Search
Close this search box.
Sign up for our weekly Newsletter

Nissan Leaf Tekna 30kWh: Landmark low tax electric car improved with extra range

Nissan Leafdynamic
Distinctive face of the Nissan Leaf Tekna - now good for 155 miles

Share

12 August 2016

Nissan Leaf Tekna 30kWh

What is it?

The Nissan Leaf Tekna 30kWh is the latest improved-range version of the UK’s biggest-selling all-electric car, now with 25% more range, or a total of 155 miles. This is more than rivals, but it does take a little longer to charge.

Will those extra miles make the Leaf a feasible option for more business buyers? We spent a week with the Tekna range-topper to find out.

What’s hot

  • That 30kWh electric motor, which has 107bhp and 254Nm of torque. All that torque means that the Leaf is a strong performer – especially around town. It’s very easy to drive, the lack of engine noise and comfy ride means the electric Nissan is a refined motorway cruiser. The 155-mile range gives confidence for longer drives and zero CO2 emissions results in just a 7% tax band.
  • Despite all that low torque, which is available from standstill, don’t go thinking the Leaf is a sports car. The all-electric Nissan is a tidy handler with high grip levels from the Tekna’s 17-inch wheels and body roll kept to a minimum.
  • We think that an electric car needs to stand out from a petrol one and even though the Leaf is now a popular sight, after five years on UK roads, some of the quirky design features mean you’ll not mistake this car for another. Personally, we like the big front headlights, curvy side profile and the high-set rear lights, that are positioned around the rear window. But we have to agree that the Leaf is beginning to look a bit dated and won’t appeal to all.
Nissan Leaf Tekna
Quality interior
  • Inside, like the outside, the Leaf feels different to your average family hatch – which we think is important considering the electric power. We like the easy-to-read double level dashboard, distinctive domed gearlever, plus the easy-to-operate touch-screen infotainment system and the Tekna’s shiny piano black trim, which goes well with the electric Nissan’s blue highlights. The tall driving position is comfy and the leather-covered seats supportive. Rear legroom is equally impressive and the Leaf still boasts a 355-litre boot – but it’s not practically shaped.
  • In Tekna trim, the Leaf might cost the thick end of £30,000, but you’ll not want for standard kit, with leather trim, 17-inch alloys, a BOSE seven-speaker audio system, around view monitor with Park Assist, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel and heated wing mirrors, plus LED headlights.

What’s not

  • The Leaf might be one of the easiest electric cars to live with, but it’s not cheap to buy – even the entry-level 24kWh Visia starts at £21,530.
  • We’re not convinced that some of the interior trim and plastics are up to the almost £30,000 price.
  • You’ll be impressed with the rear legroom in the Leaf, but that curvy roofline eats into rear headroom – so tall rear passengers might be uncomfortable.
  • With the extra range, the Leaf takes longer to charge – about two hours in fact. There’s also the uncertainty of savings in running costs, now that charging suppliers such as Ecotricity are charging £6 per 30-minute top up. Finally is that 155-mile range still going to be enough?

Verdict on the Nissan Leaf Tekna 30kWh

We believe that the Nissan Leaf is a truly landmark car, that’s been made more usable with the extra range.

Check out if the 155-mile range is going to be quite enough in daily use but even with a £6 cost at charging stations you’ll be laughing by going electric.

We think the Leaf in Tekna trim is an interesting tax-saving option for some business buyers, costing just over £356 a month business rental or just £36 a month benefit in kind as a company car for a 20% tax-payer.

The lowdown on: Nissan Leaf Tekna 30kWh

Doors and body style five-door hatch
Engine/gearbox: 30kWh electric motor/single-speed transmission
CO2 Emissions: 0g/km
Economy/range: 155 miles
Power/torque: 107bhp/254Nm
0-62mph/top speed: 11.5secs/89mph
Insurance group: 24

…..and what it costs

 

P11D Value £31,675
Monthly business rental (ex VAT) £356.33
Road tax (VED) £0 first year
Company Car Tax Bands 2016/17 to 2018/19 7%, 9%, 13%
Benefit in kind 2016/17 to 2018/19 £2,217, £2,851, £4,118
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (20%) £0
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (40%) £0
Annual/monthly company car tax (20%) £443/£37
Annual/monthly company car tax (40%) £887/£74
Figures correct at time of posting  August 2016
For latest figures Use our company car tax calculator
Nissan Leaf Tekna
The motoring future, here now – Nissan Leaf Tekna

Share this article

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Reddit
Email

Want more motoring news?

Sign up here for our free weekly serving of motoring.

Sign up here for our free weekly serving of motoring.

Latest news

Top