Auto Express has announced its Car of the Year for 2026, and the winner is not a BMW, Mercedes, or Audi but the Nissan Leaf, an all-electric SUV. The publication praised the Leaf for its exceptional range, quality, affordability, and usability, calling it “the one new car to rule them all.”
Why the Nissan Leaf Won
In its announcement, Auto Express stated: “The one new car to rule them all is the Nissan Leaf. Its victory is simple in essence: the Leaf is a car that will make owners blissfully happy, because its mission is to prioritise their needs and well-being. It is an outstanding family EV, with class-leading or highly competitive performance in every key measure.” The Leaf also won the Small Company Car of the Year category for 2026.
However, the car was not without faults. Auto Express noted: “The haptic air-con switches are a bit indistinct and the transmission selector needs a quality upgrade, mind you.”
Comparison to Ferrari Luce
The Nissan Leaf has drawn comparisons to the newly launched Ferrari Luce due to visual similarities. Both vehicles share a sleek, modern design language that has caught the attention of motoring enthusiasts.
Nissan’s Deal with Chery
Nissan recently made headlines for a deal with Chinese car manufacturer Chery, allowing Chery to use spare production capacity at Nissan’s plant in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear. The agreement will see Nissan manufacture cars for Chery, which also owns fellow Chinese brands Jaecoo and Omoda, starting in 2027.
While the deal was non-binding when announced in early June, Nissan chairperson Massimiliano Messina said: “We are looking forward to working with Chery International UK in the coming months to finalise a position that is optimal for both companies.” A spokesperson for Chery described the arrangement as part of an “ongoing evaluation of future opportunities in the UK market.” Steve Bush, Unite the Union’s national officer for automotive, welcomed the move, stating: “Chinese vehicles are increasingly visible on British roads, so it makes sense for UK workers to build them here as well.”
