With the introduction of the sportified Leaf,
Nissan’s Autech family has welcomed the fourth model in the range after the
Serena, Note and X-Trail in Japan. Setting it apart from the other
Leaf models are a series of cosmetic touches starting the signature Aurora
Flare Blue Pearl color, though you can also get it in black, white, red and
yellow shades.
It also gets metallic trim on the grille, bumpers
and side sills, LED headlamps with a dot pattern, a common feature to all cars
offered under this sub-brand, electric side mirrors with turn signal repeaters,
Autech emblems and unique 17-inch alloy wheels, wrapped in 215/50 rubber.
The cabin comes in a black and blue two-tone design,
with blue leatherette partially found on the seats, door panels, center console
and steering wheel, along with blue double stitching. It also adds
faux-rosewood trim, Autech emblem in the center cluster and Autech lettering
embossed into the front seatbacks.
Limited to the Japanese market, the Leaf Autech will
go on sale on June 21 in two different grades called the Leaf Autech and Leaf
e+ Autech. Pricing kicks off from 3,931,200 and 4,432,320 yen, respectively,
which equals to US$ 35,609 and US$ 40,148 at today’s exchange rates. The base MSRP
for the popular electric hatchback in the Land of the Rising Sun is 3,243,240
yen (US$ 29,377), going up to at least 4,162,320 yen (US$ 37,703) for the Leaf e+ X.
The Nismo model can be had from 4,032,720 yen (US$ 36,529).
