Is the best British car you can buy a Nissan Leaf? Mat Watson finds out

Say hello to the new Nissan Leaf. It’s a bit like Neville Longbottom from Harry Potter. Earlier versions were a little awkward-looking, but this one has had a proper glow-up. Like Neville, the Leaf seems to have finally come into its own.

But is it more than just a pretty face? I’ve driven it, tested its real-world range and explored its practicality to find out.

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I think the new Leaf looks fantastic, particularly in electric blue with a contrasting black roof. The flush door handles are smart, but they’re fiddly to use, and rear visibility isn’t great.

Inside, I found the driving position comfortable, with a useful digital display and plenty of door-bin storage. Higher-spec models also get a panoramic-style sunroof and massage seats.

However, the infotainment screen is awkward to reach, the cupholders are poorly positioned and the drive selector could be easier to use. Android Auto was also unreliable, while the lack of a rear wiper is frustrating.

I was particularly impressed by the 437-litre boot, which has a low loading lip and adjustable floor. I even managed to fit seven suitcases inside.

Rear seat space is less impressive. While fitting a rear-facing child seat is straightforward, headroom and foot space are tight. I found the Kia EV3 more spacious in the back.

The larger-battery Leaf I tested produces 218hp and accelerates from 0-60mph in around 7.5 seconds. I found it responsive when overtaking, with good traction and it’s comfortable to drive.

The suspension handles bumps well, and the steering makes it surprisingly enjoyable through corners. However, wind noise becomes noticeable at motorway speeds.

How about its range? Well, Nissan claims up to 387 miles from the 75kWh battery, but I managed around 255 miles in real-world driving, averaging 3.4 miles/kWh.

That’s a significant shortfall, particularly if you regularly cover long distances and want to minimise charging stops.

The Leaf looks great, drives comfortably and has an impressively practical boot. However, disappointing real-world range, awkward infotainment controls and cramped rear seats hold it back.

Should you buy one? It’s worth adding to your shortlist, particularly if you’re looking for a car with good space for a family, but if you need maximum range then the Kia EV3 is your best option.

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