A new electric vehicle, manufactured in the United Kingdom, has been described by experts as the "car to watch" in 2026, while drivers will also benefit from a government subsidy scheme.
The new Nissan LEAF, which will qualify for the government grant for electric cars, has won the prestigious “Car to Watch” award from the Car and Van Company, just weeks before the first deliveries begin in February.
The third-generation model represents a complete redesign of the iconic LEAF. It is no longer a classic hatchback, but comes as a compact SUV. The new LEAF will be offered with two battery variants, 52 kWh and 75 kWh, providing an autonomy ranging from approximately 436 to 621 kilometers.
The car is expected to develop 215 horsepower and 355 Nm of torque, which allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and reach a top speed of around 160 km/h. Andrew Walker, editor of Company Car and Van, praised the model for its competitive price, good autonomy and road behavior.
“We are delighted to include the all-electric Nissan LEAF in our annual list of winners. The car that started it all has been given a new lease of life for 2026,” he said.
“Although the competition is strong and perhaps not rewriting the rules like it once was, the combination of favorable price, excellent autonomy, smart technology and enjoyable driving makes it the car to watch in 2026.”
The new LEAF will be built in the UK at Nissan's Sunderland plant. In November, the Department for Transport confirmed that the model would be included in the government's electric vehicle grant, making it more affordable for buyers.
James Taylor, managing director of Nissan GB, thanked the Company Car and Van team for the appreciation:
“We strongly agree with this assessment. Together with our other fully electric models – including the new Micra, Ariya, as well as the Townstar and Interstar vans – Nissan is rapidly expanding its electric portfolio, with very attractive offers for fleets and new customers.” /GazetaExpress/
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