Year Car 2011: Nissan Leaf

Nissan Leaf, the first fully electric car final in this competition, is the Car of the Year 2011. As was the custom in recent years, a victory was close, 257 points, compared to a point 248 of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. It took the Opel / Vauxhall Meriva finished third with 244 points.

Produced a different approach in the voting by members of the jury the final outcome
of this contest.

The launch mass production electric car in the market over the twenty-awarded the highest points of the enormous appeal of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta or originality practical Opel Meriva. Despite the lack of an extensive network of recharging and limited range, and life is a bet of technical and business that may satisfy potential consumers otherwise many, particularly where incentives to reduce the public will come to pay the price. Car of the Year in the history, life and bring the prize to April after 18 years of Micra, and the first Japanese model to win.

Has been conceived of the fiber over a special platform for electric vehicles, with features typical of the traditional compact car: McPherson front suspension and rear torsion beam, front wheel drive and process the body 5-door hatchback with superb aerodynamics. A package of lithium ion batteries sitting efficiently for the distribution of space and weight, and under the earth, and between the axles. And put the room's occupants and the boot 05/04 to a reasonable size the practical side of the car. With the reduction of mechanical noise away from the buzz of electric motors, acoustic comfort and there is a bad reputation.

Along with the prevailing silence, life surprises for the first time with a driver and abundant torque and instant response. AC engine and a weight of 1.6 tons in the reduction of determining the level of good performance. Nissan's new is true zero-emission car if taken "the path of energy" in mind, but official estimates are very favorable. Ranging from rechargeable, up to 8 hours at the home of the supply point is very different depending on the type of use.

Technical data

Body: 5 door hatchback

Size: 4.45 X 1.77 X 1.55 meters. Wheelbase: 2.69 meters.

Transmission: Front wheel drive. Automatic clutch. One gear.

Tires / wheels: 205/55-16 (6.5 X 16)

Engine: AC syncronous electric cars.

Power - torque: 80 kW (109 hp) at 2.730 to 9.800 rpm - 280 Nm at 0 to 2.730 rpm

Maximum speed - 0-100 km / h Acceleration: 145 km / h - 11.9 seconds.