Nissan Leaf named World Car of the Year

Having already claimed this year’s European Car of the Year accolade, the Nissan Leaf has notched up another one, winning the 2011 World Car of the Year award.

The emission-free Leaf finished ahead of runners-up, the Audi A8 and BMW 5 series.

Elsewhere, the Chevrolet Volt beat the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics and the Leaf to the World Green Car of the Year award.

The Aston Martin Rapide claimed the World Car Design of the Year Award, while the Ferrari 458 Italia triumphed over the Mercedes SLS AMG and Porsche 911 Turbo to win the World Performance Car of the Year.

The World Car Awards jurors observed that, “The Leaf is the gateway to a brave new electric world from Nissan. This 5-seater, 5-door hatchback is the world’s first, purpose-built, mass-produced electric car. Dropped onto a unique platform and body, the Leaf’s lithium-ion battery modules and electric motor generate 108hp and 206 lb ft of torque, propelling the hatch from zero to 60mph in 11.5 seconds and a top speed of 90mph. It has a range of over 100 miles on a full charge claims Nissan, takes around 8 hours to recharge using 220-240V power supply and produces zero tailpipe emissions. Its low center of gravity produced sharp turn-in with almost no body roll and no understeer. The good news? It feels just like a normal car, only quieter.”

The Nissan Leaf is due to arrive in New Zealand later this year.