Nissan Leaf first drive

What is it?

The Leaf is the gateway to a brave new electric world from Nissan. Forget the Mitsubishi i-MiEV and Mini E, and even the dorky G-Wiz. The five-seater Leaf is the world’s first, purpose-built mass-produced electric car.

And it could very well be a defining moment in automotive history on the way to cleaning up emissions and weaning us off fossil fuels. As it’s purpose-built, the Leaf employs its own unique platform and body that meet all C-segment safety regulations.

It’s powered by 48 laminated lithium-ion battery modules and a high-response synchronous electric motor that generates 107bhp and 206lb ft of torque. The battery pack is located directly beneath the front and rear rows of seats to keep weight low and central for greater on-road stability and handling.

It’ll travel 100 miles on a full charge claims Nissan, takes around eight hours to recharge using 220-240V power supply and produces – need we say – zero tailpipe emissions.

See test pics of the Nissan Leaf

What’s it like?

It certainly looks better in the flesh than in photos. Designers were able to differentiate the Leaf’s styling from conventional hatchbacks and give it a unique, short-nosed, rakish front end simply because the car doesn’t have a bulky engine up front.

In the driver’s seat, the Leaf feels like any other hatchback. Push the starter button and a three to four second long computer-like ‘reboot’ jingle plays to inform that the vehicle is ready for action. Flick the mouse-shaped gear selector to “D” mode, floor the throttle and you have 100 per cent instant torque on tap.

From zero to 30mph, the Leaf accelerates faster than a V6 but progress slows as revs rise. The Leaf will reach 60 mph from rest in 11.5 seconds which is comparable to a base-spec petrol Golf. Top speed is 90mph, but then the Leaf was not designed for loads of motorway miles.

Power delivery from the CVT is silky smooth, effortless and above all, whisper quiet apart from a barely audible whir from the motor. To warn pedestrians of its presence, engineers have fitted an engine bay mounted speaker that sounds a low-pitched whistle at speeds of up to 30km/h and in reverse. This is clever and answers early critics of EVs.

Flick the mouse to “Eco” mode and the on-board computer automatically switches its programming to dial down the air-con and throttle response while boosting regenerative braking, thus improving driving range by as much as 10 percent.

We remember smiling as we took our first corner, because the Leaf handles with surprising poise and purpose of mission. With the heavy battery pack positioned nice and low in the platform, the Nissan turns in with precision and well-weighted steering while exhibiting almost no body roll and no understeer.

Ride quality was firm and comfortable on Nissan’s Oppama proving ground, although we reserve our verdict on ride until we can get onto some worthy B-roads. But even on Nissan’s smooth test track, we were not so sure about the choice of eco-tyres.

While they maximise mileage and minimise rolling resistance, the all-weather rubber do not grip as well as summer tyre option and tend to squeal in corners. But even with the eco-rubber, the Leaf’s brakes deliver excellent stopping power with a healthy helping of regenerative effort on the side.