The all-new Nissan LEAF electric family car has marked its official launch in style after landing three gongs in the prestigious Auto Express New Car Awards 2026, including Car of the Year.
Already slated to be one of the year’s most significant launches, the LEAF arrives in Vertu Nissan showrooms having secured both Affordable Electric Car of the Year and Small Company Car of the Year titles, before then being revealed as the overall Car of the Year winner too.
Now in its third generation, the latest LEAF represents a new concept for the model line having morphed from a conventional compact hatchback into a trendier – and more practical – coupe-style SUV.
Indeed, the LEAF can claim to be one of the forerunners of the electric vehicle movement having first arrived back in 2010, long before other mainstream manufacturers began developing EVs.
It means the new LEAF benefits from almost two decades of engineering know-how, invaluable experience that wasn’t lost on the Auto Express judging panel.
Richard Ingram, Deputy Editor of Auto Express said “Against every yardstick, Nissan’s LEAF is an outstanding Car of the Year. Rivals can’t beat its mix of long range and keen pricing and a powertrain that blends performance and efficiency like few others.
“Add in a premium ride quality, tight handling and an interior that offers impressive space and packaging wrapped in a dynamic design its victory is richly deserved. Engineered and manufactured in Britain, it’s a homegrown triumph to boot.”
Recognition from Auto Express - one of Europe's most trusted motoring publications - represents just the latest success for the LEAF having also won the Autotrader Editor's Choice Award, The Sun's Car of the Year and Women's Worldwide Car of the Year 'Supreme Winner' prize.
James Taylor, Managing Director of Nissan Motor GB added: “We’re over the moon that All-New, British-built LEAF has been recognised with not just one, but three awards from Auto Express. A big thanks to the team for recognising the hard work that’s gone into making this third-generation model the best yet!
“To see LEAF recognised as Auto Express Car of the Year is something all of us at Nissan can be incredibly proud of – not least the incredible team at our Sunderland plant, which has now built three generations of award-winning LEAFs.
“Winning Small Company Car of the Year is also great recognition of LEAF’s appeal for fleet and business customers, and scooping Affordable Electric Car of the Year only goes to show the incredible value proposition that LEAF represents.”
The sweep of awards comes as Nissan confirms the LEAF’s starting price has been significantly reduced with the addition of a 52kWh battery option, alongside the existing 75kWh battery.
With both grades eligible for the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant, it means the British-built LEAF range now starts at £28,849.
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- Nissan
- Electric
- New Cars