The Nissan LEAF remains Nissan Malaysia’s fully electric hatchback offering, with the locally sold model being the facelifted second-generation ZE1 rather than the newer third-generation LEAF introduced overseas.

Malaysia receives a single 110 KW AC variant, priced at RM168,888 on-the-road without insurance in Peninsular Malaysia.

Power comes from a front-mounted electric motor producing 110 KW (148 HP) and 320 NM, paired with a 40 KWH lithium-ion battery. Official Malaysian range is rated at 311 KM NEDC, while 0-100 KM/H takes 7.9 seconds.

The LEAF uses a relatively conventional dashboard compared with newer minimalist EVs.

An 8-INCH NissanConnect central touchscreen sits within the centre stack, while a 7-INCH colour information display forms part of the driver instrumentation.

Physical controls remain for climate and frequently used vehicle functions.

The centre console features Nissan’s distinctive palm-shaped electronic drive selector.

It also incorporates cup holders, storage compartments and the electronic parking brake switch.

The layout prioritises straightforward everyday operation over a highly minimalist design.

A 7-INCH colour Advanced Drive Assist Display provides battery state, range, energy consumption and driver-assistance information.

A conventional speedometer sits alongside the digital display.

The arrangement is more traditional than the fully digital instrument clusters used by newer EV competitors.

The Malaysian LEAF features combination leather and suede upholstery.

Both front seats are manually adjustable.

The rear backrests fold in a 60:40 split, allowing passenger and cargo space to be balanced according to requirements.

The LEAF accommodates five occupants across two seating rows.

Its 2,690 MM wheelbase provides reasonable front and rear passenger space for a C-segment hatchback.

A noticeable central floor section remains in the rear, so the centre passenger does not benefit from the completely flat floor found in newer dedicated-platform EVs.

A flat-bottom leather multifunction steering wheel is standard.

Integrated controls provide access to audio, Bluetooth hands-free calling, cruise control and the Advanced Drive Assist Display.

Steering assistance varies according to vehicle speed.

Storage areas include a glove compartment, centre-console compartments and front and rear door pockets.

The cabin also provides smaller storage spaces for everyday personal belongings.

The LEAF provides two front cup holders within the centre-console area.

Additional bottle storage is incorporated into the door pockets.

Dedicated rear centre-armrest cup holders are not provided.

The infotainment system provides USB connectivity for compatible devices.

A front 12 V power socket is also available.

Unlike many newer EVs, the Malaysian LEAF does not provide high-output USB-C charging or a built-in wireless smartphone charger.

The cabin combines leather and suede upholstery with soft-touch and hard-wearing plastic surfaces.

Material quality is respectable, although the dashboard and switchgear architecture now clearly reflects the LEAF’s older-generation origins.

The conventional layout remains easy to operate without relying excessively on touchscreen controls.

Rear luggage capacity stands at a generous 435 L with the rear seats upright.

Folding the 60:40 rear seatbacks expands maximum capacity to approximately 1,176 L.

This remains one of the LEAF’s stronger practical attributes.

The Nissan LEAF measures 4,480 MM long, 1,790 MM wide and 1,540 MM tall, with a 2,690 MM wheelbase.

Ground clearance stands at 150 MM, while kerb weight is approximately 1,580 KG.

Its minimum turning radius measures 5.3 M, making it relatively easy to manoeuvre in urban environments.

The facelifted LEAF features Nissan’s familiar V-Motion-inspired front treatment, updated with a darker aero grille and the brand’s newer logo.

A redesigned lower bumper and black trim give the front a cleaner and slightly sportier appearance than the pre-facelift version.

Aerodynamic optimisation contributes to a drag coefficient of approximately 0.28 CD.

The rear retains the LEAF’s distinctive floating-roof appearance and upright hatchback tailgate.

A redesigned aerodynamic spoiler sits above the rear windscreen, while the lower bumper incorporates a grey-accent diffuser.

The large hatch opening provides practical access to the luggage compartment.

The LEAF is equipped with LED headlamps with LED signature daytime running lights.

Black inner finishing distinguishes the facelifted lighting units.

High Beam Assist automatically manages high-beam operation according to surrounding traffic.

The LEAF uses distinctive LED rear combination lamps extending vertically along the outer edges of the tailgate area.

Rear fog lamps and a high-mounted brake lamp are also fitted.

Exterior mirrors feature electric adjustment and automatic folding.

Integrated LED turn indicators are standard.

Their aerodynamic design also helps reduce wind resistance at highway speeds.

The LEAF uses ventilated front disc brakes and rear disc brakes.

Regenerative braking supplements the conventional friction brakes and allows energy to be recovered during deceleration.

An Electronic Parking Brake is also standard.

The Malaysian LEAF rides on 17-INCH five-spoke alloy wheels.

These are fitted with 215/50 R17 tyres.

A temporary T125/90 D16 spare tyre is also supplied.

Active safety systems include ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist and Vehicle Dynamic Control.

Hill Start Assist and regenerative braking are also provided.

The Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection gives the driver a 360-degree view during low-speed manoeuvring.

The LEAF is equipped with six SRS airbags, comprising dual front airbags, front-side airbags and full-length curtain airbags.

Five three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters are provided.

ISOFIX child-seat mounting points with top tethers are fitted to the outer rear seats.

The LEAF provides several drivetrain and regeneration settings including D, B, ECO and B ECO.

D Mode prioritises normal responsiveness, while B Mode increases regenerative braking.

ECO reduces power demand and optimises climate operation to improve efficiency.

The signature e-Pedal function allows the driver to accelerate, decelerate and bring the vehicle to a complete stop largely through accelerator-pedal modulation.

The facelifted LEAF features an 8-INCH NissanConnect touchscreen infotainment system.

It supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB and voice recognition.

The interface is relatively simple by current EV standards but provides the essential connectivity expected for daily use.

Nissan Intelligent Mobility equipment includes Intelligent Forward Collision Warning and Intelligent Emergency Braking.

Also provided are Intelligent Lane Intervention, Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Driver Alertness and High Beam Assist.

The LEAF additionally features Intelligent Trace Control and Intelligent Ride Control, while conventional cruise control is standard.

An Intelligent Rear View Mirror can display a camera feed from behind the vehicle when rearward visibility is obstructed.

Audio is delivered through a four-speaker sound system.

Music can be accessed through Bluetooth, USB, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

No premium branded audio system is offered for the Malaysian specification.

Being fully electric, the LEAF uses a 110 KW AC synchronous electric motor instead of a combustion engine.

Maximum output stands at 110 KW (148 HP) and 320 NM.

The motor delivers maximum torque almost immediately from standstill.

The LEAF uses a single-speed electric reduction transmission.

There are no conventional multi-speed gear changes, providing smooth and uninterrupted acceleration.

The Nissan LEAF uses front-wheel drive.

Its single electric motor sends all available output exclusively to the front axle.

The LEAF accelerates from 0-100 KM/H in 7.9 seconds.

Maximum speed is electronically limited to 155 KM/H.

Its immediate 320 NM of torque gives it noticeably stronger low-speed response than the modest horsepower figure might suggest.

As a fully electric vehicle, the LEAF consumes no petrol or diesel.

It uses a 40 KWH laminated lithium-ion battery operating at approximately 350 VOLTS.

Official Malaysian driving range stands at 311 KM NEDC.

Maximum AC charging input is 6.6 KW through a Type 2 port, requiring approximately seven hours for a full charge.

Using a 3.6 KW AC supply increases charging time to around 12 hours.

DC fast charging uses the older CHAdeMO connector at up to 50 KW, with Nissan quoting approximately one hour for a full charge under suitable conditions.

Standard convenience equipment includes Nissan Intelligent Key, push-button start, automatic air-conditioning with timer and automatic folding exterior mirrors.

Four power windows are provided, with one-touch up/down functionality for the driver.

The Intelligent Rear View Mirror is particularly useful when rear visibility is obstructed by passengers or luggage.

The Malaysian LEAF does not feature dedicated rear air-conditioning vents.

A single-zone automatic climate-control system provides cooling through the front dashboard outlets.

This is one of the more obvious comfort disadvantages compared with newer EVs in the same price range.

The LEAF uses independent strut front suspension and a torsion-beam rear arrangement.

Its low-mounted battery lowers the centre of gravity and provides stable handling while keeping the ride reasonably compliant.

The 17-inch wheels and relatively tall tyre sidewalls also help maintain everyday comfort over typical road surfaces.

The electric drivetrain operates with very little mechanical noise or vibration.

Aerodynamic underbody panels, wind-diffusing mirrors and the 0.28 CD body help reduce wind disturbance.

The cabin remains pleasantly quiet at urban speeds, although tyre and wind noise become more noticeable during faster highway driving.

The Nissan LEAF remains officially available in Malaysia at RM168,888, despite the current local model being based on an electric platform and drivetrain that are now considerably older than many competitors.

Its 148 HP and 320 NM motor provides respectable performance with a 7.9-second 0-100 KM/H time, while the 435 L boot, conventional controls and comprehensive Nissan Intelligent Mobility package continue to make it practical and easy to use.

However, the 40 KWH battery, 311 KM NEDC range and 50 KW CHAdeMO DC charging are now significant disadvantages. Most newer EVs around or below its price offer substantially longer WLTP range, CCS2 charging and much higher DC charging speeds.

The LEAF therefore makes the most sense for buyers who value Nissan’s established EV experience, conventional hatchback packaging and straightforward controls rather than outright range or charging technology.