Car of the year 2011

Nissan Leaf, the first full electric vehicle finalist in this contest, is the Car of the Year 2011. As it has been usual in recent years, it was a close victory. 

Alfa Romeo

With 257 points, against the 248 points of Alfa Romeo Giulietta won the Nissan, and Opel/Vauxhall Meriva took the third place, with 244 points. Different approaches in voting by Jury members have produced the final result of this contest. The launch of a mass-production electric car in the market has been more awarded -twenty top points- than the sheer appeal of Alfa Romeo Giulietta or the practical originality of Opel Meriva. In spite of the lack of a large recharging network and the limited range, the Leaf represents a technical and commercial bet that might otherwise satisfy many potential consumers, especially where public incentives will come to reduce the paying price. In the history of Car of the Year, the Leaf brings the award to Nissan 18 years after the Micra, the first Japanese model to win.

Opel Meriva

The new Nissan is not properly a zero-emission vehicle if the ‘energy path’ is taken in account, but official ratings are very favourable. Range between recharges –up to 8 hours in a home supply point- varies a lot depending on the style of use.

Source: caroftheyear.com

by: Szigetfalvi Andi