Nissan has unveiled the all-new Leaf, now reinvented as a sleek, aerodynamic SUV with up to 375 miles of range to take on the Kia EV3 and Volkswagen ID.3.

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The original trailblazing electric hatch returns later this year in its heavily reinvented third-generation SUV form, built again at the brand’s Sunderland plant and the first vehicle to roll off the lines as part of Nissan’s EV36Zero project.

Debuted hot on the heels of the new Micra, it’s the second of a quartet of major new Nissans that also include the next-generation Qashqai e-Power due in the coming months, followed by an all-new fully electric Juke in 2026.

Transformed by Nissan’s NTCE UK research and development centre in Bedfordshire, it will be powered by batteries from AESC, Nissan’s EV battery partner, at its new gigafactory located next to the Nissan plant.

The new Leaf is built on the CMF-EV modular platform shared with the Nissan Ariya, and is slightly shorter than the outgoing model but slightly higher and wider and featuring significantly enhanced packaging to enhance onboard space and enable a panoramic sunroof.

The new sleek and aerodynamic design, including flush door handles, also delivers an improved drag coefficient of 0.25, boosting the official efficiency figure by 20% to 14.2kWh/100km – the equivalent of 7.0mpkWh.

Two battery options will be available: a ‘Standard’ 52kWh pack with up to 270 miles of WLTP range and an ‘Extended’ 75kWh pack with up to 375 miles (final figures still to be confirmed). The former can charge at up to 105kW DC while the 150kW fast-charging capability on the larger battery should enable the Leaf to recover up to 260 miles in 30 minutes.

The new Leaf also gets intelligent battery thermal management, which now works in tandem with the In-Car Route Planner by Google Maps to automatically set the battery at the optimal temperature when approaching a fast charger.

Vehicle-to-load capability will provide 3.6kW of power to charge external devices while, as with the Micra, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) will arrive in the future, enabling drivers to send stored power back to the grid.

Nissan’s e-Pedal Step and adjustable regenerative braking deliver one-pedal driving in urban settings and regeneration levels are now adjustable via paddle shifters or automatically through Intelligent Distance Control.

The three-in-one electric motor, which combines the inverter, motor and reducer, is brand-new and some 10% smaller and lighter than its forebear while noise and vibration characteristics are said to be significantly better. It delivers 215hp of power to the front wheels, with 355Nm of torque and 0-62mph in as little as 7.6 seconds.

The new model also features MacPherson front suspension and adopts a multi-link rear arrangement for enhanced performance.

There’s a whole array of new technology too, including a pair of 14.3-inch screens that include intelligent voice control plus built-in Google with access to Maps, Assistant and Play Store. The new Leaf also comes with 3D 8-point Around View Monitor and a Bose Personal Plus premium audio system.

Standard safety features include intelligent cruise control, lane keep assist and driver monitor system.

Boot space stands at 437 litres, 50 litres up on the previous Leaf, and there’s various practical features to enhance flexibility plus a power tailgate. Selected variants will also come with roof rails.

Nifty design features include the dimming panoramic sunroof, complete with thermal protection and able to reflect onto the seats, plus a holographic design for the tail-lights featuring two and three light slashes to denote the carmaker’s name – ‘Ni-San’ in Japanese translates to ‘two-three’. These are just one of a series of ‘Easter eggs’ across the vehicle that play on the Nissan moniker.

Orders for the new Leaf open later this autumn with first deliveries set for spring 2026. Prices are yet to be announced.