Nissan LEAF restyled for 2022

NISSAN has updated its all-electric LEAF for 2022 with an exterior rework, new alloy wheel designs and a significant uptick in technology. 

The MY22 LEAF, which will go on sale in Europe from April and in Australia in the latter half of 2022, will also include Nissan’s advanced driving assistance features – including ProPILOT semi-autonomous driver assistance technology – and the heavily revised NissanConnect infotainment system.

The Yokohama-based brand says its revised LEAF is the first of a strong fully electrified product offensive it aims to launch following the European summer, and one of 23 new electrified models slated to arrive by the end of the decade.

“The Nissan LEAF has always been about making advanced technology and the thrill of electric driving accessible to everyone with over 577,000 customers worldwide. LEAF has been designed around families’ needs to offer seamless connectivity and an efficient powertrain,” Nissan AMIEO region vice president of product, strategy and pricing Arnaud Charpentier said.

“As the popularity of electric vehicles continues to grow, Nissan is pursuing an exhilarating chapter in its electric mobility story. LEAF has played a key role in shaping Nissan’s vision for empowering mobility and beyond, as we leverage our EV expertise to launch 23 new electrified models – including 15 full EVs – by fiscal year 2030,” he added.

Sporting Nissan’s new logo on its fascia, wheel centres and tailgate, the LEAF is further differentiated over the current model by new 16- and 17-inch alloy wheel designs, and a refreshed paint palette with six solid and five two-tone options.

Offered with two battery options that deliver up to 385 km (WLTP) of driving range, the updated LEAF will also feature ProPILOT semi-autonomous driving technology to enable it to automatically stop, start and maintain a safe distance to the vehicle in front.

The LEAF will continue to offer Nissan’s e-Pedal with the option to accelerate, decelerate and stop with only one pedal – a trend now catching on in other all-electric models from other brands.

Technology updates continue inside the cabin with a Nissan’s heavily revised NissanConnect infotainment array front and centre on the dashboard. Featuring standards such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, the system also encompasses remote operation features such as climate control preconditioning and Amazon Alexa compatibility.

Currently, the LEAF is Nissan’s only electric vehicle offering in Australia. Locally, Nissan has sold just four examples of the LEAF to date this year the model’s popularity down significantly on the same time last year when it sold 31 units (-87.1%). 

It’s hoped the new MY22 LEAF will give Nissan’s EV sales a much-needed shot in the arm.

“For Australia, the MY22 LEAF will arrive in the second half of 2022. Local pricing and specification will be released closer to the time,” a Nissan Australia spokesperson told GoAuto.

The Nissan LEAF is priced from $49,990 plus on-road costs in base form with long-range LEAF e+ variants beginning at $60,490 (+ORCs).