Verdict
The Nissan LEAF is the first all-electric car which can realistically compete with established, conventional engined hatchbacks. Its range is enough for 95 per cent of UK drivers' daily needs.

Expert rating: 4.1

Pros
• No tailpipe emissions
• Fully charged for under £5
• Practical and good to drive

Cons
• Expensive to buy
• Limited 110-mile range
• Quirky looks

1. Exterior: 3/5
The Nissan LEAF isn't conventionally attractive, but every component was designed to reduce wind noise and improve airflow. Its headlamps stand proud to channel air around the door mirrors, while a rear bumper diffuser and flat undertray smooth air under the car.

2. Interior: 4/5
Most interior surfaces are covered in beige trim, which gives a fresh and modern feel. There's a big touchscreen for the sat-nav, media system and vehicle information, with clear graphics. Start the car and there's a pleasant jingle like a mobile phone's, while the electronic instruments dance to life.

3. Practicality: 3/5
A major hurdle in electric vehicle (EV) design has been the large size and weight of batteries; only now are these hurdles being overcome. The LEAF is the first electric car which can compete with rivals; its 330-litre boot sits between the Ford Focus (316) and Volkswagen Golf (350). The LEAF will initially be sold and maintained by just 26 dealerships though.

4. Ride and handling: 4/5
The LEAF is incredibly easy and relaxed to drive thanks to light steering and a complete lack of gear changes. It's no sports car, but handling is good, thanks to the batteries' low and central position.

5. Performance: 4/5
With the same pulling power as a Porsche Boxster, delivered as soon as you press the throttle, the LEAF is no slouch. It accelerates seamlessly - there are no gears - and it's as happy accelerating briskly at higher speeds as around town. The official range is 110 miles, but steep hills and motorway runs will cut this. Re-charging your car at home takes 7-8 hours, while a quick charger can give 80 per cent capacity in under 30 minutes.

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6. Running costs: 5/5
The LEAF costs around £30k, but the customer pays closer to £25k thanks to a Government grant. The price is justified thanks to it being so well equipped and tax-free, while around £2 charges it fully using a night time tariff. The Benefit-In-Kind tax is nothing, saving over £2,500 compared with a Volkswagen Golf 2.0TDI BlueMotion Technology.

7. Reliability: 4/5
While the LEAF's reliability is a small step into the unknown, buyers shouldn't be too worried. The fundamental components of an electric motor and batteries, with no conventional gearbox, should be remarkably low maintenance. Nissan has an excellent reputation too.

8. Safety: 4/5
The LEAF has a full complement of airbags, brake assist and ESP. Because it's so quiet, a sweeping high-low sound at speeds below 17mph alerts pedestrians to its presence. It's barely audible inside the cabin, where a hum from the motor and tyres is all that can be heard.

9. Equipment: 5/5
There's only one trim level available, with climate control, sat-nav, auto wipers and lights, cruise control, a vehicle information display, rear-view camera, 16-inch alloy wheels, folding door mirrors, privacy glass, mobile phone or PC-controlled charging, climate control and Aux-in audio input. There's only one optional extra - a solar panel in the rear spoiler which assists in powering 12V accessories.

10. Why buy? 5/5
The Nissan LEAF moves electric cars on a significant step. While it's not cheap standards, many will be amazed Nissan can actually sell such a technologically advanced car for so little. The LEAF could be the car to bring electric vehicles to the masses.