Nissan Leaf 2010-2016 used car review

The Nissan Leaf offers petrol and emissions-free motoring. With a real-world range of about 120km, it won’t meet everyone’s needs.

The number of electric cars on New Zealand roads is beginning to grow. More than nine out of ten electric vehicles arriving in the country are Nissan Leafs. A family-size hatchback, the Leaf is becoming affordable thanks to used import models coming from Japan and the United Kingdom.

The Leaf received an update during 2012, with the most important difference a significantly improved battery. Early cars are known as ‘Gen 1’, the newer version (like our review vehicle) as ‘Gen 2’.

Things are relatively normal inside. There is a regular steering wheel, accelerator and brake pedal, and a foot handbrake. In place of a traditional transmission shifter there is a ball-shaped controller similar to a computer mouse. Pull it back to go forward, push it forward for reverse. You select park with the touch of a button. The dashboard, on all but entry-level models, features three screens.

On top is a screen which features an efficiency indicator, time and other details. Below this, a digital dash cluster covers speed, range, battery condition, battery temperature, trip computer, and a large infotainment screen. 

However, on our review car, the infotainment screen is almost entirely in Japanese and will require a band expander to receive local stations. In here you can also set the vehicle to charge to a schedule to make the most of cheap overnight electricity prices and to pre-warm or cool the car in the morning when plugged in.

All Leafs feature a high specification. This includes electric windows, climate control air-conditioning. Most have a heated steering wheel and heated front and rear seats as this is considered a more efficient way to warm passengers than using a traditional heater. Our G-model review vehicle also features steering wheel controls for the stereo, cruise control and dark leather seats and trim.

The front seats are comfortable, although they lack much side support. The driver’s seat is adjustable for height. Legroom in the rear is acceptable, but shoulder room is a little tight, making it better suited to two rather than three adults.

With a low floor and thanks to the car’s battery sitting underneath the passenger compartment, the Leaf’s boot is huge for a small hatchback at 370 litres. Two large and one medium suitcase will fit, although the loading lip is high which may make it harder to lift heavy objects in and out. 'Gen 1' cars have a hump at the front of the boot which eats into usable space. With the seats folded down, there are 720 litres available, but the floor is not flat.

On the open road, it will comfortably cruise at the legal limit and overtake, although driving at speed for long will quickly eat into battery range. Steering is light and easy but lacks any feel or feedback. With the extra weight of the batteries low down in the car, it feels very stable and planted on the road. 

The brakes are very effective; however, they feel different to a typical car as initial braking uses the motor to regenerate energy and return it to the battery. You can also set the transmission to a ‘B’ mode when coming down long hills, which increases engine braking and feeds more charge back into the battery.

We believe a reversing camera is desirable in a Leaf as the chunky rear corners, small rear window and small wing mirrors make it hard to see behind the car. They are standard on most cars, although not the S model. A 10.8-metre turning circle is large for a vehicle most likely to be used in the city.

The Nissan Leaf has no official tow rating. Tow bars are available, but it is recommended they are not used for towing. They are sold to be used with towbar-mounted bike carriers.

More serious issues with electrical systems or the motor should be handled by an EV specialist or a Nissan dealer certified to work on the Leaf.

A question remains over the life of batteries. They will lose a small amount of capacity and range over the car’s life. In the Leaf, this is shown by a set of 12 bars next to the range indicator on the dashboard. Software called 'Leaf Spy' can be used with a Bluetooth transmitter to get more information on the battery’s history.

The latest trend is the installation of DC fast chargers, which can top-up your car from empty to 80% in around 20 minutes. New Zealand's electricity is some of the cleanest in the world, at nearly 90% renewable production.

Over 14,000km of driving a year, RightCar says a Leaf will cost just $360 a year in electricity. That works out to just 2.5 cents per kilometre. A full charge at home takes up to nine hours, depending on your charger and costs around $3. Check with your electricity supplier as many offer discounts if you own an EV.

Electric vehicles are exempt from road user charges until 2021. They are subject to a licensing fee and ACC levy, costing $171.02 a year.

There is little to service on a Leaf other than the brake system. It is good practice to have the car checked every year, and we have seen this quoted at $99 by a Nissan dealer.

Trade Me Insurance estimates it will cost $61.10* a month to insure a Leaf valued at $21,800. This is $16 more than a Nissan Tiida.

New Zealand and United Kingdom sold cars come in different, generally higher specifications. We have also found most Leafs, even the S model, have the full set of heated seats as an option.

This review covers the Nissan Leaf for model years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.

Review vehicle supplied by Autolink, Grey Lynn.

* Our insurance estimates are based on a 35-year-old male with no accidents in the last two years, garaging the car in Mission Bay, Auckland. The car is not used for business and will cover 10,000km to 20,000km a year. We estimate with no option add-ons and $500 excess. Customise your estimate at Trade Me Insurance.