How does it drive?
Like its predecessor, this new one feels charged as ever, perhaps nearly twice as much. Having a punchy 320Nm of twist available in a snap means just about every other car will eat its silent dust in the first 100 metres when floored off the line.

The novel new e-Pedal feature does need some getting used to. When switched on, you’ll only need to use the accelerator pedal to move and stop. However, be cautioned at the fact that this is best suited for city driving only, and for good reasons.

Firstly, to deactivate it, you’ll need to apply full pressure on the brake pedal, which means coming to a full stop. Secondly, when pedal pressure is relieved, even at the slightest, it will trigger the brake lights and strong regenerative braking resistance.

In short, you can’t coast in e-Pedal mode, or even in B, Eco or B-Eco drive modes. Nevertheless, there are other things to worry about, which we will get to shortly.

Apart from this, the Leaf drives just as how any similar-sized hatch would, only peppier, and much, much quieter. The ride is supple, but we reckon the dampers can be softened further – perhaps the result of those snazzy but large 17-inch alloys?

For an eco-car though, there’s still some fun and excitement plus a respectable level of comfort in store, so as long as you’ve got a full charge that is.

Will range be a problem?
Nissan’s claimed maximum range of 311km (NEDC) is impressive indeed, but our climate’s toll on the batteries is one of a few reasons why real world figures won’t match up.

Adopt the right driving style and at least 250km of city-only driving is a safe bet. On the highway, the stresses the e-powertrain undergoes to sustain high speeds, even when cruising at constant using the passive cruise control unit equipped, also led to our doubts at the Leaf’s ability to break the 250-kilometre mark here.

Want to quicken things? You’ll need to locate the handful of the aforementioned fast chargers – called CHAdeMO –present in our country, which can fully recharge the Leaf in 60 minutes thanks to its 50kWh charging rate.

Want to use the open charging bays that BMW, Mercedes-Benz or Volvo has? Sorry, you can’t. These are Type-2 chargers, making the Leaf and its Type-1 input incompatible. Nissan says an adaptor is in the works, but this will take time.

Interestingly, local Nissan vanguards Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) aren’t too worried about this, and we reckon one special perk they’ve prepared for prospecting Leaf owners is fuelling their confidence.

What is this special ‘perk’ then?
In the first three years of ownership, Leaf owners can switch to a temporary courtesy car for up to 23 days annually. The choices here include the refreshed X-Trail crossover, the Navarra pick-up truck and the Serena S-Hybrid MPV.

Aptly, this remedies some of the Leaf’s limitation to some degree. It also looks like you’re getting access to three more cars for the price of one.

Too expensive to buy? 'Subscribe’ instead!
At RM188,888 sans insurance and registration, the new Leaf is no bargain indeed.

Alternatively, ETCM’s has a novel new ‘subscription’ program that lets you ‘subscribe’ (Read: Lease) the Leaf for 3 years for RM3,500 per month (sans insurance).

You’ll save over RM60,000 instead of buying it outright, but would you? We reckon ETCM showroom staff will be hard pressed in convincing any average car buyer to go for either, but the discerning fan of EVs would be more keen instead.

Verdict: 7/10
Fun, electrified drive is guilt-free. Cabin quality and features count are a let down though. Limited range only adds to that, perhaps needing that critical Type-2 to Type-1 charging compatibility as a remedy.