NISSAN is making its higher-powered Leaf electric car more affordable with the introduction of a new entry grade model.

The company is also updating the entire Leaf range with more equipment coming on both the 40kWh and 62kWh derivatives.

The changes see an ‘intelligent' rear view mirror on Tekna models, blind spot systems on all versions and telescopic adjustment on the steering wheel for added driver comfort.

The line up is now priced from £26,845 including the government EV grant for a 40kWh Acenta model which has a range of 168 miles.

More powerful Leafs have a range of up to 239 miles and are now priced from £32,695 after the grant in new N-Connecta specification.

This new specification matches that offered on N-Connecta 40kWh versions and the higher capacity battery not only gives more range but also boosts performance giving the car a 0 to 60 time of 6.9 seconds.

Nissan is also reducing the price of the range-toppinge+ Tekna 62kWhLeaf by £1,685 to £34,710.

LEAF Acenta and N-Connecta 40kWh and LEAF N-TEC 62kWh see no price changes, with only Tekna 40kWh versions receiving a price adjustment of £315 to include Nissan'sIntelligent Rearview Mirroras standard.

ProPILOT, Nissan's advanced Driver Assistance technology, andProPILOT Parking Assistoption packs also see a price reduction. ProPILOT is now £145 cheaper on N-Connecta versions at £450, while ProPILOT Parking Assist is £295 less, available for £795 on Tekna grades. Nissan says more than half of Leafs sold have been equipped with ProPILOT.

The newIntelligent Rearview Mirror- standard from Tekna or a £395 option on N-Connecta versions - features a built-in LCD monitor displaying images from a high-resolution camera mounted on the rear of the vehicle. Drivers can switch between the LCD monitor and the standard rearview mirror, depending on preference.