All New Nissan LEAF is named the ‘Car to Watch’ for 2026

The All New Nissan LEAF has kicked off 2026 by winning a prestigious award from an esteemed UK automotive magazine and website.

The all-electric, third-generation LEAF – which has now entered production at Nissan’s Sunderland plant – has been named ‘Car to Watch’ by Company Car and Van.

It’s the latest in a series of accolades new LEAF has won – including The Sun newspaper’s Car of the Year – before the first model has even been handed over to a UK customer!

In bestowing LEAF with its latest honour, the Editor of Company Car and Van, Andrew Walker, said: ‘‘We’re delighted to include the all-electric Nissan LEAF in our annual list of award winners. The car that started it all has a new lease of life for 2026.

‘‘The British-built LEAF arrives to stiff competition and whilst it may not rewrite the rulebook as it once did, a combination of generous pricing, an excellent maximum range, clever tech and decent handling make it our Car to Watch for 2026.’’

Nissan has enjoyed a huge amount of success at Company Car and Van’s annual awards over the years, with its Qashqai and ARIYA models picking up trophies on previous occasions. Townstar – the manufacturer’s compact LCV, available with a petrol or fully electric powertrain – is a former winner too.

This third generation of the pioneering LEAF continues to lead the charge in Nissan’s electrification strategy.

Engineered to tackle barriers to EV adoption, the car has a substantially increased maximum range of up to 386 miles on a single charge. It also offers enhanced charging speeds (up to 260 miles of range in 30 minutes) and a suite of technologies that make driving easier and EV ownership more rewarding.

Since its debut in 2010, LEAF has sold close to 700,000 units worldwide, earning its place in history as the world’s first mass-market electric vehicle. And now, Nissan is ushering in a new chapter for the nameplate, re-designed and re-engineered to meet the needs of modern EV customers, while remaining true to its innovative roots.

James Taylor, managing director of Nissan GB, said: ‘‘A big thanks to the team at Company Car & Van for recognizing the talents of our fantastic British-built LEAF electric car and awarding it their Car to Watch in 2026. We couldn’t agree more with their assessment!

“Together with our other fully electric models – including the all-new Micra and Ariya, plus the Townstar and Interstar vans – Nissan has a rapidly expanding electric portfolio with real appeal to company car fleets and we look forward to welcoming new customers to our brand.”