Longer driving range in new Nissan Leaf

Prices for the new Nissan Leaf electric vehicle start from €20,990.

An extended driving range and shorter charging time are just two of the more than 100 changes and modifications in the new 2013 Nissan Leaf.

The new Leaf can now travel more than 20km longer on a charge, increasing the driving range from 175km to 199km.

A faster 6.6kw charging option is also available in the new model, which Nissan says cuts the charging time in half.

Extra luggage space has also been created and the car is 32kgs lighter.

Equipment enhancements include leather trim, around view monitor and a full heated leather upholstery in the top of the range SVE grade.

A wider choice of colours is also available.

Nissan claims average running costs of just 1cent/km for the new Leaf, compared with 7cent/km for a diesel and 9cent/km for an average petrol car.

It says that drivers covering 20,000km/year can expect to save up to €1,800 in running costs.

With no CO2 emissions, annual road tax stands at €120 and as there are very few serviceable items in the Leaf, servicing and maintenance costs are up to 50 per cent cheaper.

Three trims are available in the new Nissan Leaf – the XE, SV and the SVE.

Standard spec on the entry level XE model includes halogen headlights, front fog lights, the i-Key smart key system and a four speaker audio system.

Move up to the SV grade and you get a rear view monitor, Carwings telematics, remote charger and heating activation and auto lights with follow-me home lighting.

Heated leather seats and steering wheel, LED headlamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, electric heated folding door mirrors, rain sensing wipers and around view monitor are available on the top of the range SVE mode.

The 2013 Nissan Leaf is available now, with prices starting from €20,990 (including the Government grant of €5,000).

Visit the Nissan Ireland website or its Facebook page for further details.