Nissan Ariya

gallery-four-staggeringly-versatile-nissan-leaf-concepts

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Hatchback

Nissan turned up early to the SUV party, with its Qashqai paving the way for the countless models we see today. The Qashqai continues to sell in big numbers in the UK, too, and was also our overall Car of the Year in 2014.

Don’t think Nissan is just about SUVs, though. As well as the Qashqai, the smaller Juke and the larger X-Trail, the Japanese brand has the Micra hatchback, GT-R sports car and Navara pick-up truck.

Nissan was also one of the first big car makers to launch a fully electric car, with its latest Leaf being one of the best on the market.

Despite being based in Japan, Nissan has long committed to building cars in the UK, making several of its best-selling models at a huge factory in Sunderland.

NISSAN

LEAF

Think electric vehicles have limitations? Think again. The Nissan LEAF, for example, is a great all-electric all-rounder. So much so that it has been adapted into some highly unusual concept cars that demonstrate different strengths of the LEAF and prove just how exciting, flexible and robust electric cars can be.

In short, if the Nissan LEAF can do all of this, then it's clearly more than capable enough for you and your family.

Click the right arrow to continue

All-electric versatility

Even in its road-going production guise, the Nissan LEAF is incredibly capable and feature-packed. With a technology-packed interior, 60:40 split folding seats, 435 litres of boot space and plenty of room for five people, the Nissan LEAF rivals many of its petrol-powered competitors for practicality and technology.

Performance is electrifying, too. Nissan LEAF e+ models boast a 62kWh battery mated to a powerful motor that produces 217PS&nbsp;and 340Nm&nbsp;of instant electric torque. The outcome? A hot hatch-like 0-60mph in just 6.9 seconds and 239 miles of all-electric range (WLTP combined).[1] Plus, with the intelligent lithium-ion batteries stored low down in the chassis, a low centre of gravity makes for engaging handling and composed body control.

Click the right arrow&nbsp;to discover four incredible Nissan LEAF concept cars.

To find out more about the Nissan LEAF, head to <a href="https://www.nissan.co.uk/vehicles/new-vehicles/leaf.html">nissan.co.uk/leaf</a>

[1] Laminated lithium-ion LEAF e+ 62kWh battery with 239 miles range. WLTP figures shown are for comparability purposes. Actual real-world driving results may vary depending on factors such as the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted after registration, weather conditions, driving styles and vehicle load.&nbsp;

The road-going LEAF

In 2019, Nissan combined the power of regenerative braking technology and Christmas cheer to create this stunning light-studded Nissan TREE.

In the Nissan LEAF, regenerative braking works with the e-Pedal, letting the driver accelerate, decelerate and stop using only the accelerator. When decelerating, the e-Pedal harvests energy and feeds it back into the batteries. This works by recycling the energy from the movement of the car during braking or deceleration. Meanwhile, B mode is a driving function that regenerates energy, with drivers using the traditional brake pedal as normal.

Driving ohm for Christmas

To prove how much clean energy can be regenerated using the e-Pedal and B mode, Nissan decided to fit the LEAF with thousands of LEDs, baubles and a reindeer – all powered solely by the energy restored through regeneration. 
 
In fact, the average Nissan LEAF driver regenerates 744kWh&nbsp;of clean energy if they drive around 11,180 miles[2]. This energy saving is equivalent to 20% of the overall domestic electricity consumption of an average UK household.[3] This amount of energy generated by the LEAF could also power:

• 266 Christmas trees with 700 incandescent lights for an hour

• 297 ovens for one hour&nbsp;

• 744 televisions for five hours

• 10,783 houses with 1000 LED lights for five hours

[2] Visit <a href="https://uk.nissannews.com/en-GB/releases/release-b5172ad36f97f33585f66570d1098173-driving-ohm-for-christmas-nissan-leaf-becomes-sparkling-nissan-christmas-tree-powered-by-regenerative-energy">uk.nissannews.com</a> for more information

[3] Based on average UK annual domestic electricity consumption of 3,731kWh. For more info, visit: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/energy-consumption-in-the-uk">https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/energy-consumption-in-the-uk</a>

Driving ohm for Christmas – continued

When natural disasters hit, it can typically take between 24-48 hours for power to be restored. So, Nissan created the all-electric LEAF-based response vehicle – coined the RE-LEAF – to provide zero-tailpipe emission, mobile emergency power[4].

Having undergone significant modification to ensure it could tackle the harshest of environments – with a ride height raised by 70mm, tracks widened by 90mm front and 130mm rear, custom wheel arches, mud flaps and all-terrain tyres – the RE-LEAF’s 62kWh capacity lithium-ion batteries allow for a stable power supply to support a multitude&nbsp;of mains-powered devices.

[4] Visit <a href="https://uk.nissannews.com/en-GB/releases/release-93464f7850c37fb62e4006e334145cfc-nissan-re-leaf-power-when-its-needed-where-its-needed">uk.nissannews.com</a> for more information

Nissan RE-LEAF

Using clever bi-directional V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) charging ability – a standard feature of the LEAF since 2010 – the RE-LEAF ‘pushes’ power back to the grid, or directly to electronic devices through V2X (Vehicle-to-everything) technology.

This isn’t the first time the LEAF has been used for disaster support. After the 2011 tsunami on Japan’s northern coast that cut power to 4.8 million homes and 2019’s Typhoon Faxai, Nissan provided LEAF vehicles to community centre and disaster relief teams to provide essential backup power as well as transport.

The LEAF’s battery capabilities continue to evolve. Acting as a portable power station, the latest-generation Nissan LEAF e+ with a fully charged 62kWh battery can provide enough electricity to power the average UK household for around six days.[3]&nbsp;

[3] Based on average UK annual domestic electricity consumption of 3,731kWh. For more info, visit: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/energy-consumption-in-the-uk">https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/energy-consumption-in-the-uk</a>

Nissan RE-LEAF - continued

The Nismo RC – a race-tuned LEAF-based track car developed by Nissan – features dual electric motors, producing 322bhp and 472lb ft of torque[5]. Combined with all-wheel drive, it achieves 0-62mph in an eye-watering 3.4 seconds.

With just six built, the Nismo RC was used for demonstration runs at various events – including at race-weekends alongside Nissan's title-winning Formula E team. It was designed to show how Nissan is setting its sights even higher when it comes to raw power and performance – making electric vehicles even more exciting for customers.

[5] Visit <a href="https://uk.nissannews.com/en-GB/releases/release-f43af17c8ba357956bcf067c8c07f1bd-uk-nissan-brings-excitement-from-the-road-to-the-track-with-leaf-nismo-rc-unleashed-for-the-first-time-in-europe">uk.nissannews.com</a> for more information

LEAF Nismo RC

The drivetrain for the RC is based on the road-going LEAF, featuring lithium-ion batteries and inverters. The use of a carbonfibre monocoque and lightweight components means that the car weighs just 1220kg, while reworked bodywork – length increased to 4546mm, with a 2750mm wheelbase and ground clearance of 1212mm – provides aggressive looks and eye-catching aerodynamics.

LEAF Nismo RC - continued

e-NV200

Having partnered with Mackie's of Scotland – an ice-cream producer, powering its family-owned dairy farm by renewable wind and solar energy – Nissan created this ‘Sky to Scoop’ project, where a Nissan e-NV200 all-electric van helps reduce the carbon dependence at the delivery stage of the ice cream journey.[6] 
 
[6] Visit <a href="https://uk.nissannews.com/en-GB/releases/release-fabc3220fb6c00a3465fef177d034c2b-from-sky-to-scoop-nissan-unveils-zero-emission-ice-cream-van-concept-for-clean-air-day">uk.nissannews.com</a> for more information

e-NV200 ice cream van

Powered by a 40kWh battery, the e-NV200 can travel up to 182 miles (City Cycle WLTP)[7], with the internals powered by Nissan Energy ROAM – a portable power pack that uses lithium-ion cells recovered from early first-generation Nissan electric vehicles. This provides a sustainable second-life for Nissan EV batteries.

Versatile, adaptable and dependable, each of these concepts demonstrate the utter usability of the both the all-electric Nissan LEAF and e-NV200 van. If they can do all this, they’ll be perfect for any of your adventures.

To find out more about the Nissan e-NV200, head to <a href="https://www.nissan.co.uk/vehicles/new-vehicles/e-nv200.html">nissan.co.uk</a>

[7] WLTP figures shown are for comparability purposes. Actual real-world driving results may vary depending on factors including the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted after registration, weather conditions, driving styles and vehicle load.

e-NV200 ice cream van - continued

Gallery: Four staggeringly versatile Nissan LEAF concepts

Promoted | Gallery: Four staggeringly versatile Nissan LEAF concepts

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test </li> <li>Quick charging times and compatibility with the most ubiquitous types of public charging points </li> <li>Priced to be within the grasp of more than just the privileged few </li> <li>As with any car, ride comfort, practicality and ownership costs can’t be ignored</li></ul>

We define an electric car as one that runs purely on battery power and has no tailpipe to puff out nasty chemicals.

The best of the breed offer sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test cycle.

Electric

From a disaster relief vehicle to a 322bhp race car: these 100% electric Nissan LEAF-based concepts prove that EVs can actually be incredibly versatile

Gallery: Four staggeringly versatile Nissan LEAF concepts        

A former motorsport team and independent tuning company, Abarth is now owned by Fiat and responsible for the firm’s sportiest cars.

In recent years, Fiat has even tried to establish Abarth as a standalone brand – in the same way that Citroën has split off its DS luxury division. However, the major difference is that DS cars look completely different from the Citroëns on which they’re based, whereas Abarths rely on bodykits and big wheels to mark them out.

The Abarth 595, for example, is a beefed-up Fiat 500 hatchback, while the Abarth 124 Spider is a hotter version of its Fiat namesake.

ABARTH

Alfa Romeo now has one of its strongest-ever model line-ups, after years of living off past glories.

The BMW 3 Series-rivalling Giulia executive saloon is one of the best cars in its class to drive and has performed very well in the annual What Car? Reliability Survey, while the closely related Stelvio competes in the booming SUV class.

Smaller and larger SUVs are planned, as is a two-door coupé version of the Giulia that will take on the Audi A5, BMW 4 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé.

It’s all a long way from the days when Alfa Romeo just had a couple of dated hatchbacks (the Mito and Giulietta) and the niche 4C sports car in its range.

ALFA ROMEO

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV have all won their classes at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards in recent years, while the TT coupé is the most decorated car in the history of the ceremony.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, which costs more than £100,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has six in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

BMW ALPINA

Citroën is probably most famous for its quirky design, and the latest cars from the brand live up to this tradition, featuring paintwork-protecting ‘Airbumps’ and eschewing the sporty looks favoured by most rivals.

Indeed, Citroën tends to keep away from sportiness altogether and instead tries to put comfort first.

Value (but not cheapness) is also key to the appeal of most Citroëns. And the company’s range includes everything from small hatchbacks (such as the C1 and C3) to big, family-friendly seven-seaters (the Spacetourer and Grand C4 Spacetourer).

The C3 Aircross SUV is another of its popular models, while a larger C5 Aircross is planned.

CITROEN

The sportiest Seats have long used the&nbsp;Cupra name, but it's now been turned into a standalone sub-brand, in much the same way as Fiat's sportiest models are badged as Abarths.

There's just one car in the line-up at the moment: the Cupra Ateca SUV. However, Cupra versions of the Ibiza and Leon hatchbacks are also planned, as is a bespoke model which –&nbsp;initially, at least –&nbsp;won't be offered in regular Seat from.

Don't think that the first Cupra is just an Ateca with a bit more power and a sporty bodykit, either. Its&nbsp;engine, gearbox and four-wheel drive system are actually very similar to what you'll find in Volkswagen's flagship Golf R hot hatch, and the car can hit 62mph in just 5.4sec.

CUPRA

If you want a new car but would rather not spend much, Dacia is a great place to start your search.

This budget brand builds Britain’s cheapest new cars, the Sandero hatchback. And don’t think cheap automatically means corners have been cut, because the Sandero has been commended at the annual What Car? Car of the Year awards on numerous occasions.

Other Dacia models include the&nbsp;higher-riding Sandero Stepway, seven-seat Jogger, and rugged Duster SUV. And while these cost slightly more than the Sandero, they’re still priced aggressively enough that they’re really only competing directly with used cars.

Dacia manages this by borrowing mechanicals and technology from its owner, Renault, to minimise development costs.

DACIA

DS has only existed as a standalone manufacturer since 2015&nbsp;(prior to that the badge was used on upmarket&nbsp;Citroëns), but it is now the premium brand in the PSA Group, which also includes&nbsp;Citroën, Peugeot and Vauxhall.

In 2018, DS stated that it planned to launch a new model every year, with all of these influenced by the French fashion industry and&nbsp;designed&nbsp;to take on the ubiquitous offerings of Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

First to arrive (that same year) was the&nbsp;DS 7 Crossback – a large SUV that competes with the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. Then in 2019 this was followed by the smaller DS3 Crossback SUV, which is not only available&nbsp;with petrol and diesel engines, but also in fully electric E-Tense form.

More recently, DS&nbsp;unveiled its answer to the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class luxury saloons. And while this DS 9 won't now go on sale until 2021, when it does arrive it will be offered with a choice of petrol, hybrid and fully electric power.

Modern Fiats fall into two categories: the retro models and those with more functional designs.

Cars in the first camp appeal to the heart and include the 124 Spider sports car and the 500 series: a hatchback, a convertible, an SUV and two MPVs.

By contrast, the remaining models rely on their practicality and attractive pricing, with the Panda city car, Tipo hatchback and Fullback pick-up truck all prime examples.

Fiat can trace its roots back to the 19th century but is now part of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group, along with Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep and Maserati.

FIAT

Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.

This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.

The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.

Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.

FORD

GWM ORA

Honda is a company that doesn’t like to follow the crowd. So, while it competes in most of the traditional sectors of the car market, in each case it does something a little bit different.

The Jazz, for example, might look like just another rival to Britain’s best-selling car, the Ford Fiesta, but it’s actually much more practical than its rivals, with a flexible boot and Tardis-like interior.

The bigger Civic is also a practical choice, but it’s mainly distinguished by having eye-catching, love-it-or-hate-it styling, despite competing in a sector of the market that’s usually more conservative than a blue rosette.

And while it may not seem so radical now, Honda’s large SUV, the CR-V, was one of the first to forego any pretence of being an off-roader and instead focus on on-road driving dynamics.

HONDA

Hyundai has transformed itself from a maker of oddball hatchbacks that sold in small numbers in the UK, to a major rival to the likes of Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

The Korean firm’s Ioniq Hybrid is particularly impressive, having beaten the trend-setting Toyota Prius when we tested the cars back to back.

Meanwhile, at the extremes of the Hyundai range you find the tiny i10 city car – a four-time What Car? award winner – and the stylish yet family-friendly Santa Fe SUV.

As a bonus, all of these cars come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas most of Hyundai’s rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.

HYUNDAI

Jeep only makes SUVs, but it has plenty of them for you to choose from. So, whether you want something rugged enough to ford streams and climb mountains, or a more luxurious and family-friendly car, it has something to suit you.

Despite its all-American image, Jeep is actually owned by Fiat, meaning Jeeps often share parts with cars from the Italian giant; the entry-level Renegade, for example, has plenty in common with Fiat’s 500X.

However, perhaps the most widely recognised Jeep is the Wrangler, a model that has a dedicated fan base and which closely resembles the original Jeep which saw service in World War 2.

The brand’s future plans include new small and large SUVs, plus the introduction of fully electric models.

JEEP

Buyers seeking value for money should have Kia towards the top of their shopping list.

Although once a niche brand in the UK, today Kia outsells many more established brands, helped by its market-leading seven-year warranty and a strong reputation for reliability; in fact, Kia regularly finishes towards the top of our reliability surveys.

There are plenty of models to choose from, too, ranging from the small Picanto city car to the Ceed family hatchback and the Sorento large SUV. The Picanto was the first Kia to win its class at the What Car? Car of the Year awards.

In the same way that Infiniti acts as Nissan’s premium arm, Lexus has a similar tie-in with Toyota. And since most of Toyota’s models are offered as hybrids, it’s no surprise to see the same from Lexus, although there are some traditional petrol engines, too.

The brand focuses heavily on SUVs – namely the NX and RX – but also has the CT hatchback, ES executive saloon and LS luxury car among its portfolio. More small and large SUVs are expected in the future.

Like Toyota, Lexus has built a very strong reputation for reliability and regularly finishes very close to the top of our annual Reliability Survey.

LEXUS

Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.

So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.

Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.

MAZDA

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

MG has a long heritage in the UK, and while these days it is owned by Chinese firm SAIC, it is slowly but surely beefing up its model range.

Kicking things off is the MG 3, a rival for affordable hatchbacks such as the Dacia Sandero and Skoda Fabia. Then there’s the ZS small SUV, which faces off against the likes of the Renault Captur and Seat Arona. And at the top of the range is the GS, which goes up against Dacia’s Duster and the Ssangyong Tivoli.

While any future MG products are likely to be introduced in China before coming to the UK, design work is still undertaken in the UK. MG’s design studio is based at Longbridge, where the brand made its name with models such as the MGB GT.

MG MOTOR UK

Talk about taking an idea and running with it. The big-selling Mini hatchback is still at the core of the firm’s range, but its cute styling and relatively compact dimensions have been spun off into an estate (the Clubman) and an SUV (the Countryman), as well as a convertible.

Despite its small size, the Mini is a firmly premium product, and the three-door hatchback counts the Audi A1 and Volkswagen Polo among its key rivals.

The fact that Mini is owned by BMW brings some big advantages –&nbsp;not least the fact that its infotainment system is based on BMW’s industry-leading iDrive.

MINI

Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.

That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.

Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.

PEUGEOT

Polestar is a relative newcomer to the new car market, having been born as a motorsport team later bought by Volvo. Today it produces a range of upmarket, fully-electric vehicles and as a brand now sits independently of Volvo.

Its models are given numerical names, and unusually these don’t denote the size of the model, rather they indicate the order in which they’re launched. The now-discontinued Polestar 1 was the firm’s first model and the Polestar 2 is an executive hatchback which is a direct rival for the Tesla Model 3. The Polestar 3 is an electric SUV, Polestar 4 a coupé and Polestar 5 a performance car.

Polestar has a focus on sustainability: in 2020 was the first car maker to release a study to show the carbon footprint of its cars, and in 2021 it started a project to ensure rare-Earth materials such as cobalt – used in many electric car batteries – are sourced responsibly.

POLESTAR

Porsche is best known as the quintessential sports car maker, but its line-up is increasingly diverse, interesting and successful, from its SUV family to the Panamera hatchback and shooting brake and, in time, a planned family of electric vehicles.

Whatever your choice, What Car?’s testers rate the cars highly; Porsche has an unusually high percentage of five and four-star cars.

Without exception, its sports cars are class leaders or among the class leaders, standing out for combining driving thrills with surprising luxury and comfort. Likewise, its SUVs are among the sharpest handling, as well as offering high levels of practicality and quality. Meanwhile, the Panamera is a true rival to the very best large executive saloons.

Porsche also sees itself as an electric car pioneer and has already enjoyed sales success with its plug-in hybrid range. Its first all-electric sports car is imminent, signalling the firm’s intent to stay relevant for many years to come.

PORSCHE

Hatchbacks, SUVs, hybrids, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, meaning&nbsp;it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.

From the roadside, the standout feature of all its cars is design, with them instantly recognisable as members of the Renault family, without being so similar that they fall&nbsp;into the Russian doll trap. However, in terms of ability they're a mixed bag,&nbsp;ranging&nbsp;from very good to no better than average.

Models that fall into the former camp include the Clio small hatchback and Megane E-Tech electric car, while the smaller Zoe electric car is also impressive in most respects; it's just a pity Renault omits key safety kit.

On the other hand, the Captur, Arkana and Austral SUVs are all outclassed by several rivals.

Renault has some exciting new models planned, including a new Scenic (this time it will be an electric SUV instead of a conventionally powered MPV) and two cars that reimagine classic Renaults: the 4 and 5.

RENAULT

Today, the resurgent Seat brand is selling better cars than at any time in its history.

In large part, that’s because it is one of the brands owned by the VW Group. Underneath, all of the cars it sells are strongly related to similar models sold by Volkswagen itself, or the likes of Skoda and even Audi. If you are buying a Leon, for example, the hardware will be similar to that of the Golf, Octavia and A3.

But while Seat makes the most of this tie-up to offer everything from city, small and family cars, including estates, through to a full range of SUVs, it also adds in its own slice of character, both with its distinctive styling approach and because its engineers generally tune the cars to deliver sportier handling.

While all of its cars are decent, it is the SUVs that stand out. The Arona and Ateca are among the class leaders and have enjoyed triumphs at the What Car? Awards.

SEAT

One of the greatest success stories in the car world of recent decades is Skoda’s rise to become a hugely credible mainstream maker of good-value, good-sense cars.

Central to that success has been its place within the VW Group, alongside the Volkswagen brand itself, plus the likes of Seat and Audi. That has given it access to exactly the same underpinnings for its cars as the other brands, and it has complemented this by adding its own developments, from the way the cars drive and ride through to the features they have and the pricing.

The result is a range that extends from a city car to a large executive saloon, with family and large seven-seat SUVs too. There’s a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, all of which are competitive for the class.

As a result, Skoda has a range of cars that is almost entirely class-leading or among the class leaders, and it has enjoyed long-time success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

SKODA

Owned by Mercedes-Benz and with a reputation for making small, clever cars, Smart offers a striking, upmarket alternative to more conventional rivals.

It currently has a two-car line-up, the smaller of the two being the distinctive Fortwo, which, as its name suggests, is an ultra-short two-seater that uses an unusual rear-engined configuration to deliver the sort of turning circle that even London taxis can only dream of. It's a doddle to park in small spaces, too.

Smart's 'family car' is the Forfour, which is little more than a stretched version of the Fortwo, with a second row of seats and a larger boot. It's more of a natural rival for cars like the Hyundai i10 or Kia Picanto.

On paper, both cars come at a considerable price premium when compared with rivals, something it says is justified by its badge appeal and the technology in the cars.&nbsp;However, sales have been slow and there are often keen Target Price deals to be found.

SMART

Ssangyong has made giant strides in recent years, after it was taken over by a new owner and given a injection of investment to help its bid to become a credible car maker.

The result so far is a range of cars dominated by SUVs (as well as a single pick-up), most of which are below the class average standard but all of which have merits, including the amount of space and practicality they offer for the money.

The highlight in the range is currently the Korando, a Nissan Qashqai rival that offers all the space of that car but for a price closer to the much smaller Nissan Juke’s. It is very roomy and has decent engines, but it’s let down a bit by interior quality, high running costs and poor resale values.

SSANGYONG

Once best known for its flame-spitting, rally-bred Imprezas, Subaru’s focus now is on cars that will appeal to a far wider audience, and especially one that values go-anywhere ability and no-nonsense values above all others.

The result is a mixed bag of offerings, none of which rise beyond being average in their class but most of which have facets that make them stand out from their rivals. Core to its range are the Forester and Outback SUVs, while the Levorg is a more conventional estate.

At other extremes, there’s also the BRZ, an entertaining coupé that is let down by its price and resale values, and of course the Impreza, which comes in a variety of forms, including a hot model.

SUBARU

Suzuki is well known as a motorcycle manufacturer, but the car brand has been enjoying decent success in recent years, thanks to a line-up of neat, well-equipped and keenly priced models.

Its expertise focuses on smaller cars, although its high-riding SUV range is also hugely credible, especially the Ignis and Vitara, which are both rated highly by What Car?’s testers and which have enjoyed success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

Well priced, decent to drive and full of useful tech, Suzuki’s cars also generally stand out for delivering good fuel economy. The Ignis, Celerio and Baleno have all stood head and shoulders above the competition during our True MPG testing.

SUZUKI

Tesla is a US brand&nbsp;that revolutionised&nbsp;the car industry, putting <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-electric-cars-2022/n17000">electric cars</a> in the limelight&nbsp;for the first time – helped by the personality and profile of boss Elon Musk.

Today, Tesla has a broader&nbsp;line-up than ever, with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-3/saloon/review/n19010">Tesla Model 3</a> saloon&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-y/hatchback/review/n23624">Tesla Model Y</a> SUV the company's cheapest models. For those with bigger budgets or a need for more space, there's the larger <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-s/hatchback/review/n150">Tesla Model S</a> saloon and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-x/hatchback/review/n161">Tesla&nbsp;Model X</a> SUV.&nbsp;A&nbsp;new Roadster, complete with supercar-beating acceleration, is also in the works.

&nbsp;

TESLA

Toyota is a company undergoing a quiet revolution, as it works hard to replace its sensible but somewhat bland reputation with one for being a bit more daring, in areas such as the styling of its cars and its enthusiastic leadership of cutting-edge technology, such as hybrid systems.

That process seems to be working for buyers, with the hugely popular and striking-looking C-HR SUV in particular attracting a great deal of interest. The latest version of the hybrid Prius is also rated highly by What Car?; it’s the first Prius to go on sale that our testers have felt can truly compete all round with existing petrol or diesel rivals.

However, it’s worth noting that this period of transition is also a work in progress, and that many of the firm’s cars are still rated as being no more than average among class rivals by our testers.

TOYOTA

Vauxhall has an incredibly diverse range of cars on sale, a few of which stand out above the class average. Add in the fact that it still offers some of the largest Target Price discounts in the market (something it is trying, without huge success, to cut back on), and there are very good reasons to consider buying one of its better models.

However, you need to choose carefully, because it is also a brand in transition. It has a newish parent company – the same one that owns Citroën, DS and Peugeot. And while Vauxhall’s newer models tend to be competitive, some of the others feel dated; a quick check of our star ratings will reveal which is which.

Still, given the recent success of sister brands Citroën and especially Peugeot, each new launch should make its range more appealing to buyers.

VAUXHALL

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

ARIYA

JUKE

QASHQAI

If you think the Nissan Leaf and other <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-electric-cars-2023/n17000">electric cars</a> are a 21st century invention, prepare yourself for a surprise: EVs date back to Victorian times.

Yes, there were battery-powered horseless carriages whirring&nbsp;around city streets well before the turn of the last century, and electric cars once dominated land-speed records. That said,&nbsp;there’s a big difference between the Leaf and its ancestors.

When the Nissan Leaf&nbsp;was launched, it made other battery-powered alternatives seem like golf buggies because it looked, well, like a proper car. It drove like one&nbsp;too, with decent&nbsp;acceleration and a top speed that meant you could get where you were going faster than you could on a bicycle.

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CFAPOwlXnBs"></iframe>

It's&nbsp;now in its second generation and is a much better all-rounder than the original Leaf. It’s faster, better to drive, bigger inside and, perhaps most importantly of all, capable of much longer distances between charges.

There’s also a range-topping e+ version with a bigger battery that promises an even longer range and faster acceleration. Unfortunately for <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/nissan">Nissan</a>, a whole battalion of new or revised electric rivals have whizzed silently into view.

You can choose from electric SUVs –&nbsp;including the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/kona-electric/hatchback/review/n18164">Hyundai Kona Electric</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/niro/estate/review/n24582">Kia Niro EV</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;and electric hatchbacks, such as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/cupra/born/hatchback/review/n23703">Cupra Born</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/e208/hatchback/review/n20228">Peugeot e-208</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/zoe/hatchback/review/n152">Renault Zoe</a> and<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/id3/hatchback/review/n21832"> VW ID.3</a>. You can go&nbsp;inexpensive (with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/mg4/hatchback/review/n24916">MG4</a> or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/mg5/hatchback/review/n22011">MG5</a>&nbsp;for example)&nbsp;or splash out on the ultra-cool&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-3/saloon/review/n19010">Tesla Model 3</a> if you have a larger budget. Heck, there’s even a same-brand alternative in the form of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/ariya/hatchback/review/n24303">Nissan Ariya</a>. 

So, is the Nissan Leaf better than those alternatives, and will&nbsp;it really fit into your lifestyle if you’re switching&nbsp;from a petrol or diesel car? We’ll tell you all you need to know over the next few pages of this review, including how it handles and whether it's cheap to run, along with which trim&nbsp;and power option&nbsp;make the most sense.

Remember, if you do decide to buy one – or any make and model of vehicle – make sure you search our free What Car?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Deals service</a>&nbsp;to find out how much you&nbsp;could save on the asking price with no need for any bartering. There are some, er, electrifying <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/category/electric">new electric car deals</a>&nbsp;to check out.

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