72 In the real world of course you would be lucky to
reach that goal, but the Nissan has the potential to get reasonably close to its limit given the right driving situation. EVs don’t like motorways because there’s less braking which means less regeneration so the battery doesn’t get as much charge. Move into an urban scenario and things change for the better. Having said all that, the Leaf offers greater journey length for its price than many EVs. It also provides practicality, seating for up to five people and a boot to match. Prices start from a very competitive, for an EV, £28,995 on the lead-in 39 kwh model with a range of 168 miles. My test e+ Tekna model £36,445 has the arguably more practical 59 kwh battery with a 239 mile range. Standard fare is good with even the entry level model and includes such items as auto lights and high beam assist, auto wipers, adaptive cruise control, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, DAB radio, Bluetooth, rear
HONDA JAZZ H STANDOUT SUPERMINI
onda’s diminutive Jazz has been in showrooms for 20 years and despite its compact look is actually of similar
dimensions to rivals such as Ford’s Fiesta, Vauxhall’s Corsa, VW’s Polo and Citroen’s C3. In its latest guise the first thing that strikes you
once inside the Jazz is the light and airy feel and excellent all-round visibility. This is in no small part due to the almost panoramic windscreen with large quarter lights and slim windscreen pillars. In comparison to its rivals the Jazz feels very spacious. That interior space is excellent for both height and
legroom and although the boot is compromised due the hybrid batteries it’s quite adequate for the weekly shop. The rear seat also slides to assist with those slightly larger loads. Power comes from a 1.5-litre petrol/electric
hybrid unit that allows the car to pick the optimum circumstances to bring in electric power. An e-CVT automatic transmission is one of the better units although there is still the vocal interference from the engine under hard acceleration until the CVT transmission catches up. All these units operate in the same way and the trick is, wherever possible, to feather the throttle. Hard acceleration apart, the Jazz is a smooth and refined drive with impressive economy and low emissions. The range starts at £25,900 with base level equipment providing all the essentials such as automatic lights and wipers, adaptive cruise control,
view camera and a plethora of safety kit. There’s some impressive tech on the Leaf including
CONTINUES TO BE A SOUND EV CHOICE
e-Pedal that allows you to just use your right foot as when you ease off the throttle the car brakes. Depending how quickly you ease off decides on the level of braking, so it’s fairly easy to learn to feather the throttle. It’s one of those things where until you’ve experienced it you wonder what’s the point. Try it and you realise just how easy it makes the driving. Add an Eco mode, along with
increased regenerative braking, and there are plenty of opportunities to
maximise range. Prices for the longer range 239 mile model start at £34,945 and bring increased specification and performance. The Leaf set the trend and continues to be a sound
EV choice. In some areas it shows its age against more digital competitors but personally I’d rather have buttons than digital. If you want an affordable EV combining practicality and decent equipment levels then the Leaf is a hard act to beat.
powered heated and folding door mirrors, Bluetooth and air conditioning. My test model was the Crosstar Advance trim that is one below the top of the range. Priced at £28,010 this includes front and rear parking
sensors, wireless CarPlay and upgraded infotainment and touchscreens. Typically, being a Honda, the build quality is faultless and the fabric seats with soft touch materials on the facia and door panels makes a plain but comfortable place to be for your travels. The combination of comfortable seats and generous interior space make the Jazz eminently capable of more than just urban commuting. If the Jazz has a problem, then it’s price. Look at rivals
from Ford, Vauxhall and especially Citroen and you can see why in straightened economic times people may drive towards lesser models. Move past the price though and you know that the Jazz will keep you reliably mobile for many years and is a clever choice that sets you apart from the crowd.
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