Zoe/Leaf Test Drives
Discussion
On my last trip home I decided to make appointments to test drive the Leaf and Zoe as I'll probably be getting one of these to keep the milage down on the RS6.
Both Nissan and Renault ruined the surprise for the wife as I specifically mentioned on the web-forms to contact me using e-mail, with both rather enthusiastically phoning to make the appointment. Renault was the easiest to book with, Nissan required a follow-up mail with Nissan UK in copy to get a response after 2 e-mails to my local dealer went unanswered.
Nissan had the car lined up and ready to go, in contrast the keys to the Renault were with 'another salesman', who had ventured off site for some time and was not answering his phone....
The Nissan guys did know a fair bit about the car and showed us around with ease, when it came to the Renault, the sales lady admitted that she did not know much about the car. She seemed to just be following processes regarding FCA paperwork??
The cars were an interesting departure from each other, the Leaf feeling heavy and you could see why; much better quality inside. The Zoe was a poverty spec version but really did have the plasticy feel of a Renault 5.
I'm not sure of the actual performance figures, but the Zoe did feel a little sprightlier than the heaviness of the Leaf.
The biggest selling point for me was the very little personal risk in opting for the Zoe. Nissan wanted 6K of my money, plus about 200 per month, whereas Renault only request 150 up front plus 150 per month. (24m 7500 miles battery rental, with 17" wheel option).
It looks like, 15 years after my GT Turbo, I'll be a Renault owner once again...
Both Nissan and Renault ruined the surprise for the wife as I specifically mentioned on the web-forms to contact me using e-mail, with both rather enthusiastically phoning to make the appointment. Renault was the easiest to book with, Nissan required a follow-up mail with Nissan UK in copy to get a response after 2 e-mails to my local dealer went unanswered.
Nissan had the car lined up and ready to go, in contrast the keys to the Renault were with 'another salesman', who had ventured off site for some time and was not answering his phone....
The Nissan guys did know a fair bit about the car and showed us around with ease, when it came to the Renault, the sales lady admitted that she did not know much about the car. She seemed to just be following processes regarding FCA paperwork??
The cars were an interesting departure from each other, the Leaf feeling heavy and you could see why; much better quality inside. The Zoe was a poverty spec version but really did have the plasticy feel of a Renault 5.
I'm not sure of the actual performance figures, but the Zoe did feel a little sprightlier than the heaviness of the Leaf.
The biggest selling point for me was the very little personal risk in opting for the Zoe. Nissan wanted 6K of my money, plus about 200 per month, whereas Renault only request 150 up front plus 150 per month. (24m 7500 miles battery rental, with 17" wheel option).
It looks like, 15 years after my GT Turbo, I'll be a Renault owner once again...
oilydan said:
The biggest selling point for me was the very little personal risk in opting for the Zoe. Nissan wanted 6K of my money, plus about 200 per month, whereas Renault only request 150 up front plus 150 per month. (24m 7500 miles battery rental, with 17" wheel option).
That's a stupid high cost for the Leaf. Talk to other dealers or look on speakEV.oilydan said:
I don't believe in offering a second bite at the cherry, especially with a urine taking offer like that from Nissan.
So you just walked away with no counter offer?Guy on here got 2 on decent deals.
Just looking on Bristol Street website throws up better deals than you were offered.
http://www.bristolstreet.co.uk/new-car-deals/nissa...
ETA Copy of post from PHer re. deal for him and his brother
"Tekna with the £250 white paint. RRP roughly £31k. After grant and dealer discount - £17k.
24 month lease, £750 deposit, 25k pa. £266pcm for me.
24 month lease, nil deposit, 8k pa. £204pcm for my brother in law.
Also offered us the protection pack for £75 as opposed to £189. Plus a double ended charge cable for £136 and a wall mounted tethered one for £195 all in.
Edited by GreatGranny on Wednesday 30th September 17:33
Edited by GreatGranny on Wednesday 30th September 17:34
After my i3 test drive and positive experience, I popped into Nissan today to check out the Leaf, as it's superior range will suit my usage profile more than the i3. To my surprise after a quick chat they offered me a 3 day test drive off the bat, which is pretty bloody good. I take it they're not selling 
Anyway, really looking forward to it and seeing what the car can do on my ~100 mile a day round trip commute.
Anyway, really looking forward to it and seeing what the car can do on my ~100 mile a day round trip commute.
hornetrider said:
After my i3 test drive and positive experience, I popped into Nissan today to check out the Leaf, as it's superior range will suit my usage profile more than the i3. To my surprise after a quick chat they offered me a 3 day test drive off the bat, which is pretty bloody good. I take it they're not selling
Anyway, really looking forward to it and seeing what the car can do on my ~100 mile a day round trip commute.
7 day tests are easily available on Leafs. Our 1 year old Leaf wouldnt do 100 miles without a half way charge I assume you can charge at work?Anyway, really looking forward to it and seeing what the car can do on my ~100 mile a day round trip commute.
The ability to charge is there with a paid for rapid charger, however I'd rather do the round trip on a home charge.
Is yours the 24kw version? They are doing the 30kw now with a claimed increase in 35 miles over the 24kw (120 v 155). Obvs that won't play in the real world but I'm hoping it'll boost range enough to do the round trip.
Thanks for the heads up on test drives, I'll probably push for 4 days to span a full commute day and a weekend.
Is yours the 24kw version? They are doing the 30kw now with a claimed increase in 35 miles over the 24kw (120 v 155). Obvs that won't play in the real world but I'm hoping it'll boost range enough to do the round trip.
Thanks for the heads up on test drives, I'll probably push for 4 days to span a full commute day and a weekend.
hornetrider said:
The ability to charge is there with a paid for rapid charger, however I'd rather do the round trip on a home charge.
Is yours the 24kw version? They are doing the 30kw now with a claimed increase in 35 miles over the 24kw (120 v 155). Obvs that won't play in the real world but I'm hoping it'll boost range enough to do the round trip.
Thanks for the heads up on test drives, I'll probably push for 4 days to span a full commute day and a weekend.
Yes 24kw Tekna cost £3600 for 2 years use. I am on 1 year almost. Most I have done is 5 days of a 16 mile round trip last summer - I was determined to do one charge a week but it was so miserable driving in eco etc I went to 2 charges a week and booted it. I have mentioned many times the Leaf is the ideal electric car for commuting, far better than anything else because its cheap, reliable and has the necessary options of keyless go, hifi, nav, heated seats and its very nippy. at Half the price of a BMW I fail to see why anyone would have an i3 for commuting. Is yours the 24kw version? They are doing the 30kw now with a claimed increase in 35 miles over the 24kw (120 v 155). Obvs that won't play in the real world but I'm hoping it'll boost range enough to do the round trip.
Thanks for the heads up on test drives, I'll probably push for 4 days to span a full commute day and a weekend.
DSLiverpool said:
Agree the i3 is desirable where the Leaf is a dishwasher but for commuting id rather save the cash
+1 Next year this time I'll hope we'll be talking about when Vauxhall will be delivering the Ampera-e to the UK, £25k, 200bhp, 0-60 7 seconds, 200 mile real life range. We should also have more info about the next gen Leaf. Yes the i3 is nicer than the Leaf but it's still essentially a sub 100 mile range battery EV. So for now getting the cheapest is the way to go. all of the above is correct, albeit subjective. I am changing my nearly 2yr old Zoe, which has been excellent, for a 2yr old i3 REX. I use it for London commuting, and I am doing it because 1) the EV experiment has been very successful for me, and, the BMW is a nicer place to be every day 2) the REX really does mean I will only have to charge once a week and removes the classic urban range anxiety, and, gives more flexibility in the overall use of the car 3) I am paying only £20k for a REX with 3.5k miles on the clock....a former BMW fleet car. I feel a lot better about that that the 35k ish sticker price for a new one, as an outright buyer.
7 day test drives were available until last year but you will still get a god idea of real world usage over 3 days.
And they are selling lots.
Best selling EV in the UK I think.
I picked up my 30kw Acenta at the beginning of Jan and use it to commute 120 miles per day 3-4 times per week.
I obviously charge near work but it will do a real world 95-100 miles on one charge with my usage.
My commute is 20 miles A17, 20 miles A1, 10 miles A57, 10 miles villages/suburbs (30-40mph).
Average 50-55 on A roads, 60-65 A1.
Only problem is my mileage limit isn't enough.
I use it all the time in addition to commuting.
Going to chat to the Lease company to see about increasing the limit.
I pay £292 pcm for a 3+35 20k per year. That was from Bristol Street Motors in Sheffield.
And they are selling lots.
Best selling EV in the UK I think.
I picked up my 30kw Acenta at the beginning of Jan and use it to commute 120 miles per day 3-4 times per week.
I obviously charge near work but it will do a real world 95-100 miles on one charge with my usage.
My commute is 20 miles A17, 20 miles A1, 10 miles A57, 10 miles villages/suburbs (30-40mph).
Average 50-55 on A roads, 60-65 A1.
Only problem is my mileage limit isn't enough.
I use it all the time in addition to commuting.
Going to chat to the Lease company to see about increasing the limit.
I pay £292 pcm for a 3+35 20k per year. That was from Bristol Street Motors in Sheffield.
GreatGranny said:
Only problem is my mileage limit isn't enough.
I use it all the time in addition to commuting.
.
This is what people dont realise that the car of choice for anything other than a road trip is a Leaf, easy to park, warm, no mechanical cringing as you nip to the shops etc etc - I see our fleet keeping at least one EV foreverI use it all the time in addition to commuting.
.
GreatGranny said:
7 day test drives were available until last year but you will still get a god idea of real world usage over 3 days.
And they are selling lots.
Best selling EV in the UK I think.
I picked up my 30kw Acenta at the beginning of Jan and use it to commute 120 miles per day 3-4 times per week.
I obviously charge near work but it will do a real world 95-100 miles on one charge with my usage.
My commute is 20 miles A17, 20 miles A1, 10 miles A57, 10 miles villages/suburbs (30-40mph).
Average 50-55 on A roads, 60-65 A1.
Only problem is my mileage limit isn't enough.
I use it all the time in addition to commuting.
Going to chat to the Lease company to see about increasing the limit.
I pay £292 pcm for a 3+35 20k per year. That was from Bristol Street Motors in Sheffield.
That's decent. The 24kw/h cars just aren't quite enough. Is that 95-100 miles in normal mode or some eco mode? And they are selling lots.
Best selling EV in the UK I think.
I picked up my 30kw Acenta at the beginning of Jan and use it to commute 120 miles per day 3-4 times per week.
I obviously charge near work but it will do a real world 95-100 miles on one charge with my usage.
My commute is 20 miles A17, 20 miles A1, 10 miles A57, 10 miles villages/suburbs (30-40mph).
Average 50-55 on A roads, 60-65 A1.
Only problem is my mileage limit isn't enough.
I use it all the time in addition to commuting.
Going to chat to the Lease company to see about increasing the limit.
I pay £292 pcm for a 3+35 20k per year. That was from Bristol Street Motors in Sheffield.
95% Eco mode.
Only take it out of ECO if I want to overtake quickly or when I join the A1 and have to get up to speed quickly. Junction I use has stupidly short slip road.
I had the 24KW version on extended test drive last year and the range has improved notably.
I do put my foot drive sometimes in the knowledge I have plenty of range left so it would be possible to improve on the range I get with a more careful right foot.
Also when the weather improves I fully expect the range to improve as well.
Only take it out of ECO if I want to overtake quickly or when I join the A1 and have to get up to speed quickly. Junction I use has stupidly short slip road.
I had the 24KW version on extended test drive last year and the range has improved notably.
I do put my foot drive sometimes in the knowledge I have plenty of range left so it would be possible to improve on the range I get with a more careful right foot.
Also when the weather improves I fully expect the range to improve as well.
GreatGranny said:
95% Eco mode.
Only take it out of ECO if I want to overtake quickly or when I join the A1 and have to get up to speed quickly. Junction I use has stupidly short slip road.
I had the 24KW version on extended test drive last year and the range has improved notably.
I do put my foot drive sometimes in the knowledge I have plenty of range left so it would be possible to improve on the range I get with a more careful right foot.
Also when the weather improves I fully expect the range to improve as well.
Does it still keep the car cabin an acceptable temperature in eco ie the same temperature as normal but with reduced energy use? Only take it out of ECO if I want to overtake quickly or when I join the A1 and have to get up to speed quickly. Junction I use has stupidly short slip road.
I had the 24KW version on extended test drive last year and the range has improved notably.
I do put my foot drive sometimes in the knowledge I have plenty of range left so it would be possible to improve on the range I get with a more careful right foot.
Also when the weather improves I fully expect the range to improve as well.
teabelly said:
Does it still keep the car cabin an acceptable temperature in eco ie the same temperature as normal but with reduced energy use?
Eco mode just limits acceleration. There is still a 'kick-down' feature if you floor it.If you really want extra eco then the B mode is even slower (put it in D, then put it in D again and you get B mode).
The gen2 leaf (other than the base spec visia) have a heat pump system for heating which does seem to be quite efficient.
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