By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Nissan News USA
Nissan has been a pioneer in bringing electric vehicles to the mass market when the first Nissan LEAF was delivered in December 2010. For the 2016 model year, LEAF adds a number of significant enhancements beginning with a new 30 kWh battery for LEAF SV and LEAF SL models that delivers an EPA-estimated driving range of 107 miles on a fully charged battery.
Exterior
The Nissan LEAF exterior features a fusion of sophisticated aerodynamic management with the design freedom provided by the EV layout. The smooth, elegant movement of the body starts from the low, compact hood, moves through the iconic shoulder character line and on toward the large rear spoiler. The long, up-slanting headlights split and redirect airflow away from the door mirrors, reducing wind noise and drag.
LED low-beam headlights, which consume about half of the electricity of halogen headlights,are standard on LEAF SL. Heated outside mirrors are standard on SV and SL grades. In the rear, the slim-type aerodynamic LED taillight design and crisp corners combine with the aerodynamic rear bumper with rear diffuser to manage the aerodynamics of the rear end without compromising rear interior roominess.
The exterior also utilizes a flat underbody to help manage airflow under the vehicle. An innovative vortex-shedding, roof-mounted antenna is one of many design elements used to help reduce wind noise. Other noise-reduction features include a quiet-operation windshield wiper motor, a sound-insulation windshield design and a dual isolated, motor-mounting system. The five-door hatchback design also features chrome door handles, aerodynamic outside mirrors and a large greenhouse to provide a bright interior environment.
Interior
The roomy interior offers a pleasingly modern design with a bright, welcoming atmosphere. The wide, high tech instrument panel design is dominated by a twin combination meter display in front of the driver and a center floating C-stack for use with the standard NissanConnect with Mobile Apps.
The digital eyebrow display at the top of the instrument panel provides high visibility for the Eco indicator and speedometer, while the lower liquid crystal meter display houses the percentage style state-of-charge meter, power meter, battery temperature gauge, multifunction display, remaining energy gauge, capacity level gauge and distance-to-empty display.
Standard on SV and SL grades is the Nissan Navigation System with NavTraffic. EV-IT highlights include an Eco route feature for the available navigation system that includes suggested power-saving alternative routes, plus Google local search and iPod cover art.
In addition, the center console area includes the palm shifter for the shift by wire drive selector. The standard three-spoke, steering wheel houses controls for cruise control, audio system and standard Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System. SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately) is also standard, with HomeLink Universal transceiver standard on SL models.
A Dedicated EV Platform
As in previous years, the front-wheel drive LEAF uses a dedicated Nissan EV platform with batteries housed in the floor for optimum vehicle packaging and weight distribution. The body design includes a rigid-mounted battery frame, which helps provide greater body rigidity compared to a conventional compact car.
The 2016 Nissan LEAF offers a number of charging options. A charge port is located in the front body for the 240V charger and portable trickle-charge cable (110V). A charge port light and lock are standard. The available Quick Charge Port standard on the SL, allows charging to 80 percent capacity in about 30 minutes at public charging stations using a CHAdeMO fast charger. There is also a standard photovoltaic solar panel spoiler on SL models, which supports charging of the 12-volt battery for vehicle accessories.
Unlike a conventional internal combustion engine, LEAF has virtually 100 percent of its torque available from start, delivering smooth, consistent acceleration and driving feel similar to a conventional V6 engine. Smooth ride and handling are provided through use of
an independent strut suspension with stabilizer bar in front and a torsion beam rear suspension with integrated stabilizer bar. Nissan LEAF utilizes a vehicle-speed-sensitive electric power steering system, while responsive braking is provided by power-assisted front vented disc/solid rear disc brakes with Anti-Lock Braking System, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist.
Summary
For 2016 the Leaf new battery offers more advantages than just the 27 percent increase in driving range, it also offers improved battery performance. Nissan has been a leading developer of lithium-ion battery technology for more than 20 years. The new LEAF is a great example of how rather than just increasing battery capacity, it achieved a balance between capacity, packaging, durability and affordability.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $36,790.00, the one I drove included the Premium Package, Floor Mats and Cargo Area Mat, and it came in at $39,390.00 including destination charges.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
