Nissan’s all-electric Leaf has been named World Car of the Year.
The award adds to a string of accolades for the world’s first mainstream electric car, which also won the European Car of the Year title.
The Leaf edged out competition from the BMW 5-Series and Audi A8 to claim the award, which was announced at the New York International Auto Show.
“It is a great joy that the world’s first, mass-marketed electric vehicle, the Nissan Leaf, has won the prestigious award of 2011 World Car of the Year,” said Nissan chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn.
“This accolade recognises Nissan Leaf, a pioneer in zero-emission mobility, as comparable in its driving performance, quietness and superb handling to gas-powered cars. And it validates Nissan’s clear vision and the values of sustainable mobility that we want to offer to customers around the world.”
The World Car Awards jurors said, “The Leaf is the gateway to a brave new electric world from Nissan. This five-seater, five-door hatchback is the world’s first, purpose-built, mass-produced electric car.
“It has a range of over 100 miles on a full charge, claims Nissan, takes around eight hours to recharge using 220-240V power supply and produces zero tailpipe emissions.
“It feels just like a normal car, only quieter.”
Having driven the Leaf, I can honestly say it is the first viable alternative to the internal combustion engine. However, while it may have won the World and European Car of the Year Titles, there’s one other award it still hasn’t scooped.
Sensibly, The Association of Scottish Motoring writers holds the Scottish Car of the Year Awards in October so you will have to wait until then to find out whether the Leaf convinces cynical Scottish motoring minds of its greatness.