Here it is! After a variety of spy images and speculation, Nissan's new Leaf was revealed today, along with a range of facts and figures ahead of its Japanese launch and subsequent international launch to other countries.
Launching in Japan as opposed to this week's Frankfurt Motor Show, the new Leaf showcases hallmarks of Nissan's future design direction, revised and improved technology, and hopes that the brand's experience and history with both the EV market and motoring in general will give them the edge of emerging manufacturers, such as Tesla.
Repeated numerous times throughout the presentation was one phrase; 'Nissan Intelligent Mobility'. This is the marque's term for the next-gen technology that the Leaf will lead into other nameplates in their range. The term covers three central themes, autonomous driving, electrification, and 'Connected Car Technologies'.
The tech these terms encompass include Nissan ProPilot Assist and the use of an e-Pedal. The former sees the Leaf take on various autonomous capabilities, including the ability to park itself in home environments as well as on the run in more busy parking lots. ProPilot's already been in use on other Japan-specific cars including the Serena people mover and a version of the X-Trail.
Nissan's e-Pedal ensures that most driving behind the wheel will be doing through the use of just the throttle pedal, thanks to an aggressive regenerative braking system. Friction brake also means that the new Leaf will be able to park itself on hills without the need for a brake pedal. Nissan also boast a 378-kilometre range on the new car fully charged; a 40 per cent jump on the last one.
Visually, the new Leaf is wider and lower than the current-gen car, to help improve stability, aerodynamics, and give the car a leaner look. It also wears a revised face, which visually draws it in to look more like the rest of Nissan's range.
As expected, Japan will get the Leaf first, with the first cars to become available on October 2. New Zealand will see the Leaf for the first time in 2019, though this will only be for evaluation. Whether the Leaf will actually go on sale in New Zealand remains to be seen ...
