Leaf in top ten

Nissan’s new Leaf is a top ten finalist in the 2018 World Car of the Year awards.

It was double recognition for the Leaf, with the new-generation electric vehicle also making the final four in the 2018 World Green Car category.

Revealed in Japan late last year, the Leaf has been reinvented, combining greater range with a dynamic new design and advanced technologies.

A jury of 82 motoring journalists – including four from Australia – selected the finalists by secret ballot based on their evaluation of each vehicle at drive events staged by the award’s organiser.

“The world is moving towards electric cars at a fast pace and the Nissan Leaf is one of the best,” Australian automotive journalist and World Car of the Year judge Paul Gover says.

“You don’t get onto the World Car of the Year final list if you are not extremely worthy.

“The Leaf is a car you have to look at when you think about the future of motoring.”

Nissan’s Micra was also a finalist in the 2018 World Urban Car category, so this is the fifth time in the 14-year history of the World Car of the Year awards that a Nissan has been a finalist.

The first-generation Nissan Leaf was named World Car of the Year in 2011, with the Nissan Qashqai making the final in 2008 and 2015, and the GT-R in 2009.

The 2018 World Car Awards prize-giving ceremony is at the New York International Auto Show on March 28.