2026 Nissan Leaf electric car revealed
Nissan has thrown a haymaker in its fight back from the brink, unveiling a comprehensively reworked Nissan Leaf that could shift its fortunes around the globe.
Having come perilously close to bankruptcy last year, the Japanese giant attempted to merge with Honda and Mitsubishi before going its own way.
The first fruit of its effort is a new Nissan Leaf that has morphed from being an awkward-looking hatchback to an attractive SUV.
It's a 'make or break' vehicle from a car maker with its back against the wall.
New looks borrow elements from the larger Nissan Ariya electric car – a rival to the Tesla Model Y – and the Nissan Z sports car.
Finished in eye-catching 'luminous teal' paint for its debut, the car rides on 19-inch wheels that fill its arches better than the old car's 17-inch rims.
On the inside, twin 14.3-inch screens promise much-improved connectivity, and a clever Bose stereo has speakers built into the front seats.
Promising more than 600 kilometres of range from a 75kWh battery, the Leaf is powered by a 160kW electric motor that drives the front wheels.
A cheaper version offers a 52kWh battery with about 435km of range.
Customers can expect to add 430 kilometres of range in half an hour thanks to 150kW fast-charging ability.
Nissan spokesman Arnaud Charpentier said the new Leaf 'blends elegance, confidence, and breakthrough range – wrapped in a design that's as smart as it is emotional'.
'It brings the best of Nissan innovation to the mainstream, and we're incredibly excited to introduce it to European roads,' he said.
The new leaf has a 'vehicle to load' function allowing owners to plug electric appliances into the car. It will also be compatible with 'vehicle to home' and 'vehicle to grid' tech that will allow customers to integrate the car into their home's electric system, like a giant battery.
The Nissan Leaf was one of the world's first mass-produced electric cars.
It gave the brand an enormous headstart over rivals such as Toyota and Honda, which have struggled for traction in the EV segment.
Nissan has sold more than 700,000 examples of the electric Leaf around the globe.
But sales of the car have been stagnant in Australia.
Nissan Australia sold 484 and 357 examples of the Leaf in 2023 and 2024 – just 841 cars in two years.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Telegraph
3 hours ago
- Daily Telegraph
Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Review: Specs, price and efficiency
Don't miss out on the headlines from Motoring. Followed categories will be added to My News. Kia has introduced Australia's most loved mid-size SUV in four powertrains, four trim levels, 12 variants, and nine colours from Clear White to a slick new Wolf Grey and Heritage Blue. With options ranging from a $37,990 (plus on-road-costs) front-wheel drive 2.0-litre petrol to a GT-Line AWD hybrid ($60,000 plus-on-road costs). There's no shortage of choice, with the line-up including a 2.0-litre petrol, 1.6-litre turbo petrol, a 2.0-litre turbo diesel (AWD only) or a 1.6-litre hybrid, in either front or all-wheel drive, and across four trim levels (S, SX, SX+ and GT-Line). The auto giant has also kept the diesel, which means its one of the only brands offering it among its direct competitors, following the exit of the Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan. MORE:Car prices set to plummet Kia's Sportage line-up offers something for every Aussie drive. Picture: Supplied MORE:EOFY 2025 ultimate motoring guide for car sales The exterior has had some tasteful updates including new front and rear bumpers, restyled LED headlights and a revised LED tail-light signature. Every variant now gets a two-spoke steering wheel which feels a little chunky for someone with small hands but looks great. Plus a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless phone charging is now included from SX+ upwards. The GT-Line now features a curved 12.3-inch digital driver display, ambient mood lighting and heated rear seats. MORE: Bad news for electric vehicles in Australia A new two-spoke steering wheel design gives the cabin a modern edge. Picture: Supplied MORE:Aussies stunned by Chinese ute While the GT-Line grabs headlines, it's a little pricey, asking for over $60,000 in hybrid AWD form, that's $13,000 more than the base petrol S. That's why the SX+ hits the mark, priced at $47,080 (plus on-road costs) for the turbo petrol AWD, it comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, Harmon Kardon premium audio, wireless phone charging and smart key and hands-free power tailgate. While the diesel still appeals to many buyers and the base petrol remains the most affordable entry point ($37,990), new emission regulations mean the petrol may be on its way out, which makes the Hybrid the sweet spot. The Hybrid is now offered in SX and GT-Line trims and for the first time you can opt for either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. MORE:How Apple will take over your car The Kia Sportage Hybrid SX stands out as the smart pick of the range. Picture: Supplied MORE: World's ugliest car brand reborn I tested the hybrid and was genuinely impressed by how well it handles everyday driving. The 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 44.74kW electric motor delivers a combined 173kW and 367Nm, the most powerful configuration in the Sportage line-up. Around town, it's calm and composed, with the electric motor doing most of the heavy lifting at low speeds. Acceleration is smooth and surprisingly punchy when you ask for it. It's paired to a six-speed automatic transmission and feels refined. The hybrid claims 4.9L/100km combined for FWD and 5.3L/100km for AWD, real world figures weren't far off. Boot space is generous with 586 litres (seats up) and 1827L with seats down, perfect for families. There's also a full size spare wheel in petrol and diesel models. Kia Sportage SX 1.6T HEV AWD. Picture: Supplied Safety is consistent across the board with all trims offering Kia's full suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including AEB with junction assist, lane following assist 2, and blind spot collision avoidance. Verdict The Kia Sportage offers plenty of choice for Aussie families, whether you want petrol, diesel or hybrid, front-wheel or all-wheel, basic or luxurious, there's something for every buyer. Just be ready to do your homework. If you want something under $50k, efficient with plenty of technology and comfort, I'd opt for the hybrid FWD (1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with electric motor), trim level SX for approximately $46,450 plus on road-costs, certainly seems like the sweet spot. Originally published as Kia Sportage line-up expands but one variant and trim hits the mark
News.com.au
8 hours ago
- News.com.au
Kia Sportage line-up expands but one variant and trim hits the mark
Kia has introduced Australia's most loved mid-size SUV in four powertrains, four trim levels, 12 variants, and nine colours from Clear White to a slick new Wolf Grey and Heritage Blue. With options ranging from a $37,990 (plus on-road-costs) front-wheel drive 2.0-litre petrol to a GT-Line AWD hybrid ($60,000 plus-on-road costs). There's no shortage of choice, with the line-up including a 2.0-litre petrol, 1.6-litre turbo petrol, a 2.0-litre turbo diesel (AWD only) or a 1.6-litre hybrid, in either front or all-wheel drive, and across four trim levels (S, SX, SX+ and GT-Line). The auto giant has also kept the diesel, which means its one of the only brands offering it among its direct competitors, following the exit of the Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan. MORE: EOFY 2025 ultimate motoring guide for car sales The exterior has had some tasteful updates including new front and rear bumpers, restyled LED headlights and a revised LED tail-light signature. Every variant now gets a two-spoke steering wheel which feels a little chunky for someone with small hands but looks great. Plus a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless phone charging is now included from SX+ upwards. The GT-Line now features a curved 12.3-inch digital driver display, ambient mood lighting and heated rear seats. While the GT-Line grabs headlines, it's a little pricey, asking for over $60,000 in hybrid AWD form, that's $13,000 more than the base petrol S. That's why the SX+ hits the mark, priced at $47,080 (plus on-road costs) for the turbo petrol AWD, it comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, Harmon Kardon premium audio, wireless phone charging and smart key and hands-free power tailgate. While the diesel still appeals to many buyers and the base petrol remains the most affordable entry point ($37,990), new emission regulations mean the petrol may be on its way out, which makes the Hybrid the sweet spot. The Hybrid is now offered in SX and GT-Line trims and for the first time you can opt for either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. I tested the hybrid and was genuinely impressed by how well it handles everyday driving. The 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 44.74kW electric motor delivers a combined 173kW and 367Nm, the most powerful configuration in the Sportage line-up. Around town, it's calm and composed, with the electric motor doing most of the heavy lifting at low speeds. Acceleration is smooth and surprisingly punchy when you ask for it. It's paired to a six-speed automatic transmission and feels refined. The hybrid claims 4.9L/100km combined for FWD and 5.3L/100km for AWD, real world figures weren't far off. Boot space is generous with 586 litres (seats up) and 1827L with seats down, perfect for families. There's also a full size spare wheel in petrol and diesel models. Safety is consistent across the board with all trims offering Kia's full suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including AEB with junction assist, lane following assist 2, and blind spot collision avoidance. Verdict The Kia Sportage offers plenty of choice for Aussie families, whether you want petrol, diesel or hybrid, front-wheel or all-wheel, basic or luxurious, there's something for every buyer. Just be ready to do your homework. If you want something under $50k, efficient with plenty of technology and comfort, I'd opt for the hybrid FWD (1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with electric motor), trim level SX for approximately $46,450 plus on road-costs, certainly seems like the sweet spot.
Daily Telegraph
9 hours ago
- Daily Telegraph
2026 Nissan Leaf electric car revealed
Don't miss out on the headlines from On the Road. Followed categories will be added to My News. Nissan has thrown a haymaker in its fight back from the brink, unveiling a comprehensively reworked Nissan Leaf that could shift its fortunes around the globe. Having come perilously close to bankruptcy last year, the Japanese giant attempted to merge with Honda and Mitsubishi before going its own way. The first fruit of its effort is a new Nissan Leaf that has morphed from being an awkward-looking hatchback to an attractive SUV. It's a 'make or break' vehicle from a car maker with its back against the wall. MORE: The best EOFY deals on electric cars Nissan's Leaf has a bold new look. Picture: Supplied. New looks borrow elements from the larger Nissan Ariya electric car – a rival to the Tesla Model Y – and the Nissan Z sports car. Finished in eye-catching 'luminous teal' paint for its debut, the car rides on 19-inch wheels that fill its arches better than the old car's 17-inch rims. On the inside, twin 14.3-inch screens promise much-improved connectivity, and a clever Bose stereo has speakers built into the front seats. MORE: The pros and cons of going electric The car's cabin is much more modern than before. Picture: Supplied. Promising more than 600 kilometres of range from a 75kWh battery, the Leaf is powered by a 160kW electric motor that drives the front wheels. A cheaper version offers a 52kWh battery with about 435km of range. Customers can expect to add 430 kilometres of range in half an hour thanks to 150kW fast-charging ability. An SUV body style should broaden its appeal. Picture: Supplied Nissan spokesman Arnaud Charpentier said the new Leaf 'blends elegance, confidence, and breakthrough range – wrapped in a design that's as smart as it is emotional'. 'It brings the best of Nissan innovation to the mainstream, and we're incredibly excited to introduce it to European roads,' he said. The new leaf has a 'vehicle to load' function allowing owners to plug electric appliances into the car. It will also be compatible with 'vehicle to home' and 'vehicle to grid' tech that will allow customers to integrate the car into their home's electric system, like a giant battery. MORE: Driving the outgoing Nissan Leaf The Leaf has up to 600km of range. Picture: Supplied The Nissan Leaf was one of the world's first mass-produced electric cars. It gave the brand an enormous headstart over rivals such as Toyota and Honda, which have struggled for traction in the EV segment. Nissan has sold more than 700,000 examples of the electric Leaf around the globe. But sales of the car have been stagnant in Australia. MORE: The best second-hand EVs The Nissan Leaf is a slow seller in Australia. Nissan Australia sold 484 and 357 examples of the Leaf in 2023 and 2024 – just 841 cars in two years. That compares poorly with sales figures for electric rivals such as the BYD Atto 3 (16,793) and MG4 (10,068) in the same two-year period. Originally published as 2026 Nissan Leaf electric car revealed
