2012 Nissan Leaf SV Trim Overview

The plug-in electric car is finally available to the masses. Nissan’s all-electric 2012 Leaf SV base trim offers 100 miles of range, at least under ideal conditions, as well as the opportunity to drive truly clean. Furthermore, this 5-door, 5-passenger battery-powered compact hatchback sports road behavior that shames many of its conventional rivals. Though offering only a fairly miniscule 24 cubic feet of cargo area with the rear seats folded, the SV sports a roomy cabin featuring such standard comfort and convenience amenities as heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel and cloth upholstery. Rolling on standard 16-inch alloy wheels, this unconventional conveyance also boasts further exterior doodads like a rear spoiler and heated power-adjustable mirrors. Tilt-wheel steering, cruise control, climate control, remote power door locks and power mirrors also make life easier on passengers, while a standard voice-activated hard-drive-based navigation system keeps the driver abreast of directions and traffic conditions, as well as route-wide charging stations. Entertainment, meanwhile, is provided by an MP3-capable single-CD player with 6 speakers and a USB connection. Finally, NavTraffic satellite radio assists the navigation display in providing traffic updates, while phone pre-wiring and Bluetooth hands-free communications technology help keep occupants in touch with the outside world while journeying.

Options in the Leaf SV include the Eco Design package with a hologram 3D door entry and “Appliqué” interior-themed center console, as well as a Protection package with front and rear bumper protectors. Standalone options such as splash guards, front and rear floor mats and hologram kick plates are also available..

Power for the 2012 Leaf is in the form of an 80-kilowatt electric motor that’s juiced up via a 24-kWh lithium-ion battery, as well as through regenerative braking. Expect the front-wheel-drive Leaf SV to put out 107 hp and a snappy 207 lb-ft of torque. A direct-drive single-speed transmission-like mechanism, meanwhile, means shifting is only necessary to either going forward or in reverse. Though the EPA rates this nifty hatchback at the equivalent of 99 mpg, thus equaling Nissan’s claim of a range of 100 miles, true range figures seem more in the neighborhood of 73-79 miles, with battery discharge depending on driving habits, terrain and weather. Prospective owners ought to be aware that charging stations are sparse, charging a fully depleted battery takes significant time, and worries about the distance between charging stations or systems may become a hassle of greater or lesser proportions.

Standard safety equipment aboard the 2012 Leaf SV includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, dual front side-mounted airbags and front head-restraint whiplash protection. Further safety features include LED headlights and a remote antitheft alarm.