“Huge” response to new Leaf coming

The new Nissan Leaf should be available new here towards the end of the April 1, 2018, to March 31, 2019 financial year.

That’s the belief of Nissan New Zealand managing director John Manley who returned today after test driving it at the Nissan Futures event in Singapore where the Leaf’s sale in seven markets in Asia and Oceania was announced.

“We’ve had a huge response to date,” Manley says. “The car’s taken off like a rocket overseas.”

Manley says there’s about 40,000 orders alone in Japan and Europe.

A variety of different specifications are available for the new Leaf, and Manley says they still have to determine what the best are for the New Zealand market.

“A commitment has come from Japan on the new Leaf so we’re really thrilled about that,” he says.

“Once we work through the processes we will get more information to send out.”

Manley says he enjoyed driving the car and found it very comfortable and responsive.

The car’s new electric powertrain delivers 110kW of output and 320Nm of torque, improving acceleration and driver enjoyment.

“There’s increasing demand globally for EVs,” Manley says.

The Nissan Future’s theme was “The Future of Mobility – Electrification and Beyond.”