Nissan quotes 160 kilowatts (214 horsepower) and 252 lb-ft of torque for a single electric motor that drives the front wheels. In standard drive mode, acceleration is sufficient and movement can provide more lift enough to rotate the front wheel when pressed. Eco mode is incredible, and although there are personal modes that can adjust your own set combination, we’ll be shocked if someone uses it.
Nissan provides four levels of regenerative braking, except for the S+, controlled by a paddle transmission. Then there is the E-Step mode, which is almost a driving. Overall, it’s not very powerful for some competitors, but it’s frustrating that it slows down by 7 mph, which means the driver has to brake to all. Is there no driving in 2025?
Road holding is predictable, if pushed, predictable deficiencies. The outstanding feature turns out to be the turning of leaves. Generally, in electric cars, the steering feel and reaction are more pronounced than in gasoline cars because the powertrain is smoother and the weight of the battery is located at the bottom of the vehicle, which reduces the center of gravity and reduces body roll. In 2010, Ye’s turn in 2011 can only be described as “numbness.” Thankfully, times have changed.
The latest Nissan electric steering design (EPS) isn’t unique to the Leaf, but it can prove that it can get the most advantage in a small EV. Engineers move the motor from the steering column to the rack itself, giving them more flexibility to adjust the steering feel for different models and customer desires, as measured by factors such as steering work, linear and linear responses that meet their own standards.
The result is some of the sweetest, most direct EPs we drive. It’s better than the Korean competitors, although we can’t talk to the 2027 Bolts yet. It’s as good as one Porsche Taycan? No. But that’s good for cars in this price range.
Comfortable seats, leg compromises
Nissan noted that the cabin of the new leaf is longer than the outgoing model due to its short nose. The front seats are indeed comfortable and supportive, according to the company’s latest spinal support zero-gravity design, but four 6-foot adults may still need some front seat adjustments to get enough hind leg room.
The most amazing impression I took away within 160 miles was the very quiet cabin. Tire noise and road rumbling are almost audible. There is almost no wind noise or electronic complaints. It’s an impressive level of improvement for a $30,000 car, and some competitors will do a good job figuring out how Witchcraft Nissan is used and copying it.
