The electric Nissan LEAF has been voted European Car of the Year. A jury of 57 motoring journalists from 23 European countries placed the Nissan ahead of rivals from Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Dacia, Ford, Opel/Vauxhall and Volvo.
The panel praised the LEAF for its battery-powered drive system and for being a practical family car. Some jurors were critical of the limited range, long charging times and unproven lifespan of the batteries. Overall, however, the Nissan was recognised as a sign of things to come.
In December the first LEAFs will be delivered to customers in Japan and the USA. UK market cars will arrive in March 2011 and the LEAF will be built in Sunderland from 2013.
Click here for our First Drive of the production version of the Nissan LEAF.
John Lambert - 3 Dec 2010
