LeftieBiker said:The "new" Leaf appears to use the entire midsection from the existing car, so any increase in size will have to be in the rear and/or nose.
I interpret the midsection is the most changed part of the car.
(ie new floor pan) ie need new crash testing
(new A pillars) ie need new crash testing
(new seating) ie need new crash testing
(probably newer, but thinner steel) ie need new crash testing
there probably are a multitude of changes that individually justify new crashing testing,
I would say the Nissan LEAF/ Toyota Prius are fairly stuck on wheelbase dimensions etc, the 'size' changes are due to optimization within the midsection.
yes, some increase in nose is today's automotive fashion as well, buts that just bumper bar air. (cheap, light, crash protection)