Eco Cars Really Do Rock

Nissan’s hi-tech electric car, the Leaf, was designed from scratch to be an electric car, which bring sgreat interior space and practicality. It costs £23,990 after the government's £5,000 low-carbon car grant is applied.

The view

The Leaf feels futuristic inside and out, and is certainly the most realistic electric alternative to a regular hatchback – albeit about 40% more expensive to buy than the Volkswagons Golf BlueMotion.

What’s it like to drive?

The Leaf’s silence is amazing; electric motors don’t idle, so a ‘computer log on’ chime is all you’ll hear when starting up the engine. The muted swhoosh of the electric motor is audible only when you accellerate

It picks up speed much like a regular 1.6-litre petrol hatchback and can cope with short motorway runs. The sat nav can help you to locate recharging points (there are some fast-charge facilities at selected Nissan dealerships). The Leaf seats five and its boot is only a bit smaller than the Golf’s.