At Stoneacre, we’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for a pioneer. There’s a certain pride that comes with seeing a trailblazer stay at the top of its game, and in the world of electric vehicles (EVs), there is no name more iconic than the Nissan LEAF.
Since it first arrived on our shores over a decade ago, the LEAF hasn’t just been a car; it’s been the spark that ignited the electric revolution. Now, in its third generation, this British-built legend is making headlines once again.
We are absolutely chuffed to share that the all-new Nissan LEAF has been awarded the prestigious title of World’s Best Compact Car by the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) jury. As a leading partner for the brand, everyone across our Stoneacre Nissan dealerships is celebrating this fantastic achievement.
But what makes this award so special, and why is the new LEAF the car everyone is talking about? Let’s dive into the details.
A Global Seal of Approval: What is WWCOTY?
In the crowded world of automotive awards, the WWCOTY stands in a league of its own. It is the only awards panel in the world comprised exclusively of women motoring journalists.
Founded in 2009 by New Zealand journalist Sandy Myhre, the organisation was built to amplify women’s voices in an industry traditionally dominated by men. Today, the jury consists of 84 experts from 54 countries. However, the judges are always very clear: they aren’t looking for a “woman’s car.” As they rightly point out, cars aren’t gender-specific. Instead, the panel evaluates vehicles based on the universal criteria that actually matter to everyday drivers.
To win, a car must excel in:
- Environmental Footprint: How does it contribute to a greener future?
- Safety: How well does it protect you and your passengers?
- Quality: Is it built to withstand the rigours of daily British life?
- Price: Does it offer genuine value for money in a competitive market?
- Design: Does it look as good on your driveway as it does in the brochure?
- Ease of Driving: Is it a joy to pilot through city traffic and on the open road?
By coming out on top, the LEAF has proved that it isn’t just a great electric car—it’s a world-class vehicle by any standard.
Design That Turns Heads
The third-generation LEAF has undergone a stunning transformation. Gone are the days when electric vehicles had to look “quirky” to prove their eco-credentials. The new LEAF embraces a sleek, aerodynamic silhouette that looks modern, purposeful, and sophisticated.
Its sharp lines aren’t just for show; they are precision-engineered to cut through the air, reducing drag and maximising efficiency. It manages to strike the perfect balance: it has the futuristic feel of a flagship EV, yet maintains the practical footprint of a compact hatchback. This makes it ideal for navigating tight UK high streets or squeezing into those notoriously small supermarket parking bays.
When you visit any of our Stoneacre Nissan dealerships, the first thing you’ll notice is the LEAF’s “crossover-inspired” stance. It sits slightly higher, giving you a commanding view of the road without losing the nimble handling that makes compact cars so much fun to drive.
Power, Performance, and 386 Miles of Freedom
We know that for many of our customers at Stoneacre, the biggest question regarding EVs is always: “How far will it go on a single charge?”
Nissan has tackled “range anxiety” head-on with the new LEAF’s advanced powertrain. Equipped with the 75kWh battery option, the LEAF now delivers an incredible range of up to 386 miles.
To put that into context, you could drive from our Stoneacre branch in Chesterfield all the way to Edinburgh and still have plenty of juice left to find your hotel. For the average UK commuter, this means you could potentially go two weeks without ever needing to plug in.
But it’s not just about the distance; it’s about the delivery. Because it’s electric, you get 100% of the torque the moment you press the accelerator. This results in a smooth, silent, and surprisingly nippy driving experience. Whether you’re merging onto the motorway or pulling away from the lights, the LEAF feels effortless.
Power, Performance, and 386 Miles of Freedom
We know that for many of our customers at Stoneacre, the biggest question regarding EVs is always: “How far will it go on a single charge?”
Nissan has tackled “range anxiety” head-on with the new LEAF’s advanced powertrain. Equipped with the 75kWh battery option, the LEAF now delivers an incredible range of up to 386 miles.
To put that into context, you could drive from our Stoneacre branch in Chesterfield all the way to Edinburgh and still have plenty of juice left to find your hotel. For the average UK commuter, this means you could potentially go two weeks without ever needing to plug in.
But it’s not just about the distance; it’s about the delivery. Because it’s electric, you get 100% of the torque the moment you press the accelerator. This results in a smooth, silent, and surprisingly nippy driving experience. Whether you’re merging onto the motorway or pulling away from the lights, the LEAF feels effortless.
The Tech Revolution: Google Built-In
Nissan knows that for a car to be the best in the world, it needs to fit seamlessly into our digital lives. That’s why the all-new LEAF comes equipped with Google built-in.
This isn’t just basic screen mirroring; it’s a fully integrated suite of services that makes the dashboard feel as intuitive as your smartphone.
- Google Maps: Get real-time traffic updates and EV-specific routing that shows you exactly where the nearest charging points are located.
- Google Assistant: Need to turn up the climate control, find a playlist, or send a hands-free text? Just say “Hey Google” and keep your eyes on the road.
- Google Play Store: You can download your favourite apps directly into the car’s system, from Spotify for your road-trip tunes to news and weather updates.
It creates a connected, confident driving experience where the technology works for you, making every journey a little bit easier.
Proudly British and Surprisingly Affordable
At Stoneacre, we are proud to support British industry, and the LEAF is a true “homegrown” hero. It continues its legacy of being manufactured at Nissan’s state-of-the-art plant in Sunderland. When you buy a LEAF, you aren’t just buying a car; you’re supporting thousands of highly skilled UK jobs.
Despite its global accolades and premium technology, Nissan has remained committed to making electric mobility accessible.
Even better news for UK buyers: the LEAF is eligible for the full UK Electric Car Grant of £3,750, bringing the cost of entry down significantly. When you factor in the savings on petrol, lower maintenance costs (fewer moving parts!), and potential tax benefits, the LEAF makes a very compelling financial case for itself.
Why Choose Stoneacre Nissan?
We know that switching to an electric car is a big decision, and that’s where Stoneacre comes in. We don’t just sell cars; we help you find the right lifestyle fit.
At our Stoneacre Nissan dealerships, our teams are fully trained EV experts. We can talk you through everything from home charging installation to understanding your battery warranty. We pride ourselves on a friendly, no-pressure environment where you can explore the latest Nissan range at your own pace.
Whether you are a long-time EV enthusiast or someone just starting to think about making the switch from petrol, we are here to make the process as simple as possible. We offer a range of flexible finance options to suit your budget, and we always have a fantastic selection of deals across the LEAF range.
Experience the World’s Best for Yourself
The Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year jury has spoken: the Nissan LEAF is the best compact car on the planet. But don’t just take their word for it—or ours!
The best way to understand why the LEAF is winning so many awards is to get behind the wheel. We invite you to visit your local Stoneacre Nissan dealership to experience the silent power, the cutting-edge tech, and the premium comfort for yourself.
Are you ready to join the electric revolution with a world champion? Pop into Stoneacre today for a coffee and a chat, or book your test drive online. The future of driving is here, and it’s waiting for you!
