Kiwis are in for a big change when it comes to their favourite EV, the Nissan Leaf, which is set to become an SUV once the third-generation model is released next year.
Not counting the ones that have fallen from trees, around 19,423 Leafs have landed on our road since the model was released in 2010, making it the most registered electric car in New Zealand.
However, its reign has come under fire from new entrants like the BYD Atto 3 and Tesla Model Y SUVs, both of which have consistently topped new electric car registrations throughout the past year or so.
It’s a similar story in Europe where the Leaf is made, which is why Nissan has decided to ditch the model’s hatchback formula and allow it to better compete with the new wave of EV SUVs.
To give you an idea as to what the new Leaf will look like, the Japanese carmaker says that it’ll closely resemble the Chill-Out Concept that was revealed in 2021.
It’ll be a big change from the current model, with its sharp edges and lines being thrown out for a smooth and flowing appearance. The Chill-Out will also lend its LED-lit front and rear ends, complete with illuminated Nissan badging and a dome-shaped roof.
We have no doubt the new design will make the Leaf a lot more slippery, optimising the range of its yet-to-be-announced electric drivetrain.
The next-generation Leaf will be joined by a fully electric Qashqai and Juke, both of which will take respective inspiration from Nissan’s edgy and futuristic Hyper Urban and Hyper Punk concepts that were revealed at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show.
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