BETTER PARTSMore reach, more edges
Tokyo (Japan), 6. September 2017
The compact electric car from Nissan looked so far, quite idiosyncratic. Now the Japanese introduce the new Version of the Leaf, and this is very similar to the new Micra. On the Grill the V-shaped clasp that catches the eye, the body is much more angular than before, and moves in a Crossover appearance. With the same wheelbase, the newcomer grows up to four inches in length. With 4.48 metres, the car is significantly longer than the Micra, which remains just under four meters. Even the VW Golf is 4.26 meters in length, significantly shorter. The trunk of the Leaf grows from 370 to an impressive 435 litres (Golf: 380 liters).
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The current Leaf will be sold in 2010. For the model year 2016 he's got a new 30-kilowatt-hour battery, which should be enough for 250 kilometers. Thus, the electric Nissan back, however, was compared to the Renault Zoe, with its 40-kilowatt-hour battery 400 kilometers. Now the Leaf is a 40-kWh battery with Lithium-ion technology. The range of the driving cycle is specified with 378 kilometers, is located somewhat below the value of the (40 centimeters shorter) Zoe.
Significantly more power
The electric motor, however, is significantly stronger than in the case of Renault: During the Zoe with 92 HP (68 kW) of power and 220 Newton meters of torque has to do, the E-machine of the new Leaf is proud 110 kW (150 HP) and 320 Newton meters. Also, compared to the old Leaf, with 109 HP and 80 kW which is a big plus in performance. The maximum speed is, however, unchanged at 144 km/h, while the sprint value (previously 11.5 seconds) is not called. The Charging of the battery takes in eggs load capacity of three kilowatts of 16 hours, six kilowatts, half of this time. A special feature of the V2G (vehicle to grid): The car can feed back electrical energy into the grid.
Semi-Autonomous Driving Capabilities
Among the available assistance systems, Lane departure warning, emergency braking system, blind spot assist, cross-traffic warning system and a visibility system. Extremely interesting is the new, semi-Autonomous driving capabilities of the Leaf: for this purpose, the ProPilot System, which was introduced a year ago in Japan-Van Serena and now in the Qashqai and X-Trail will be used. The System can accelerate to one-lane highways autonomously brake and steer. It is based on a camera that detects other cars and the lane markings.
Automatic parallel Parking and "One-Pedal Driving"
The second Element is the accelerator ProPilot Park, which Steer when Parking, brake, and gear selection. The third Innovation is the e-Pedal. When this mode is enabled, the driver only with the accelerator: he Goes completely off the Gas, slows the car (regenerative electric machine and mechanically on the brake disc) up to a standstill. The car is automatically recorded until the driver gives Gas again. For emergency braking, the normal braking pedal ready is, of course, also in this mode.
High-quality interior with a relaxed, High-Tech Touch
The completely redesigned cabin of the Leaf is focused, with a dashboard in the Form of a sliding wing, as Nissan puts on the driver. It pairs a good use of space with high functionality. At the same time, interior is to provide architecture, specially selected materials, a relaxed ambience and a superb quality feel. As a special Symbol of Nissan's electric vehicles in the Seats, in the instrument panel and on the steering Wheel blue stitching have been incorporated. The 7-inch full-color TFT Display has been redesigned for a better readability of the main information. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are integrated.
Hardly more expensive than before
Worldwide, the Leaf is the best-selling electric vehicle, since 2010 already 283.000 units were sold. However, in Germany, the Nissan was having a hard time so far: In the year 2016, only € 1,121 million units were sold in the first half of 2017, there were 521 pieces. The new Leaf can be ordered starting in October 2017, and will begin shipping in January 2018. With 31.950 Euro, the new Version is only around 700 Euro more expensive than the old one with 30 kWh. For the end of 2018, Nissan announces a further Leaf Version with even more power and more range you may be curious.(sl)