27 April 2011
Feel like turning over a new leaf when it comes to doing your bit for the environment? Then say hello to the new Nissan LEAF.
The LEAF is of course Nissan’s new electric vehicle – a five-seat hatchback that, after recent trials, will be available in Australia within 12 months.
The Scoop
Advocated and driven by eco-aware celebrities such as Lance Armstrong, the Nissan LEAF is currently the most advanced mass-produced electric vehicle available (i.e. has a completely electric motor).
The cool factor is upped when it comes to technology with the LEAF. Remote-controlled by your iPhone, the LEAF has an onboard computer that’s updated regularly to tell you how much charge your car has left and can even tell it to begin or stop charging remotely (if plugged in). The LEAF can also log your drive and tell you how much power you’ve used and where, and even start your air-conditioner prior to entry – now what could be cooler than that?
The drive
Apparently made out of 95% recyclable materials, you may imagine a clunky drive, however driving the LEAF was in fact pleasurable, light and easy.
Nimble and smooth, the LEAF almost feels like you’re driving on air – clean air that is.
As the car is electric, there’s no motor noise at all, in fact, you have to double-check to ensure the motor is even on, making the drive pleasurably quiet.
Driving the LEAF is easy – the futuristic look of the car is translated when you’re behind the wheel. It almost feels like it’s driving itself. Easy steering, easy parking, easy on the eye, the LEAF was a different driving experience to anything else on the planet. Out of this world!
Style
The LEAF is a stylishly modern-looking hatchback – it’s a little futuristic and bubbly; a friendly looking car. Definitely unique. The look of the LEAF will ensure you’ll either love it or hate it, however, the interior will win anyone over with high-quality fittings and upholstery. Many of the LEAF's components are crafted from recycled materials. The seat upholstery is made from recycled PET plastic, the bumper casings are made from old urethane bumpers and the carpets and interior insulation are made from other recovered materials.
Safety
The LEAF is yet to be given an ANCAP safety rating but it will be sold with ABS brakes, airbags and ESP stability control. Included are VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), a high-strength safety bodyshell, impact-energy-absorbing body construction to mitigate pedestrian injuries, SRS side and curtain airbags for the driver and front passenger, two-stage load-limiter-equipped double pretensioner seatbelt for driver and front passenger, Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) three-point seatbelts for all seats and an electrical cut-off for a crash and a metal safety cell around the battery, which is housed below the floor in the middle of the car for maximum impact protection.
3 words to describe this car:
Green, roomy, light.
What are the best things about this car?
The roomy interior and stylish textiles.
What are the downsides of this car?
It’s not available as yet and when it is, you’re looking at an expected starting price of around $60,000.
What kind of petrol did this car use?
Zero.
If personified, who would this car be?
Cameron Diaz.
Soundtrack of choice for the LEAF
Jack Johnson – To the Sea.