New Leaf showcases the future
NZ MAY HAVE TO WAIT FOR A PEEP OF LOWER, LEANER LEAF
Here it is! After a variety of spy images and speculation, Nissan's new Leaf was revealed this week, along with a range of facts and figures ahead of its Japanese debut and subsequent international release.
Launching in Japan as opposed to this week's Frankfurt MotorSShow, 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 over emerging EV manufacturers, such as Tesla. The Leaf is the world’s topselling electric car with more than 300,000 models sold.
Repeated numerous times throughout the presentation was one phrase: “Nissan Intelligent Mobility”. This is the marque's term for the next- gen technology the Leaf will lead into other nameplates in it’s range. The term covers three central themes; autonomous driving, electrification, and “Connected Car Technologies”.
The tech these terms encompass includes 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 car parks. 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 through the use of just the throttle pedal, thanks to an aggressive regenerative braking system. Friction brakes also means that the new Leaf will be able to park itself on hills without the need for a brake pedal. Nissan boast a 378km 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 into looking more like the rest of Nissan's range.
The new Leaf will be available in Japan from October 2. New Zealand will see the Leaf for the first time in 2019, although this will only be for evaluation. Whether or not the Leaf will go on sale in New Zealand new remains to be seen.