Car Statistics: Nissan - Leaf Series 11 (5 stars)

Styling (4 stars)

The Leaf manages to look striking enough to turn the occasional head but is not intent on flaunting its eco status in the overstated way the original Prius did.

Handling (4 stars)

At low speeds the Leaf is remarkably good fun, with decent steering and a parking camera meaning it is easy to squeeze into tight spots. It feels less happy at motorway speeds.

Comfort (4 stars)

Almost all urban bumps are soaked up with ease, but larger potholes are not dealt with quite so smoothly. The seats are firm and supportive.

Quality (4 stars)

A lack of predecessors and therefore a precedent on the reliability front prevents the well-finished Leaf from scoring top marks. The interior is finished to a high standard.

Performance (5 stars)

Final performance figures have yet to be confirmed, but the Leaf feels faster than the 11 or so seconds that Nissan has suggested it will take to do the 0-62mph dash. Treat it right and you will see it keep going at least as far as the range computer predicts - perhaps even further.

Roominess (4 stars)

The rear passengers get a decent amount of head and leg space, but the boot is compromised by the battery under the floor. This means it is not quite as practical as a conventional Golf or Focus, but not far off.

Costs (5 stars)

It is hard to argue with the minimal cost of plugging a car into the mains every hundred miles or so rather than pouring expensive fuel into a tank. A rise in your electricity bill is to be expected, but day-to-day costs will plummet if you buy a Leaf.

Value (4 stars)

Conventional rivals are cheaper, but not with this much kit - sat nav, parking camera, auto gearbox and Bluetooth are all standard. However, if the government's £5,000 grant disappears then that becomes a different prospect.

Stereo (4 stars)

The presence of the sat nav and a well-connected stereo as standard is a huge bonus, but there are few differences between the slightly fiddly unit on other Nissans.