Nissan prices Leaf from $49,990 plus on-road costs
BY JUSTIN HILLIARD | 8th Mar 2019
NISSAN Australia has confirmed pricing for its eagerly anticipated second-generation Leaf, with the electric vehicle (EV) to start from $49,990 plus on-road costs when it enters all 89 of the Japanese brand’s showrooms in August.
Comparatively, the first-generation model launched in June 2012 with a $51,500 starting price, before falling to $46,990 six months later and $39,990 in May 2013, both of which were driveaway prices for private buyers.
When it arrives, the Leaf will only have one direct rival, the $48,990 Hyundai Ioniq Electric Premium small hatch, although Kia’s Soul EV will enter the fray early next year.
Renault’s light hatchback Zoe is also available locally, priced from $51,990 driveway, while Hyundai will also bring its Kona Electric small SUV to market later this month for a yet-to-be-disclosed amount.
The Leaf features a 110kW/320Nm electric motor and a 40kWh battery pack that provides 270km of driving range on the WLTP combined cycle test, which makes it perfect for city-based Australians who, on average, travel 38km a day, according to the company.
As such, the Leaf betters the Ioniq Electric that has an 88kW/295Nm electric motor, a 28kWh battery pack and a 280km driving range using the defunct NEDC standard.
However, the Soul EV will trump the pair with its 150kW/395Nm electric motor, 64kWh battery pack and 452km driving range under the WLTP regulation.
Charging-wise, Nissan Australia will partner with EV infrastructure specialist Jet Charge to offer Leaf buyers a 7kW wallbox that can fully charge the battery pack in 7.5 hours.
While pricing has risen by more than $10,000, Nissan Australia says the Leaf will be offered in a single highly specified grade, which will include the e-Pedal function that allows drivers to start, accelerate, decelerate, stop and hold the EV by using the right pedal only.
Standard equipment will further include an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – a first for a Nissan model sold Down Under.
Satellite navigation, a 7.0-inch multi-function display, leather-accented upholstery and a heated steering wheel will also feature in the Leaf’s five-seat cabin.
Advanced driver-assist systems will extend to autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep and steering assist, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, surround-view cameras, front and rear parking sensors, and high-beam assist.
Six paintwork options will be available, including Arctic White, Ivory Pearl (with a black roof), Magnetic Red, Pearl Black, Platinum and Gun Metallic.
Nissan Australia says more than 11,000 people to date have registered their interest in the Leaf, while official pre-orders can now be placed at a preferred dealership via its website.
“With strong interest in the new Nissan Leaf, we see great potential for the vehicle, and at this price, we are giving it every chance to succeed,” Nissan Australia managing director Stephen Lester said.
“It’s certainly an exciting time for EV buyers. With a contemporary design, increased range and long list of standard features, this incredibly fun-to-drive car presents Australian electric-vehicle buyers with a stylish, affordable option.”
