
| Specs | Nissan Leaf |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Single-motor electrical |
| Battery | 75kWh lithium-ion |
| Energy | 160kW |
| Torque | 355Nm |
| Drive kind | Entrance-wheel drive |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 7.6 seconds |
| Vitality consumption (claimed) | 14.2kWh/100km |
| Claimed vary | 604km – WLTP |
| Max AC cost fee | 11kW |
| Max DC cost fee | 150kW |
Examined right here is the 75kWh mannequin with the 160kW motor. The entry-level variant will get a 52kWh battery feeding a 130kW model of the identical electrical motor.
Official WLTP figures fee the 75kWh Leaf’s vary at 604km and the 52kWh model at 436km. Nissan’s personal 130km/h check at comparatively low temperature (10 levels celsius) noticed 330km and 224km, respectively, that are promising numbers for Australian freeway use.
Charging speeds are up on the outdated Leaf and the outdated CHAdeMO system has been consigned to historical past. The small battery takes AC charging at as much as 7.4kW and DC fast-charging at as much as 105kW, by way of which it’s good for a 20-80 per cent top-up in underneath half-hour.
The 75kWh pack helps 11kW AC and 150kW DC charging, leading to the identical 30-minute 20-80 per cent window. Automobile-to-Load (V2L) functionality is normal, whereas Automobile-to-Grid (V2G) is deliberate by way of a future software program replace.
To see how the Nissan Leaf strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
How does the Nissan Leaf drive?
Refinement is a standout. Aerodynamic tweaks, together with a flat underbody and the form of the rear window (although we don’t like that there’s no wiper), assist ship a quiet cabin even near the quoted 160km/h prime velocity.
On our restricted check loop – a easy, if various observe – the Leaf felt steady, predictable and composed via sweeping bends and completely able to coping with a little bit of exuberance within the tighter corners.
The steering is correct, if gradual, and physique management is well-judged, although the brand new Leaf stops in need of being participating or actively involving for keener drivers. Push too onerous and the traction management shortly reins in wheelspin when accelerating out of tighter corners.
Trip consolation over bumps will want a correct highway check to evaluate, however the Leaf shrugged off crests and undulations with out fuss, shortly regaining its composure even when pushed as shortly because the closed circuit allowed.
The chassis tune is a mature one with nice sophistication in-built, serving to give the Leaf a grown-up really feel that belies its compact dimensions.
The brakes are progressive, whereas the regenerative braking will be adjusted by way of the paddles behind the steering wheel or set for one-pedal driving with the e-Pedal button.
There are Eco and Sport driving modes both facet of the default Regular setting they usually do what you’d count on, the previous dulling response to accelerator enter within the identify of effectivity, whereas Sport mode brings sharper responses.
The claimed 0-100km/h time of seven.6 seconds appears solely plausible, and is swift sufficient for anybody with out drawing expletives out of your passenger everytime you put your foot down.
Given the character of this check drive, it wasn’t potential to get an correct really feel for the brand new Leaf’s effectivity or vary. We’ll check these capabilities once we drive it on public roads later this yr.
To see how the Nissan Leaf strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
What do you get?
Whereas Australian specs are nonetheless to be confirmed, and we don’t but know if all 4 variations confirmed for Europe will likely be supplied Down Beneath, listed here are a few of the highlights.
2026 Nissan Leaf tools highlights:
- Twin 14.3-inch shows
- Wi-fi cellphone charging
- Panoramic dimmable glass roof
- LED exterior lighting
- A number of drive modes
- Adjustable regenerative braking with paddles
- ISOFIX youngster seat mounts (outer rear seats)
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Bose driver’s headrest speaker
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
To see how the Nissan Leaf strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
Is the Nissan Leaf protected?
The brand new mannequin hasn’t but been assessed by ANCAP or Euro NCAP. The earlier two Leaf generations scored 5 stars, and Nissan is clearly aiming for a similar end result right here, with a full suite of energetic security options anticipated as normal.
Commonplace security tools consists of:
- ProPilot driver help system
- Adaptive cruise management
- Lane centring help
- 3D Round View Monitor
To see how the Nissan Leaf strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
How a lot does the Nissan Leaf price to run?
The Nissan Leaf is predicted to be lined by the Japanese model’s normal five-year automobile guarantee with limitless mileage, with as much as 10 years or 300,000km of protection obtainable when you service the automobile at an authorised Nissan seller. A separate eight-year/160,000km guarantee is predicted for the battery pack, as per the Ariya.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Nissan Leaf |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres – normal 10 years or 300,000 kilometres – service activated |
| Roadside help | 1 yr |
| Service intervals | TBC |
| Capped-price servicing | As much as 10 years |
| Complete capped-price service price | TBC |
To see how the Nissan Leaf strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
CarExpert’s Tackle the Nissan Leaf
Pray that Nissan Australia can hold the Leaf’s value down, because it’s a large step up from its predecessors in each respect.
We like the brand new crossover type, and the improved cabin practicality and know-how, whereas the overriding impression from our first drive is the noteworthy refinement, smoothness and maturity.
If Nissan’s effectivity claims are repeated in the true world, the brand new Leaf may very well be as a lot of a game-changer as the unique.
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