Nissan has released pricing and specification details for the facelifted Nissan Leaf. Now with a new production facility in Sunderland, the Leaf boasts more than 100 changes over the original.
The range has been increased to 124 miles from 109 through improved aerodynamics and a more efficient powertrain, including changes to the Leaf's regenerative braking system. From a 32amp supply with an optional 6.6kw charger, the battery's recharging time has been halved from eight to four hours.
Nissan has also tweaked the styling, raised the luggage capacity, boosted cold weather performance with a new heat pump and retuned the ride and handling.
Nissan's EV is now offered with three trim levels and the option of leasing its batteries. The range now features Visia, Acenta and Tekna models, with the entry-level Visia available from £20,990 after the Government's £5000 plug-in grant has been taken into account. A Leaf Acenta is £23,490 and the Tekna £25,490.
If buyers wish to lease the batteries for a Leaf, the prices fall by £5000, making a Leaf Acenta £15,990. All Leafs bought on a lease package will be 'Flex' models. Battery leasing starts at £70 a month, this figure based on the longest contract length (three years) and the lowest mileage limit of 7500 miles annually. Taking a year off the contract adds £10 a month to the lease price, and upping the mileage limit (offered in intervals up to 15,000 miles per year) also increases the monthly payment. The most expensive battery lease rate is £129 a month, for a 12-month contract and a mileage allowance of 15,000 miles.
The Leaf's batteries are now also protected by an extended warranty. As well as the five-year policy for defective materials or poor workmanship offered previously, the revised Leaf also receives cover for capacity loss for the same period. This allows repair or replacement of a battery which, according to Nissan, 'falls short of what might reasonably be expected'.
British sales of the second-generation Leaf begin in June.
