Nissan Leaf.
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For over a year, there have been rumors about the next-generation Nissan Leaf. Especially about its design being a production version of the Chill Out concept.
These are the first spy shots I have seen of the actually new Leaf, and so far, it doesn’t look that close to the concept. Which is too bad. I know there is still tons of camouflage. These were also taken with a long lens etc… But, at least so far, it doesn’t look fantastic.
It seems like it might end up looking more like a smaller Ariya than the Chill Out concept. I think the Ariya looks great. But the new Murano also looks a lot like the Ariya. We don’t need that same design in a smaller shape.
This would be what Nissan has down with the current Maxima, Altima, and Sentra. These 3 have basically very similar designs in different sizes.
I do understand concept designs need to be toned down for production, but let’s hope for something more original than a smaller Ariya.
The first generation Leaf came out in 2010. It took 8 years for Nissan to redesign it. And still, it wasn’t an all-new car and used many parts from the 1st generation. A fully new generation is seriously needed.
The current Leaf starts at around $28,000. Even with the probably huge improvements the new one will offer, its base price should really stay at around $30,000. Which is where the upcoming Kia EV3 will be. And probably the next-generation Chevrolet Bolt.
These will be just 3 of the new affordable EVs coming within a year or two.
Honestly, I’m just glad there is a new Leaf coming. It was one of Nissan’s best ideas, until Ghosn killed most of the necessary components upgrades (like a heat pump) that would have made it a much better option. Let’s keep our fingers crossed. Nissan’s latest couple of designs have been interesting and different enough from the Ariya. Maybe they’ll save the ChillOut for a new larger sedan.
Correct me if I’m wrong but isn’t Mitsubishi getting this platform also to underpin a small crossover in its North American lineup?