Nissan LEAF 2010 Review - International

Nissan LEAF

Not so much
>> That we have to wait so long

Less than a year after we drove the EVII prototype version , Nissan's mass market electric hatch is ready for production. And it's everything the maker promised it would be.

Some minor details have yet to be decided before roll out late this year in the USA and Japan, but Nissan's quest for zero emission motoring is on schedule.

Production of the LEAF begins in September however Nissan made 10 road-ready cars available for a pre-launch drive this week at its test track in Oppama, near Yokohama Japan.

Apart from looking every bit as sleek and stylish -- inside and out -- as the show version we saw at Nissan's new headquarters last year, the LEAF provided the same great drive as the EVII prototype and it's now cleverer thanks to small but important developments.

The most basic but arguably essential addition to the LEAF and any 'silent' electric car is a device Nissan calls the Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians. Fitted with a front-mounted speaker, the LEAF uses a sine-wave sound system with frequency from 2.5kHz down to 600Hz which is deemed detectable in all age groups. System technicians avoided "a sound range that would add unnecessary noise to the environment": around 1000Hz.

Nissan worked with the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology (DIO), and cognitive and acoustic psychologists to develop the system. The company's consideration of the visually impaired earned vice president Shiro Nakamura the 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award from DIO, which has held the Eyes on Design auto show since 1998.

At start-up the system will emit a louder sound to alert people nearby and at speeds up to 30km/h a quieter noise, resembling an average small capacity four-cylinder engine, can be heard. While reversing the LEAF sounds like a mini commercial vehicle with intermittent beeping.

From a powertrain point of view, the main change is aimed at extending the LEAF's already impressive theoretical 160km range. Thus Nissan has added an 'eco mode' function to the LEAF.

Response (and torque) from the electric motor is instant. The eco mode has been developed by the LEAF's engineers to soften acceleration and therefore boost efficiency. It's like there's a brick under the go pedal but the result is actually more akin to the behaviour of a conventional small petrol or diesel engine. Acceleration builds gradually rather than golf-cart-like instant step off.

The eco mode extends driving range by approximately 10 per cent, improves energy regeneration and also lowers air-conditioning settings. As part of the upgrade a new gauge has been included in the dash instrumentation, indicating energy use and “achievements”. Saving energy will “grow” a tree icon and the information can be exchanged with other LEAF owners via the car's IT system to take part in a global competition.

The LEAF's cabin is as spacious as the brand's comparably-sized Tiida. Its 48-cell battery pack, weighing approximately 250kg, is situated midship; underneath front and rear passenger seat space which enables low centre of gravity, and better weight distribution.

The production LEAF sees engineers adding yaw control and front-end torque control systems for better active safety and handling.

Nissan won't confirm exact front-to-rear weight distribution until the vehicle's release. An overall weight figure of 1600kg was suggested during the launch, but not made 'official'.

Details regarding charging remain as Nissan announced at the prototype stage: approximately seven hours for a normal charge with 240V outlet. The amperage used for the plug will differ between markets but Nissan knows the quickest charge is served using a 15-amp version.

Styling was determined by smooth flow for benefits in aerodynamics. The LEAF's headlights protrude above the bonnet to create air flow over the side mirrors -- a common source of noise and drag. At the rear the taillights form the edges and are set high above the hatch door, creating fins. It's attractive as well as efficient.

The interior trim incorporates recycled and recyclable materials where possible, and the cloth, door and dash plastics are in pleasant colours. Outward vision is good all around and the cabin is spacious enough for four adults.

It's a combination of great design, good looks, clever features and surprising ability that's made the LEAF a compelling case for thousands of customers already. They've signed up for pre-orders that has effectively sold out early production.

Pricing for Australia has yet to be finalised but we expect a figure above $40K by the time it arrives locally in 2012.

Like the EVII, the LEAF uses an electric motor rated at 80kW and 280Nm. The considerable torque figure is this and any electric motor's forte, resulting in good driving performance. A single 'gearlever' is moved from neutral to drive, or the eco mode. The short shift stick looks and feels like a computer mouse with button control at the top which activates the park brake.

Its steering feels rather artificial but it's at least the match of many 'lightweight' conventional systems. Turn in was quick and comfortable around the tighter parts of the Oppama track and we can assume around-town driving would be a breeze.

Engineers gave us five laps and allowed a top speed of 110km/h. We're impressed by how quickly the LEAF gets up to speed but new owners will find themselves up to and over limits very easily. The eco mode works extremely well to curb the 'enthusiasm' of the LEAF and driver.

The LEAF's dynamics closely resemble the EVII. In fact, there's no discernable difference in the drive between the LEAF and prototype. That's probably a measure of the fact Nissan got its first electric vehicle right from the outset. It'll take a drive on public roads away from Oppama to exaggerate any foibles. Sadly we're going to have to wait til 2012 to find out but for now we're a big fan of the LEAF.

Visit the Carsales Network again for our full technology review of the Nissan LEAF electric vehicle.

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