On the outside there aren't any changes to the new Leaf but on the inside there was a little revolution, including a weight reduction (the 2013 model loses 80kg or 176lbs) and a bigger range (228km with a full charge).
Part of the weight saving was achieved thanks to a new smaller and lighter electric powertrain with several new or redesigned parts. The new electric motor uses less 40% of dysprosium (Dy), a rare earth element (REE) in comparison with other conventional EV motors. This is all part of "Nissan Green Program 2016" mid-term environmental action plan whose purpose is to minimize the use of natural resources.
There will be a cheaper version (G) which will cost less 10%. For a price of 3.349.500Yen ($41.250 or €32.200) you can buy the G version in Japan.
All changes are summarized below, from Nissans Press Release:
Exterior
•Sporty and stylish 17-inch aluminum wheels (standard on G)
•16-inch aluminum wheels used in the current model are available as a factory-installed option (on X)
•16-inch full-wheel covers (standard on S and X)
•LED headlights with auto-leveling using blue reflection LED lights (standard on G, factory-installed option on S and X)
•Front fog lights (standard on G, dealer-installed option on S and X)
•Seven available body colors, including three new colors: Dark Metal Gray, Brilliant White Pearl and White.
Interior
•Chic, elegant black interior
•Genuine leather seats available on G and X as a factory-installed option (Airy Gray color for previous model is available on G and X)
•Pop-up and down adjustable rear center seat headrest
•Increased luggage space from 330L to 370L, realized by moving a downsized onboard charger from the back of the car to the front
•Remaining battery capacity shown by percentage in the Multifunction Display
•Foot-operated parking brake.
Basic EV structure
•High voltage unit, including an electric motor, inverter and DC/DC converter, was integrated, resulting in a 30 percent volume reduction and a 10 percent mass reduction
•More responsive and exhilarating acceleration feel delivered by a newly designed motor
•Weight reduced by about 80kg compared to previous model. Achieved by combined powertrain unit, integrated functions, streamlined battery module and case structure, and use of lighter parts
•B range that generates deceleration without feeling a change in noise and gravity even on a downward slope (standard on G and X)
•Enhanced driving performance achieved by improved steering response in the medium-speed range and optimized suspension characteristics associated with weight reduction.
Improved power consumption
•Reduced power consumption with a heat-pump cabin heater, heated seat for all seats, heated steering wheel and heat shield ceiling
•Changes to the regenerative brake control system enable more efficient power generation when the brakes are operated.
Charging
•Long-life mode (where the battery is charged to 80% to extend the battery life), now available in any charging mode
•Improved convenience of the charging port, including a locking mechanism for the normal charging connector, LED light for charging at night and electromagnetic opener for the charging port lid.
EV IT
•Addition of "Stop-off charging spot guidance" function, "Power-saving route guidance" function and "Battery capacity at a destination forecast" function which can allay potential range anxiety
•New ways to search for and locate charging spots easily and quickly. Adoption of "Charging spot availability information provision" function, "Quick charger location display" function and "Unavailable charging spot display" function.
Additional enhancements
•Lighter-weight, highly efficient BOSE® seven-speaker system: Energy Efficient System (factory-installed option on G and X)
•Around View Monitor shows an image of the vehicle's surroundings that is not easily visible (factory-installed option on G and X)
•Highly concentrated Plasma Cluster Ion generator which eliminates odors and kills germs (standard on G)
•Hill Start Assist which enables a driver to start the LEAF on a slope without worrying about rolling backward