We’ve just come back from Copenhagen after our first drive of the all-new Nissan Leaf, a 160-kilometre loop that mixed city streets, country roads and motorway cruising. It was a fitting place to meet a car with such history because the original Leaf helped bring electric motoring to mainstream in Europe back in 2011. This third generation aims to put Nissan right back at the front, and on first acquaintance it feels easy to live with, smartly put together and capable of real distance between charges.

Exterior Design

Exterior-wise, the Leaf now leans more into a crossover look, without resorting to shouty styling. The shape is clean and sharp, with flush door handles and a smooth roofline that helps the car cut through the air and feel settled on the road. You can add a panoramic roof that dims to keep glare down, and there’s a fresh set of colours including the delightful Luminous Teal which, you see our test vehicle was specified with.

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Interior and Technology

Inside, the new digital screens are crisp and simple to figure out, and the infotainment system avoids the usual maze of menus. The tech is on your side rather than in your way with sharp graphics, fast response and you don’t need to be an engineer to set a destination, pick a playlist or tweak the climate with the help of the on board Google assistant. The optional Bose sound system is a real treat, with proper bass and clear vocals you don’t often get in this vehicle class.

Space is generous up front and headroom is good in the back although legroom in the rear can tighten a touch if you’ve two six-footers in the front. The 437 litre boot swallows the weekly shop or in our situation a couple of suitcases with ease and expands quickly when you drop the back seats. A power tailgate and the option of roof rails make life easier for family trips, and the materials inside feel chosen to handle school-run chaos as well as motorway miles.

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On the Road

On the road, the Leaf is a rather relaxing place to be. You can drive it mostly with one pedal around town, easing off to slow down smoothly. The driver-assist features are more a help than hindrance once you set them up to your taste. Performance feels right for Irish roads: brisk when you want it but quiet all the time! Official numbers say it’s quick off the line, but what you notice most is the smooth surge and sheer silence.

Over Copenhagen’s cobbles and patched tarmac the Leaf stayed composed with no squeaks or rattles just a quality, well-built cabin. The electric motor pulls smoothly and quietly, so you make quick progress without fuss. The Leaf turns into corners neatly and sits flat through each bend, yet the ride stays plush even on the 19-inch wheels our test car had.

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Range and Charging

Was there any range anxiety? That’s the big question for many buyers, and the Leaf answers it confidently. Two battery sizes will be offered, one designed to deliver 440 km on a full charge, and a long-range version with up to 622 km on the official test. On motorways where EVs usually suffer, Nissan are quoting reassuring figures too, enough to cover the Dublin to Cork run without a stop if you set off full.

When you do need to plug in, the Leaf can take a fast charge and add a hefty chunk of range in roughly half an hour. Handy extras include the ability to power things from the car itself, useful for camping or powering parts of your house should you have a power-cut. It also has the ability to feed energy back to the grid future proofing for when the ESB programmes allow.

Safety and Connectivity

As expected, safety and connectivity are fully up to date also! The Leaf watches out for the usual hazards sudden stops ahead, cars in your blind spot, crossing traffic when you’re reversing and helps you stay centred in your lane. Parking is made easier with clever cameras that give you a clear view around the car, so tight spaces feel less intimidating.

It is worth noting this new Leaf will be built in Sunderland using a share of renewable energy, which is a small but welcome step toward cleaner manufacturing. Production and pre-orders are under way, with first deliveries due in spring 2026 and the Irish unveiling set for the Nevo EV Show at Dublin’s RDS on November 7th and 8th.

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Final Thoughts

Stepping back from the spec sheet and thinking about that Copenhagen drive, this feels like a smart, grown-up evolution of a landmark car. It looks cleaner, goes further and drives better, and the tech works the way you want it to quietly, in the background. Most of all, it feels well built and easy to live with. If Nissan can carry this finish into Irish-spec cars and keep the numbers sensible, the Leaf’s next chapter could be its strongest yet!