Nissan Leaf updated

Nissan has updated its all-electric Leaf, with technical improvements increasing the driving range from 109 to 124 miles. The chassis has also been re-engineered to better suit European roads, improving handling, while the brakes have been sharpened as well.

A new optional 6.6Kw Quick Charger can be added that reduces charging time from eight to four hours on a 32 amp power supply instead of the usual 13 amps. A new, more efficient heat pump also cuts down on power usage and increases range. Luggage space has been improved 40 litres by moving the charger under the bonnet, increasing the boot to 370 litres.

The Leaf was previously only available in one model, but now comes in three specification levels – Visia, Acenta and Tekna. The entry-level Visia will actually cost less than the current £23,490 model, while the Acenta will be about the same and the Tekna more expensive.

Visia models will come with 16-inch steel wheels, black mirror caps and halogen headlights. Acenta models will add alloys, tinted rear windows and body-coloured mirror caps, while top-of-the-range Teknas will get 17-inch alloys, LED headlights, a BOSE stereo and new Around View Monitor.

"Leaf owners are passionate about their cars and their comments and experiences have genuinely influenced many of the changes we have made to the new Leaf," said Paul Willcox, Nissan’s senior vice president fore European sales and marketing, Nissan Europe.

Production of the new Leaf will begin in June.

To view the full Nissan range, see the CarBuyer Nissan reviews page.