The Unforgotten Trailblazer
Being the first to market is a double-edged sword. On one hand, you get to shape the narrative and define the standards. On the other hand, as newer products emerge, the pioneer often fades into relative obscurity. Case in point, the Nissan Leaf- a groundbreaking EV that many have neglected. But Nissan looks set to remind us all about their outstanding EV credentials with their latest price point.
A Shocking Revelation
Once the reigning electric champion, the Nissan Leaf managed to maintain its crown as the top-selling EV worldwide until the arrival of the Tesla Model 3. However, to the dismay of many, its popularity gradually diminished, causing it to slip from our collective memory. Until now. Nissan has announced the launch of a new entry-level version: the Shiro trim. This trim builds on the current N-Connecta spec and adds Nissan’s ProPilot assisted driving suite and a synthetic leather interior, all for a pricetag of just £28,495.
Under the Hood
As the base model, you only get the choice of a 39kWh battery offering a 168-mile range; the 59kWh e+ variant, capable of 239 miles, commands a £5,000 premium. The Shiro paint, standard Arctic White (Shiro translates to white in Japanese), can be upgraded to a two-tone finish. You also have the option to include a spare wheel pack in your purchase.
Recalling the Legacy
It’s crucial to note that the Leaf was the first mass-market car, introduced in 2010. Nissan followed up with a second generation in 2018, reasserting its pioneering role in the EV revolution, as shared by Nic Thomas, Nissan GB’s marketing director. He’s thrilled to present the new Shiro variant, highlighting its value and technological advancement.
The Shiro trim comes with impressive savings for potential buyers. Priced at £28,495, it carries benefits worth over £1,000, costing £2000 less than the N-Connecta it is based on.
Value in Comparison
The question remains, does this value stand firm against competitors like the MG4, which appeared last year with a splash? Only time will tell. However, it’s essential to recognise that the MG4 has quite some distance to cover if it plans to match the Leaf’s sales figures, which tally up to 646,000 units to date.
Surely this time around, we won’t be so quick to forget the Leaf…or will we?
