Nissan Leaf

While the Nissan Leaf’s exterior design looks striking and modern, its cabin layout tells a different story. It has a very simple and minimalistic interior that others might find slightly outdated. But, in terms of comfort and functionality, the Leaf’s cabin certainly delivers in these categories. This car’s cockpit offers drivers a leather-wrapped D-shaped steering wheel with multiple controls such as cruise control, meter control, audio, handsfree bluetooth call, voice recognition, and speed limiter switches. It also comes with an advanced driver assist display TFT with a Nissan Animation Meter and EV information, ensuring that drivers can accurately monitor their current driving conditions and perform at their best. 

Meanwhile, all passengers can enjoy the EV’s 8-inch Nissan Advanced touchscreen display audio that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB, iPod, and AUX. This infotainment display is linked to a premium 6-speaker sound system for great acoustics around the vehicle. Apart from these, this car has a great blend of soft-touch material and hard plastics. It comes with a fabric interior trim and well-bolstered seats that provide good ergonomics for everyone on board. 

Its cabin is also surprisingly spacious for a hatchback. Although, its rear space could still be improved since its second row lacks ample head and legroom for three tall and large passengers. This car also comes with multiple cup/bottle holders, one 12V socket, one USB socket, and a console box.

From the outside, the Nissan Leaf looks like a more mature and professional 2022 Nissan Almera. Like its cousins, this EV also showcases the brand’s signature V-motion facade. At the front, it sports projector halogen headlamps with auto on and off, auto hazard lights, and follow-me-home functions. It also comes with LED DRLs and fog lamps. On the sides, its premium-looking two-toned silhouette is very noticeable. This car has body-colored power-foldable and adjustable door mirrors with side turn lamps as well as chrome door handles. It comes with a black roof, which gives this car a hint of sportiness. 

Aside from these, this car has a sporty-looking back end that is illuminated by LED signature tail lamps and another pair of fog lamps. It is also given a rear spoiler (slide sill type). To complete the overall look, its front grille and rear bumper are given an EV black accent. 

The Nissan Leaf measures 4,490 mm in length, 1,788 mm in width, and 1,540 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,700 mm and a minimum ground clearance of 155 mm. This EV runs on a set of dynamic-looking 16-inch alloy wheels.

In terms of suspension, the Nissan Leaf utilizes Independent MacPherson Struts with Coil Springs at the front and Torsion Beam Axle with Coil Springs at the rear. Due to this suspension setup, this car runs smoothly and handles well on the road. Its suspension allows this EV to have a right balance of nimbleness and firmness. Consequently, this leads to a stable and comfortable riding experience for all passengers.

The Nissan Leaf is powered by a single AC Synchronous motor that produces a maximum power output of 150 PS and a maximum torque of 320 Nm. The motor is paired with a 40kWh Laminated Lithium-Ion battery that delivers an NEDC-rated driving range of 311 km on a single charge. It runs on a single-speed reduction gear transmission system and a two-wheel drivetrain. This EV has three drive modes: Normal, B, and Eco.

This car would make a great daily cruiser in the city since it has great efficiency courtesy of its B and Eco modes. It also accelerates very quickly and has an impressive linear power delivery, making it effortlessly run on city roads and free-flowing highways. However, given its limited driving range and the limited number of charging stations in the country, you must use this vehicle with precaution if ever you are going on an out-of-town trip. 

The Nissan Leaf is equipped with the brand’s Intelligent Mobility, a set of advanced driver assistance systems. This includes hill start assist, driver alertness, around view monitor with moving object detection, cruise control with vehicle-to-vehicle distance control, blind spot warning, emergency braking, high beam assist, rear cross traffic alert, a rear view mirror, lane departure warning and lane intervention, e-Pedal, and a trace control. It also comes with standard safety and security features. 

In terms of braking, this EV utilizes ventilated discs at the front and regular discs at the rear. Its braking setup is protected by an anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution and a brake assist as well as a vehicle dynamic control. 

Setting aside its expensive price point, the Nissan Leaf is pretty well-packed for a five-seater EV. It would be a great daily vehicle for consumers (with the budget) who prioritize comfort and functionality over anything else.