2011 Nissan Leaf – A Quick Review on model
Green vehicles | May 9, 2011For 2011, Nissan Leaf offers spacious and quite cabin, snappy acceleration and intelligent navigation system. This model is the perfect example for the question “Who killed the electric car?” It’s because Nissan brings the electric car back from dead. The 2011 Nissan Leaf is full electric mainstream car wrapped with plenty of exclusive electric features. The Leaf is powered with lithium ion battery, one of the prime vehicles featured with advanced battery technology. It was found that the employ of litiun ion battery offers better acceleration as compared with nickel metal hydride.
Unlike Chevrolet Volt, the 2011 Nissan Leaf does not offer any backup for gasoline engine. Leaf is the best electric car model for shorter trips or for commuting, as well for those owners who are using two car household things. Overall, Nissan Leaf promises as one of the best and useful electric vehicle in the market. We can’t say that electric car is suitable for everyone, as people who are on long road journey trips might go through some difficulties. As we still don’t have enough fuel charging or green oriented stations across the country.
The Nissan Leaf is available with all electric four door hatchback with SL and SV trim levels.
The SV trim level is featured with 16 inch alloy wheels, keyless ignition, LED headlamps, full power accessories, automatic climate control, tilt for steering wheel, adjustable height seats and 60/40 folded rear seats. It also includes various recycled materials from the cloth upholstery, Bluetooth, auto dimming rear view mirror, advanced trip computer, six speaker sound system, an auxiliary audio jack, an iPod or USB interface and navigation system. The Nissan Leaf SL adds automatic headlamps, spoiler mounted solar panel, rearview camera and cargo cover.
The 2011 Nissan Leaf is powered with synchronous electric motor of 80kW fed by the 24kWh lithium ion battery pack. The electric motor delivers 107hp and torque level of 207lb-ft. Leaf actually estimates a range of 100 mile, but this again depends on traffic conditions, driving style, battery age and cruising speed. The estimated fuel economy offered by the Leaf mode is 106 in city, 92mpg on highway and 99mpg for combined with estimated driving range of 73 miles.
The safety equipments offered by Nissan Leaf are traction and stability controls, antilock disc brakes, side curtain air bags and front side airbags. For SL trim level and additional rear view camera is kept as optional.
Stepping towards the interiors of the Leaf, it offers quite comfortable seats and descent cabins. Because of the lithium battery, the space in the cabins is quite uncomfortable for taller persons. Besides these the controls, buttons and menu on the dashboard is quite comfortable and easy to access. The special features like navigation system and standard touch screens intuitive. The quality of the interiors is average, and still they should add more sumptuous facilities.
Overall, the 2011 Nissan Leaf is pack with well tuned electric power steering system and surprisingly comfortable and smooth driving experience. The well engineered features is typical for the compact family cars and it feels pretty for normal driving even on the heavy and bumpy roads.
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