18 used Nissan Leaf cars for sale

The Nissan Leaf is a trailblazer in the electric vehicle (EV) market. Initially launched in the UK in 2011, it was the first mainstream car to be powered entirely by electricity and produce no CO2 emissions. As well as its impressive electric credentials, the Nissan Leaf is a hatchback with charm and practicality.

Nissan Leaf updates and facelifts

The EV landscape looks much different now than when the Leaf was first introduced. Electric and hybrid vehicles have flooded the hatchback market, with almost every manufacturer embracing the clean energy revolution. But it was the Leaf that kickstarted the industry’s transformation here in the UK upon its arrival in March 2011.

In the same year, it won both the European Car of the Year and World Car of the Year – stamping its mark on the global automotive industry forever. Now, more than a decade on and with a Mk1 and Mk2 to its name, the Nissan Leaf remains highly competitive in what is now one of the busiest markets in the industry.

Upon its 2011 introduction to the UK car market, the Mk1 Nissan Leaf rose to wide acclaim for its unique offering as a mainstream EV. Two years later, the Leaf received a facelift and a British-built version of the Mk1 arrived, adding three further trim levels and software changes, as well as an increase in its mileage range.

To keep pace with the growing EV market, Nissan launched the Mk2 Leaf in the UK in 2018. Sleeker, more powerful and with an improved range, the Leaf enjoyed a renewed popularity. This was boosted further by a 2022 facelift, which added redesigned wheels among other tech improvements. From the start, the Nissan Leaf has moved with the times, and this is demonstrated not only by its role in spearheading the EV revolution but by keeping pace with it more than a decade later.

Practicality and style of the car

The beauty of the Nissan Leaf is that it was designed specifically to be an EV. This is unlike many of its modern rivals, which have adapted petrol or diesel models to fit the electric or hybrid mould. In doing so, these cars may be required to sacrifice space – but not the Nissan Leaf. It retains its spacious feel, perfect for families or packing in passengers and luggage for a road trip. Plus, two ISOFIX child-seat mounts in the rear only add to its family-friendly practicality.

370 litres of boot space is available in the Mk1, which is more than one of its main rivals, the Mk3 Ford Focus, which can fit 316 litres. Once the seats are folded down, capacity rises to 720 litres. The added bonus of 60/40 seating configuration is a neat addition, offering the option of extra room and an extra passenger seat in the back.

The Mk2 Leaf provides even more boot space. Open up the tailgate and you’ll be greeted by 435 litres of space. This ups the ante considerably among its peers, surpassing the Volkswagen Golf Mk7’s 380-litre capacity, as well as the Vauxhall Astra’s 422 litres.

Running costs

One of the Nissan Leaf’s winning qualities is its low running costs. Thanks to its EV credentials, both its Mk1 and Mk2 versions won’t cost you a penny in road tax. Meanwhile, across its various iterations, you’ll find a used Nissan Leaf sitting between insurance groups 20 and 28 depending on its power.

How a used Nissan Leaf drives

The Nissan Leaf’s highly regarded reputation is not just down to its critical role in the EV revolution. Until early 2020 it was the world’s all-time best-selling plug-in electric car, and this can be put down in part to it being a satisfying drive as well as an emissions-free one.

With just one powertrain in the Mk1 generating 254 Newton metres, the synchronous electric motor can produce 108bhp. With the classically silent motor, it’s smooth in the pull-off and handles urban streets impeccably. At higher speeds it also remains incredibly quiet, so motorways are equally easy to tackle. Transmission couldn’t be easier, either – as a front-wheel drive, single-speed automatic, there’s just a ‘D’ for drive, and ‘R’ for reverse.

While the Mk2 sought to make plenty of changes to its predecessor, it retained its handy single-speed transmission. However, what it did add was more power. The standard Leaf motor produces 150bhp and 320 Newton metres of torque, taking it from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds. The higher-end motor adds further zip, with an impressive 217bhp on offer and 340 Newton metres of torque. This additional power increases its acceleration and it achieves 0-62mph in just 6.9 seconds. As such, the Mk2 Leaf moves rapidly off the mark. Like the Mk1, the Mk2 takes the bumps of British roads in its stride thanks to its well-tuned suspension.

Features you can expect in a Nissan Leaf

Interior

In 2011, the Mk1 Nissan Leaf represented the future of the car world, this is as evident in its interior as its electric motor. An interior of off-whites and greys makes for a modern feel, as does the silent engine and the light-up dash. A touchscreen navigation display unit comes as standard, and all of the interior controls feel well-placed. Like the boot, the interior is pleasantly spacious and can fit four adult occupants comfortably, with plenty of room for a fifth. The 2013 facelift does away with the light interior in favour of a classy dark grey, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel for premium trim levels.

Keeping with the times, the introduction of the Mk2 Leaf brought plenty of sleek updates to its interior. A more streamlined dashboard is host to an eight-inch infotainment system as standard, which can be used via Bluetooth connectivity and the smart Nissan Connect EV system as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An intelligent navigation system is also integrated, with the notable benefit of pinpointing EV charging spots. The mid-entry trim adds six speakers for the stereo system, while at the high end you’ll get a premium Bose stereo system.

Technology

The entry-level Mk1 Nissan Leaf benefits from some high-quality features, with air conditioning and Bluetooth connectivity coming as standard – rare for an entry-level model of this age. Premium trim levels offer cruise control which takes the edge off those long motorway drives and heated seats to enhance comfort levels.

Arriving on the market seven years later, the Mk2 Leaf comes with a host of modern touches that make the driving experience more convenient and more comfortable. The entry-level trim includes a rear-view camera and a full suite of driver-assist systems, which include a rear cross-traffic alert and lane departure warning. With the mid-level trim, you’ll get moving object detection and LED lights. while flagship trims are kitted out with ProPilot parking assistance which will perform parallel and bay parks for you.

Safety

From the outside, the Nissan Leaf has been lauded for its impressive safety credentials. Its Mk1 scored a five out of five in its Euro NCAP safety score, with adult and child occupant ratings of 89% and 83%. Anti-lock braking systems and electronic brake distribution come as standard, along with six airbags and ample road assist features.

The Mk2 Leaf only improves on the safety numbers of its predecessor. Again, it scored a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, with an adult-occupancy rating of 93% and a child-occupancy rating of 86%. Autonomous emergency braking comes as standard, along with pedestrian detection, hill start assist and blind spot monitoring.

Trims available on the Nissan Leaf

Nissan Leaf Visia

As the entry-level Mk1 trim, this trim comes equipped with Bluetooth phone connectivity and a touchscreen navigation system. Air conditioning and electric windows are also a part of the Visia package.

Nissan Leaf Acenta

The Mk2’s entry-level trim is a step up from the Mk1 offering. With 16-inch alloys, hill start assist and parking sensors, tech features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and a rear-view monitor.

Nissan Leaf N-Connecta

The mid-entry trim increases the size of the alloys to 17 inches. Plus, there’s moving object detection for safety, and both heated seats and a heated steering wheel for added comfort.

Nissan Leaf Tekna

This high-end trim for the Mk2 enhances the sound system, replacing the standard speakers with a Bose sound system. For an added cost it also has ProPilot capabilities, a parking assistance system that can perform parallel and bay parking manoeuvres for you.

Nissan Leaf e+ Tekna

While a blue bumper trim sets the e+ Tekna apart aesthetically as the top-entry trim, its main draw is improved power which increases the Leaf’s driving range.

Whether you’re looking to finance a Nissan Leaf or purchase one, we have a wide range of used Nissan Leafs available to buy online safely with Click & Collect and home delivery options available.

Search our stock of used Nissan Leaf cars for sale.