This year the competition becomes the best car belongs to electric cars. After the Chevrolet Volt become the best in North American Car of the Year, now it turn Nissan Leaf given as European Car of the Year.
Leaf was chosen by a panel of automotive journalists from 23 European countries. This is the first time in history for a selection of the best car that electric car was selected as the best.
Nissan Leaf reachs 257 points, ahead of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta thin to win 248 points whereas the Opel / Vauxhall Meriva and Ford C-Max C-Max/Grand are in third position with a value of 244 points equally.
Nissan CEO, Carlos Ghosn, when receiving this award at the Pavilion Gabriel, Paris, France, said that it was delighted for Nissan LEAF voted as European Car of the Year - the first electric car to win this award.
For Nissan itself, this is Nissan's first award in 18 years after they reach it through the Micra.
"As the winner of Car of the Year before, Nissan LEAF answer all the required drive from the appearance, features, security, performance, and control," Ghosn was quoted as saying at the page of autoevolution.com Tuesday (25 / 1). "This innovative car is a reflection of future vehicles."
Although electric cars, Nissan Leaf has all the best features of a conventional car, 5-door hatchback is fitted with McPherson suspension, torsion beam, front wheel drive (FWD), automatic clutch, and single gear.
Leaf dimension is 4:45 m long, 1.77 meters wide and 1:55 m high, supported by the tire size of 205/55 R16. In the machinery sector, Nissan Leaf has the power of 80 kW (109 hp) at 2.730 to 9.800 rpm and 280 Nm at 2.730 rpm. While the maximum speed of 145 km / h and acceleration of 0-100 km / h can be reached in 11.9 seconds.
Following assessment of nominees European Car of the Year 2011:
- Nissan Leaf (257 points)
- Alfa Romeo Giulietta (248)
- Opel / Vauxhall Meriva (244)
- Ford C-Max/Grand C-Max (244)
- Citroen C3/DS3 (175)
- Volvo S60/V60 (145)
- Dacia Duster (132)
