The best-selling all-electric car in the country still comes with its compromises, but manages to put in a reasonably convincing performance. In fact, the Leaf's biggest problem is that once you strip away the batteries, the electric motor, and the much-hyped 'e-Pedal' system, you're left with the bones of a fairly dull Nissan hatchback.
Mind you, it’s a hatchback with a realistic 200km all-electric, zero-local-emissions range; one that whooshes silently about the place and allows you, thanks to the e-Pedal, to drive it without ever needing to touch the brake (with a bit of practice).
It’s even not all that bad to drive, and if the interior is a touch dull to look at, at least it’s a big step up in quality from that of the old Leaf. Longer-range, bigger-battery version coming soon, which is good as this one still won’t do long motorway runs without a stop for a recharge. And with the state of the public charging network right now, that’s not a good thing…
Best model: Leaf 40kWh SV Premium for €29,940
Price range: €28,690 to €32,600. Finance from €295 per month.
Co2 emissions: 0g/km
Sum up: Makes electric cars make sense.