2026 Nissan Leaf revealed in more detail
Ahead of its launch on June 18, Nissan has revealed some details about the third-generation Leaf, which is adopting an SUV-like design.
The company revealed the new Leaf's front profile at the end of March, showing off the car's rounder shape, taller ride height, and aerodynamic front end.
According to Nobutaka Tase, the Leaf program's design director, the new model is "most aero efficient car we've ever made" thanks to its fastback-style body, active grille shutters, flat underbody, flush-fitting door handles, and "optimised" wheel design.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
There's also an e-dimming panoramic glass roof, which Tase-san claims allowed the team to lower "critical air detachment points by 12mm".
In the US and Japan the most efficient Leaf variants will have a coefficient of drag of 0.26, while European models bring that number down to 0.25 as they have unique wing mirror and alloy wheel designs .
Richard Candler, vice president in charge of global product strategy, says the Leaf is "icon for us" and is "one of our core heartbeat models".
In order for the new Leaf to be a "credible alternative to combustion engine vehicles" it will be able to do "300 to 500km between stops".
According to Mr Candler the "average refuelling stop is around 14 minutes, and in that time [the new Leaf] can add over 250km of charge with seamless plug and charge capability".
Under the skin, the new Leaf employs the CMF-EV architecture that underpins the Ariya electric crossover. The platform, rebranded as AmpR Medium, also serves as the basis of the Renault Megane E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech.
The Ariya is available with 65kWh and 90kWh battery packs, and a selection of drivetrains, starting with a 160kW/300Nm front-wheel drive setup and topping out with a 290kW/600Nm all-wheel drive dual-motor system.
Depending on the drivetrain and battery pack combo, the Ariya's WLTP driving range is between 360km and 500km.
By way of comparison, the second-generation Leaf has a 110kW/320Nm motor paired to a 39kWh battery in its base trim, offering a WLTP driving range of 270km. The e+ variant has a beefier 160kW/340Nm electric motor, larger 62kWh battery, and a WLTP range of 385km.
Since the original Leaf's launch back in 2010 around 700,000 have been sold worldwide. At one stage it was the world's best selling EV ever, but it has since been overtaken by the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.
Collectively all of the world's Leaf models have covered an estimated 28 billion kilometres.
The new Leaf will go on sale in Australia in 2026. Local models will likely be sourced from Nissan's factory in Sunderland, UK.MORE: Everything Nissan Leaf
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Ahead of its launch on June 18, Nissan has revealed some details about the third-generation Leaf, which is adopting an SUV-like design.
The company revealed the new Leaf's front profile at the end of March, showing off the car's rounder shape, taller ride height, and aerodynamic front end.
According to Nobutaka Tase, the Leaf program's design director, the new model is "most aero efficient car we've ever made" thanks to its fastback-style body, active grille shutters, flat underbody, flush-fitting door handles, and "optimised" wheel design.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
There's also an e-dimming panoramic glass roof, which Tase-san claims allowed the team to lower "critical air detachment points by 12mm".
In the US and Japan the most efficient Leaf variants will have a coefficient of drag of 0.26, while European models bring that number down to 0.25 as they have unique wing mirror and alloy wheel designs .
Richard Candler, vice president in charge of global product strategy, says the Leaf is "icon for us" and is "one of our core heartbeat models".
In order for the new Leaf to be a "credible alternative to combustion engine vehicles" it will be able to do "300 to 500km between stops".
According to Mr Candler the "average refuelling stop is around 14 minutes, and in that time [the new Leaf] can add over 250km of charge with seamless plug and charge capability".
Under the skin, the new Leaf employs the CMF-EV architecture that underpins the Ariya electric crossover. The platform, rebranded as AmpR Medium, also serves as the basis of the Renault Megane E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech.
The Ariya is available with 65kWh and 90kWh battery packs, and a selection of drivetrains, starting with a 160kW/300Nm front-wheel drive setup and topping out with a 290kW/600Nm all-wheel drive dual-motor system.
Depending on the drivetrain and battery pack combo, the Ariya's WLTP driving range is between 360km and 500km.
By way of comparison, the second-generation Leaf has a 110kW/320Nm motor paired to a 39kWh battery in its base trim, offering a WLTP driving range of 270km. The e+ variant has a beefier 160kW/340Nm electric motor, larger 62kWh battery, and a WLTP range of 385km.
Since the original Leaf's launch back in 2010 around 700,000 have been sold worldwide. At one stage it was the world's best selling EV ever, but it has since been overtaken by the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.
Collectively all of the world's Leaf models have covered an estimated 28 billion kilometres.
The new Leaf will go on sale in Australia in 2026. Local models will likely be sourced from Nissan's factory in Sunderland, UK.MORE: Everything Nissan Leaf
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Ahead of its launch on June 18, Nissan has revealed some details about the third-generation Leaf, which is adopting an SUV-like design.
The company revealed the new Leaf's front profile at the end of March, showing off the car's rounder shape, taller ride height, and aerodynamic front end.
According to Nobutaka Tase, the Leaf program's design director, the new model is "most aero efficient car we've ever made" thanks to its fastback-style body, active grille shutters, flat underbody, flush-fitting door handles, and "optimised" wheel design.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
There's also an e-dimming panoramic glass roof, which Tase-san claims allowed the team to lower "critical air detachment points by 12mm".
In the US and Japan the most efficient Leaf variants will have a coefficient of drag of 0.26, while European models bring that number down to 0.25 as they have unique wing mirror and alloy wheel designs .
Richard Candler, vice president in charge of global product strategy, says the Leaf is "icon for us" and is "one of our core heartbeat models".
In order for the new Leaf to be a "credible alternative to combustion engine vehicles" it will be able to do "300 to 500km between stops".
According to Mr Candler the "average refuelling stop is around 14 minutes, and in that time [the new Leaf] can add over 250km of charge with seamless plug and charge capability".
Under the skin, the new Leaf employs the CMF-EV architecture that underpins the Ariya electric crossover. The platform, rebranded as AmpR Medium, also serves as the basis of the Renault Megane E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech.
The Ariya is available with 65kWh and 90kWh battery packs, and a selection of drivetrains, starting with a 160kW/300Nm front-wheel drive setup and topping out with a 290kW/600Nm all-wheel drive dual-motor system.
Depending on the drivetrain and battery pack combo, the Ariya's WLTP driving range is between 360km and 500km.
By way of comparison, the second-generation Leaf has a 110kW/320Nm motor paired to a 39kWh battery in its base trim, offering a WLTP driving range of 270km. The e+ variant has a beefier 160kW/340Nm electric motor, larger 62kWh battery, and a WLTP range of 385km.
Since the original Leaf's launch back in 2010 around 700,000 have been sold worldwide. At one stage it was the world's best selling EV ever, but it has since been overtaken by the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.
Collectively all of the world's Leaf models have covered an estimated 28 billion kilometres.
The new Leaf will go on sale in Australia in 2026. Local models will likely be sourced from Nissan's factory in Sunderland, UK.MORE: Everything Nissan Leaf
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Ahead of its launch on June 18, Nissan has revealed some details about the third-generation Leaf, which is adopting an SUV-like design.
The company revealed the new Leaf's front profile at the end of March, showing off the car's rounder shape, taller ride height, and aerodynamic front end.
According to Nobutaka Tase, the Leaf program's design director, the new model is "most aero efficient car we've ever made" thanks to its fastback-style body, active grille shutters, flat underbody, flush-fitting door handles, and "optimised" wheel design.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
There's also an e-dimming panoramic glass roof, which Tase-san claims allowed the team to lower "critical air detachment points by 12mm".
In the US and Japan the most efficient Leaf variants will have a coefficient of drag of 0.26, while European models bring that number down to 0.25 as they have unique wing mirror and alloy wheel designs .
Richard Candler, vice president in charge of global product strategy, says the Leaf is "icon for us" and is "one of our core heartbeat models".
In order for the new Leaf to be a "credible alternative to combustion engine vehicles" it will be able to do "300 to 500km between stops".
According to Mr Candler the "average refuelling stop is around 14 minutes, and in that time [the new Leaf] can add over 250km of charge with seamless plug and charge capability".
Under the skin, the new Leaf employs the CMF-EV architecture that underpins the Ariya electric crossover. The platform, rebranded as AmpR Medium, also serves as the basis of the Renault Megane E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech.
The Ariya is available with 65kWh and 90kWh battery packs, and a selection of drivetrains, starting with a 160kW/300Nm front-wheel drive setup and topping out with a 290kW/600Nm all-wheel drive dual-motor system.
Depending on the drivetrain and battery pack combo, the Ariya's WLTP driving range is between 360km and 500km.
By way of comparison, the second-generation Leaf has a 110kW/320Nm motor paired to a 39kWh battery in its base trim, offering a WLTP driving range of 270km. The e+ variant has a beefier 160kW/340Nm electric motor, larger 62kWh battery, and a WLTP range of 385km.
Since the original Leaf's launch back in 2010 around 700,000 have been sold worldwide. At one stage it was the world's best selling EV ever, but it has since been overtaken by the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.
Collectively all of the world's Leaf models have covered an estimated 28 billion kilometres.
The new Leaf will go on sale in Australia in 2026. Local models will likely be sourced from Nissan's factory in Sunderland, UK.MORE: Everything Nissan Leaf
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sydney Morning Herald
2 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Has Trump created an opportunity for the euro to displace the US dollar?
Others, conscious that the US relies on foreign capital inflows to fund its yawning (and rapidly growing) government deficits and debt and enable the government and US citizens to live beyond their means, won't view the apparent crack in the value of the dollar and the US markets' status as the world's safe haven quite as positively. In the near term, the weaker US dollar also means the inflationary impacts in the US of Trump's trade war on the rest of the world will be exaggerated. A strong dollar, by making imports cheap in US dollar term, would muffle the impact on inflation. 'European leaders have recognised the window of opportunity opened by America's self-destructive trade policies.' The likely effects of Trump's war is reflected in this week's downgrading of the outlook for global and US growth by the World Bank, which sees global growth slowing from 2.8 per cent last year to 2.3 per cent and growth in the US economy halving from 2.8 per cent to 1.4 per cent. That outlook, if it eventuates, would provide even less reason to invest in the US and would result in an even greater reduction in demand for US dollars. Does that provide an opportunity for the euro? Perhaps, albeit not one that could be easily or quickly realised. The dollar has reined supreme as the world's reserve currency in the post-war era and still does. Even though the degree of dominance has been waning in recent years, it still accounts for about 58 per cent of central bank reserves – it was above 70 per cent in the early years of this century and was still above 60 per cent five years ago – and about 55 per cent of trade invoicing is denominated in dollars. The euro ranks second on both counts, with a 30 per cent or so share of reserves and a similar share of trade financing. The challenge for the Europeans, if they want to challenge the dollar's status, is that, while they might have the 'next best' currency, they lack some of the foundations that would make it the reserve currency. Loading They do have a floating exchange rate, no capital controls, an independent and respected central bank and an independent and respected judicial system. They don't have deep and liquid capital markets nor a single economy that is growing consistently and strongly, nor do they have current account deficits to expand the supply of euros – the European Union consistently runs current account surpluses (and hence is a major target for Trump's tariffs). The European capital markets are fragmented and shallow – European companies rely on banks rather than markets as their primary source of funding – and the condition of the underlying economies varies considerably. The closest thing the EU has to a US Treasury bond is a Germany bund but, where the US Treasury market has about $US28 trillion ($43 trillion) of securities on issue, the market for bunds is only about €1.8 trillion (about $3.2 trillion). That market, thanks to the historic decision to reform the country's 'debt brake' in order to use debt-financing for what might be a €600 billion increase in military spending, will grow, but it would still remain small relative to the Treasury market. Loading What could the EU do to create a deeper bond market? It could issue eurobonds, or debt raised on behalf of all its members and backed by all their economies. It has toyed with that idea for decades and, indeed, created a eurobond facility of up to €800 billion to help member countries recover from the pandemic, although those bonds are supposed to progressively mature and disappear by 2058. Germany has historically been opposed to the issuance of collective EU debt. It's strict fiscal discipline means it can borrow more cheaply than other EU members and pay lower interest rates on its debt. With eurobonds, it would pay more and effectively be subsidising the rest of the EU. The prize for the EU as a whole – a greater share of world reserves, a more stable currency in stressful times, cheaper funding generally and therefore greater economic growth and the geopolitical benefits from having a reserve currency – is, however, worth striving for. The EU could do more trade in euros – it buys a lot of energy but pays for it almost exclusively in US dollars, for instance – it could issue a digital euro to facilitate global transactions, and it could integrate its economies and policies more deeply. It could also do as the US Federal Reserve Board has done in financial crises, and create permanent swap lines with its major trading partners to provide euro liquidity in moment of stress. That would bolster confidence in the currency. It is improbable that the euro could displace the dollar as the world's reserve currency in anything other than the truly long term. Loading It could, however, increase its share of global reserves and transactions and share some of the dollar's 'exorbitant privilege' – the ability to borrow cheaply without any real limits, the haven status in a crisis, the ability, if they ever transpired, to run trade deficits without any fear of a balance of payments crisis, and, above all, the enhanced geopolitical authority the EU has always sought. European leaders have recognised the window of opportunity opened by America's self-destructive trade policies – it's been a growing topic of conversation in Europe since Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariffs announcement – but have also acknowledged the complexities and obstacles to taking advantage of it. Still, small but important steps could be taken, with eurobond issuance at the forefront and, with the EU members committed to ramping up their defence spending in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, this could be an instance where, thanks to Trump and Vladimir Putin, opportunity and need start to converge.
The Age
2 hours ago
- The Age
Has Trump created an opportunity for the euro to displace the US dollar?
Others, conscious that the US relies on foreign capital inflows to fund its yawning (and rapidly growing) government deficits and debt and enable the government and US citizens to live beyond their means, won't view the apparent crack in the value of the dollar and the US markets' status as the world's safe haven quite as positively. In the near term, the weaker US dollar also means the inflationary impacts in the US of Trump's trade war on the rest of the world will be exaggerated. A strong dollar, by making imports cheap in US dollar term, would muffle the impact on inflation. 'European leaders have recognised the window of opportunity opened by America's self-destructive trade policies.' The likely effects of Trump's war is reflected in this week's downgrading of the outlook for global and US growth by the World Bank, which sees global growth slowing from 2.8 per cent last year to 2.3 per cent and growth in the US economy halving from 2.8 per cent to 1.4 per cent. That outlook, if it eventuates, would provide even less reason to invest in the US and would result in an even greater reduction in demand for US dollars. Does that provide an opportunity for the euro? Perhaps, albeit not one that could be easily or quickly realised. The dollar has reined supreme as the world's reserve currency in the post-war era and still does. Even though the degree of dominance has been waning in recent years, it still accounts for about 58 per cent of central bank reserves – it was above 70 per cent in the early years of this century and was still above 60 per cent five years ago – and about 55 per cent of trade invoicing is denominated in dollars. The euro ranks second on both counts, with a 30 per cent or so share of reserves and a similar share of trade financing. The challenge for the Europeans, if they want to challenge the dollar's status, is that, while they might have the 'next best' currency, they lack some of the foundations that would make it the reserve currency. Loading They do have a floating exchange rate, no capital controls, an independent and respected central bank and an independent and respected judicial system. They don't have deep and liquid capital markets nor a single economy that is growing consistently and strongly, nor do they have current account deficits to expand the supply of euros – the European Union consistently runs current account surpluses (and hence is a major target for Trump's tariffs). The European capital markets are fragmented and shallow – European companies rely on banks rather than markets as their primary source of funding – and the condition of the underlying economies varies considerably. The closest thing the EU has to a US Treasury bond is a Germany bund but, where the US Treasury market has about $US28 trillion ($43 trillion) of securities on issue, the market for bunds is only about €1.8 trillion (about $3.2 trillion). That market, thanks to the historic decision to reform the country's 'debt brake' in order to use debt-financing for what might be a €600 billion increase in military spending, will grow, but it would still remain small relative to the Treasury market. Loading What could the EU do to create a deeper bond market? It could issue eurobonds, or debt raised on behalf of all its members and backed by all their economies. It has toyed with that idea for decades and, indeed, created a eurobond facility of up to €800 billion to help member countries recover from the pandemic, although those bonds are supposed to progressively mature and disappear by 2058. Germany has historically been opposed to the issuance of collective EU debt. It's strict fiscal discipline means it can borrow more cheaply than other EU members and pay lower interest rates on its debt. With eurobonds, it would pay more and effectively be subsidising the rest of the EU. The prize for the EU as a whole – a greater share of world reserves, a more stable currency in stressful times, cheaper funding generally and therefore greater economic growth and the geopolitical benefits from having a reserve currency – is, however, worth striving for. The EU could do more trade in euros – it buys a lot of energy but pays for it almost exclusively in US dollars, for instance – it could issue a digital euro to facilitate global transactions, and it could integrate its economies and policies more deeply. It could also do as the US Federal Reserve Board has done in financial crises, and create permanent swap lines with its major trading partners to provide euro liquidity in moment of stress. That would bolster confidence in the currency. It is improbable that the euro could displace the dollar as the world's reserve currency in anything other than the truly long term. Loading It could, however, increase its share of global reserves and transactions and share some of the dollar's 'exorbitant privilege' – the ability to borrow cheaply without any real limits, the haven status in a crisis, the ability, if they ever transpired, to run trade deficits without any fear of a balance of payments crisis, and, above all, the enhanced geopolitical authority the EU has always sought. European leaders have recognised the window of opportunity opened by America's self-destructive trade policies – it's been a growing topic of conversation in Europe since Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariffs announcement – but have also acknowledged the complexities and obstacles to taking advantage of it. Still, small but important steps could be taken, with eurobond issuance at the forefront and, with the EU members committed to ramping up their defence spending in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, this could be an instance where, thanks to Trump and Vladimir Putin, opportunity and need start to converge.
7NEWS
2 hours ago
- 7NEWS
Only four per cent of Aussies take their SUV off-road
A study by Continental Tyres has revealed only four per cent of Australians take their SUVs off-road – despite buying them for their 'outdoor' appeal. Australians buy more SUVs than any other vehicle type, with higher-riding five-door wagons having overtaken conventional sedans and hatchbacks as the most popular body type in 2017 – and every year since. Despite the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux utes making headlines as the nation's top-selling models, SUVs of varying sizes still make up the majority of new car purchases each year. The Toyota RAV4 was the second-best selling vehicle – and top-selling SUV – in Australia in 2024 and remains behind only the Ranger year-to-date. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The popularity of SUVs – which saw almost 700,000 sold in 2024, accounting for more than half of all new cars sold here – has prompted tyre brands including Continental to develop an SUV-specific tyre for Australian customers. The German tyre manufacturer surveyed 1000 Australian drivers during the development of its UltraContact UX7 tyre to determine if there was genuine customer demand for an SUV-specific tyre – and what those demands were. Its survey showed one-in-four Australians associated SUVs with a sense of adventure and outdoor recreation, yet only four per cent took their SUVs off-road. The figure isn't a shock given the term SUV – a marketing slogan that stands for Sports Utility Vehicle – now refers to a variety of vehicles, from car-based urban compact SUVs like the Mazda CX-3 through to genuine off-road capable vehicles such as the ladder-frame Ford Everest 4×4. The term 'crossover' or CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) is not widely used in Australia but typically refers to car-based or 'unibody' vehicles – such as the Toyota Corolla Cross – with increased ride height and ground clearance compared to a hatch or sedan. More than two-thirds (67 per cent) of respondents purchased their SUV for its 'high driving position' and perceived additional luggage space, while 62 per cent said improved visibility due to the driving position played a key factor in their decision to buy an SUV. A total of 21 per cent purchased their SUV for 'family transport' and 19 per cent for long-distance travel. Yet Continetal found most Australians said they would buy an SUV-specific tyre – hence its introduction of the UltraContact UX7 – despite almost half (46 per cent) of respondents buying their SUV mainly for 'everyday transport'. It wasn't all positive, with a quarter (25 per cent) of respondents saying SUVs are more difficult to park, with 17 per cent suggesting the space they take up on the road is a drawback. More than 55 per cent believed SUVs are no more dangerous than other vehicle types, but 11 per cent did say SUVs drivers are rude and 10 per cent described SUV drivers as 'aggressive'.
