Video - Nissan Leaf walkaround

We were invited by Nissan to be part of the "Innovation Drive" yesterday featuring the Leaf and the GT-R models beside the carlines sold in India. Nissan displays the new models at Auto Expo (you read that first on Indian Autos Blog last month). They have not made a decision on the launch any of the two vehicles. Hence don't expect them at a Nissan dealership in the foreseeable future.

We were allowed to drive the fully-electric Leaf in a small track surrounded by traffic cones to understand the vehicle's maneuverability, instant acceleration, on-board computer and comfort. The most impressive feature in the Leaf for any driver is the pin-drop silence in the cabin. The acceleration is shocking as 100% torque is available from 0 RPM. The Leaf squashes the myth that electric vehicles are slow and boring. More importantly it achieved a maximum 5 star rating at the EuroNCAP crash test, so its as safe as a house.

The Leaf is driven by an electric motor that generates 110 hp and 280 Nm torque. It is a C-Segment hatchback sporting a interior color scheme, similar to the Micra's.