The Nissan Leaf received a slight upgrade for the European market. Unless you’re a dedicated Leaf fan, you won’t be able to tell the difference, but the updates really do make the Leaf look a bit more slick in terms of high tech, which necessary for EVs to stand out these days. It also means we may soon see the improved version on US shores.
The refreshed version carries a new grille – well, a plate of the same material as the grille – avoiding chrome for an extended black. The old grille is no longer a blue square motif, instead there are hieroglyphic motifs molded on the edges. In fact, all traces of the eco-blue highlights have been removed. Previously, they were on the front spoiler and rear bumper graphics.
New Nissan hamburger badges adorn the front and rear, and the latter even illuminates. However, Piece of Resistance for this update are new wheel designs. The upcoming Leaf comes in three wheel options, 16-inch steel rims with wheels, 16-inch five-spoke alloys or a simple 17-inch five-spoke alloy, which looks more basic than the 16-inch. Now, the Leaf has the option of 30-spoke wheels, which look like a circuit board or some kind of high-tech fan.
The leaf will come with much more color as well, although it is not clear whether they passed through the pond. Magnetic Blue is borrowed from Qashqai, and something called Universal Blue from Ariya (this name does not appear on Impressive palette of US Ariyabut it could be Pearl Green).
The leaf made from above will go on sale in April in Europe. While it’s still not a surprise, it’s amazing how a few minimal tweaks can be made to a previously simple Jane design.
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