When the new Nissan Leaf reached showrooms in 2018, it was an enormous step forward from the car it replaced.
Thanks to features such as the e-Pedal braking function and Pro Pilot semi-autonomous driving tech, it became a leader when it came to electrical family cars.
But the Leaf has just become even more popular thanks to a new E+ version, which features a much larger battery, and therefore a longer range.
Here’s what you need to know about the Nissan Leaf E+.
What powertrains are available?
On the top-spec E+, just one powertrain is available.
It uses a 62kWh lithium-ion battery pack, alongside an electric motor that produces 214bhp and 340Nm of torque. The larger electric motor is quite an increase in power from the standard Leaf’s 148bhp figure. It helps to drop the 0-60mph figure down to 6.7 seconds, with the E+ capable of hitting a 98mph top speed. Acceleration has improved by 13 per cent too, according to Nissan.
The larger battery means that the E+ can travel up to 239 miles on a single charge (based on the WLTP cycle), with a top-up from 20 to 80 per cent of charge taking roughly 90 minutes using a 50kW rapid charger.
Buyers not really needing the longer range should look at the standard Leaf. This car’s 40kWh battery pack allows for a range of 168 miles, which would likely be plenty for most drivers.
What trim levels are available?
Unlike the regular Leaf, the E+ is available with just one high-spec trim level called Tekna.
Standard equipment is seriously impressive on the entire model’s range. Even the base Leaf comes with adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera and an eight-inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity.
But the E+ Tekna gets bundles of kit. Just a few highlights include an around-view monitor, a heated steering wheel, full LED headlights, a Bose sound system and the aforementioned semi-autonomous Pro Pilot driver assistance feature.
The E+ is priced from £35,895, which is inclusive of the government’s £3,500 electric car grant.
What about personalisation?
The only difference apart from the powertrain on the E+ is the metallic blue finisher at the bottom of the front bumper, and an ‘E+’ embossed charging flap.
Nissan is, however, very generous when it comes to the colour choice. Flame Red is the standard option, but further vivid shades available include Vivid Blue, Chestnut Bronze and Spring Cloud Green, which range between £575 and £745.
But buyers can also choose several two-tone paint finishes, which add contrasting accents to the paint colours. Opting for this kind of finish adds roughly £1,000 to the price tag.
As for the interior, the E+ comes as standard with part-leather and part Ultrasuede upholstery, but there’s the option to have full leather seats and black fabric upholstery instead as a no cost extra.
Because the E+ comes with such a high spec in the first place, there are only two further options to choose. The first is the Pro Pilot self-parking function (£1,090) and also a spare wheel (£195).
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