Nissan Leaf - Page One

Nissan is planning to take extra steps to make sure buyers remain happy with its next new car.

Special training staff will be used to show the firm’s dealers how to guarantee each example of the Leaf electric hatchback lives up to customer expectations.

Follow-up calls are also being planned to judge satisfaction levels three months into ownership.

“The last thing we want is for people opting for this kind of mobility over the internal combustion engine to end up feeling dissatisfied – there is no need for anyone to be pushed into buying this car and we have a responsibility to ensure people make the right choice,” said Nissan Europe sales and marketing vice president Simon Thomas.

He told Fleet News: “It is very important for prospective customers to think carefully about how they intend to use the Leaf. We’d rather persuade them not to buy if they have any doubts about it fitting in with their lifestyle or the way they drive.”

Usage will play a crucial role in the ownership of the five-seat zero emissions car on sale in March.

Companies and private buyers have already ordered more than 500 examples.

The breakthrough model promises 110 miles’ travel after an eight-hour battery charge and can stretch to 135 miles in gentle, 60mph highway cruising with the air conditioning turned off.

But it can also slump to under 50 miles under harder driving.

Surprisingly potent and with ample power, the Leaf ticks all the boxes relating to performance, space and comfort and is thoroughly practical family transport.

It has also been announced as the 2011 European Car of the Year.

It is robust, has a quality feel and remains supremely quiet whatever the pace.

It’s well mannered, riding flat through the bends, finely balanced and blending confident roadholding with a smooth ride.

Boasting a status way above that of a city runabout, this car also has the relaxing motorway gait that makes it seem ideal for long distance work, which is ironic, considering that’s precisely not what it is designed for…

Verdict

The Nissan Leaf demonstrates that for the right type of use, low daily mileage in urban environments, electric cars are capable of all we expect of a conventional car.