Updated review at Edmunds.com

[sproqitman]

I haven't seen this mentioned elsewhere on the forum (apologies/merge if it has). Edmunds.com has an updated road test of the Nissan LEAF, including acceleration and braking, slalom, and skidpad test results.
Road test is here: http://www.edmunds.com/nissan/leaf/2011/road-test2.html
Detailed performance specs are here: http://www.edmunds.com/nissan/leaf/2011/road-test-specs2.html

 

[jhm614]

Looks like this could be the first independent speed tests -- says they tested it the California Speedway on 11/16/2010

Although the "Transmission and axle" ratios look odd: I=4.212; II=2.637; III=1.900; IV=1.386; 1.000; VI=0.772; R=3.386; FD=2.885
I thought the transmission was a single gear? Are these reduction gears?

 

[evnow]

All the acceleration timings we have waited for ...

Acceleration, 0-30 mph (sec.) 3.4
0-45 mph (sec.) 6.0
0-60 mph (sec.) 10.0
0-75 mph (sec.) 16.0
1/4-mile (sec. @ mph) 17.3 @ 77.8
0-60 with 1 foot of rollout (sec.) 9.6
0-30 mph, trac ON (sec.) 3.3
0-45 mph, trac ON (sec.) 6.0
0-60 mph, trac ON (sec.) 9.9
0-75 mph, trac ON (sec.) 15.9
1/4-mile, trac ON (sec. @ mph) 17.3 @ 78.0
0-60, trac ON with 1 foot of rollout (sec.) 9.6
Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.) 32
60-0 mph (ft.) 126
Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) 63.0
Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) ESC ON 58.5
Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) 0.78
Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) ESC ON 0.75
Sound level @ idle (dB) 36.7
@ Full throttle (dB) 67.7
@ 70 mph cruise (dB) 67.7

 

[IBELEAF]

I am a bit surprised. Performance (0-xx runs) appears to be on par with Prius. Why?

http://www.edmunds.com/toyota/prius/2010/road-test-specs.html

and according to Chevy Camaro specs, there is no way Leaf would outrun it as the recent video ad portraits:

http://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/camaro/2010/road-test-specs.html


Another surprise is the sound level Leaf vs my annoyingly loud Outlander:

Leaf:
Sound level @ idle (dB) 36.7
@ Full throttle (dB) 67.7
@ 70 mph cruise (dB) 67.7

Outlander:
Sound level @ idle (dB) 36.0
@ Full throttle (dB) 69.2
@ 70 mph cruise (dB) 63.5

 

[Coffee_Slurry]

Umm... these aren't good numbers.
Why is it so loud?

 

[DeaneG]

The Leaf's sound levels are not bad. It can't be the quietest car without additional heavy sound insulation for wind and tire noise, and thicker glass.

Compared to a Toyota Corolla:
Sound level @ idle (dB) 40.8
@ Full throttle (dB) 74.0
@ 70 mph cruise (dB) 71.7

Honda Fit:
Sound level @ idle (dB) 40.8
@ Full throttle (dB) 75.8
@ 70 mph cruise (dB) 67.6

That said, I'll bet the typical user mods are added sound deadening and upgraded speakers.

 

[evnow]

I'm sceptical about these numbers ... esp. the full throttle. No reason for it to jump from 36 to 67. Looks like a copy-paste error from the next line.

Leaf:
Sound level @ idle (dB) 36.7
@ Full throttle (dB) 67.7
@ 70 mph cruise (dB) 67.7

 

[TomT]

The braking numbers and braking comments are disappointing, as are the cornering numbers (but probably expected with the ultra low rolling resistance tires used). Also, I'm not sure if ESC is Electronic Slip Control or Electronic Stability Control in their parlance... Acceleration is pretty much what I expected: Not fast but acceptable and around 10 seconds to 60.

I haven't seen this mentioned elsewhere on the forum (apologies/merge if it has). Edmunds.com has an updated road test of the Nissan LEAF, including acceleration and braking, slalom, and skidpad test results.
Road test is here: http://www.edmunds.com/nissan/leaf/2011/road-test2.html
Detailed performance specs are here: http://www.edmunds.com/nissan/leaf/2011/road-test-specs2.html

 

[Coffee_Slurry]

Was I the only one hoping for a sub-9 second zero-to-sixty?

10 seconds. With a 17 second quarter mile.. is that even on-ramp legal?
:evil:

 

[TomT]

Car and Driver got virtually the same numbers when they tested it about 6 weeks ago.

Was I the only one hoping for a sub-9 second zero-to-sixty?

10 seconds. With a 17 second quarter mile.. is that even on-ramp legal?
:evil:

 

[DeaneG]

10 seconds. With a 17 second quarter mile.. is that even on-ramp legal?

Same as a whole bunch of other small cars.

The Leaf is essentially an economy car, a basic common denominator which will be useful to a lot of people. I'll be happy to drive it. If you want faster, wait for the next generation Infinity, or buy a Tesla. More speed will cost more for the same range.

 

[IBELEAF]

The car felt a lot quicker and quieter then numbers suggest. I hope the real world experience will be different.

 

[evnow]

The car felt a lot quicker and quieter then numbers suggest. I hope the real world experience will be different.

Because we didn't drive at full throttle or at 70. Leaf will be quit in normal city driving below 50.