Nissan has had a very successful month taking 3 prestigious motoring awards across 3 different models.
The new Leaf was named ‘Best Electric Car’ at the annual DieselCar and EcoCar awards, which evaluated more than 175 new cars in real-world driving conditions. The comprehensive tests use a scoring system to create final rankings.
Ian Robertson, Editor of DieselCar and EcoCar Magazine, said; “If you want a barometer of the electric vehicle landscape, you can’t do much better than have a look at the new LEAF. If you do, you’ll see the huge progress Nissan has made with the latest-generation car, now boasting a range of up to 168 miles WLTP combined cycle (or 235 miles using the outgoing NEDC test).
“Charging the LEAF is significantly faster, with 80 per cent charge achieved in under an hour, while improved performance and a much more desirable design is sure to make the new car more popular. And while EVs used to work for early adopters and people with a second car, the latest LEAF opens up electric driving for a far broader audience.”
The new Leaf has also achieved the maximum 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP. It was the first car to be assessed on the new improved and extended protocols for 2018.
The Nissan Navara has been award Pick-Up of the year at the prestigious 2018 Honest John Awards, after being the most popular model from the websites reader’s shortlist of pick-ups.
Honest John’s Managing Editor Dan Powell, recognised the Navara’s all-round capabilities, commenting that; “The Nissan Navara is one of the very best pick-ups on the market, with class-leading carrying and towing ability. It’s also comfortable and refined, winning praise for its smooth ride quality and car-like interior. It’s fantastic to see the Navara win the praise it so richly deserves, winning our Pick-up of the Year award.”
Key aspects leaving to the win included the vehicles practical capabilities of a one tonne payload and impressive 3.5 tonne towing capacity, high levels of comfort, innovative technology, smart cabin and best-in-class fuel economy. The Navara is covered by a 5-year/ 100,000 mile Pan-European Manufacturer Warranty and starts from £19,988 (Basic Retail Price excl. VAT).
The Nissan Micra has claimed the accolade of ‘Car of the Year’ at the 2018 FirstCar awards. FirstCar aims to encourage learner drivers while they prepare for their driving test and making informed decisions after they pass. The forefront of the agent is road-safety, and with the Micra delivering plenty of safety equipment and driver aids as standard it has led to becoming the ideal choice for new drivers.
David Motton, FirstCar editor and chairman of the judging panel, said: "You couldn't want for a better first car than the Micra. With low insurance group ratings and a range of efficient engines, the Nissan is affordable to run. It's also equipped with the kind of safety features you'd expect of a much bigger and more expensive car. It's not just a safe and sensible choice. With a huge range of interior and exterior finishes, new drivers can really express themselves when specifying the car."
With emissions as low as 85g/km, fuel economy of up to 88.3 mpg and prices starting from £12,400, the new Micra is unsurprisingly popular with younger drivers and driving schools, representing a perfect balance of urban performance and low running costs.