CONTINUING the success of the previous generation model, owners have named the Nissan LEAF’s drivetrain as the most enjoyable in the annual 2019 Driver Power study of more than 80,000 new car customers.
The Nissan LEAF came top in the ‘Best Engine & Gearbox’ award, as well as fifth in the ‘Best MPG & Running Costs’ category. 2019 will be the third year in a row that the Nissan LEAF has been named best for the satisfaction given by its drivetrain.
Steve Fowler, editor-in-chief of Auto Express and Carbuyer commented; “The original LEAF took top honours in our engine and gearbox category in 2017 and 2018, and that torch has been passed to the second-generation version in 2019.”
Steve continued; “Owners love the car’s quiet, smooth and rapid acceleration, and its score beat some pretty sporty models from premium brands. It’s not just great to drive though; a fifth place for MPG and running costs shows the LEAF remains easy on the wallet.”
Kalyana Sivagnanam, Managing Director, Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd. Commented: “The Nissan LEAF is a fantastic car to drive delivering instant power, rapid acceleration, and refinement thanks to its 100% electric drive train. We are delighted to see our customers have recognised this by highly praising its driving performance.”
First published in 2002, the Driver Power automotive customer satisfaction study is now in its 17th year and is the UK’s biggest new car ownership survey.
The Driver Power New Car scoring is based on average scores across nine judging categories:
- Reliability & Build Quality
- MPG & Running Costs
- Safety Features
- Engine & Gearbox
- Ride & Handling
- Interior & Comfort
- Exterior
- Practicality & Boot Space
- Infotainment, Connectivity & Electrics
The first generation Nissan LEAF was named ‘Best Green Car’ in the 2017 Driver Power Survey, as well as ‘Best Engine & Gearbox’. In the 2018 Driver Power Survey, LEAF won the ‘Gold Electric Car’ Award and it was the best-performing vehicle overall in the ‘Best Engine & Gearbox’ category.
