The LEAF revolution continues. Nissan’s pure electric vehicle leads the shortlist for the European Car of the Year award 2011 – a major coup and the first time a pure electric car has been nominated. In fact, it’s been a frenetic period for LEAF, with media interest in Nissan’s trailblazing electric vehicle growing all the time.

National newspapers and industry publications are unifying in the approval of LEAF. The Sun gave ex-TopGear driver Ben Collins the keys to LEAF – and the man formerly known as The Stig was impressed with both the technology and the driving experience. Collins compares entering the car to ‘stepping inside an iPod. The controls illuminate like a nightclub and chime a few soothing chords – the first and final sounds you hear from this machine.’

Perhaps more tellingly, Collins – no stranger to driving top-of-the-range vehicles – was equally satisfied with LEAF’s command of the road, describing it as a ‘superbly balanced… cushioned ride’.

What Car?’s editor-in-chief Steve Fowler’s video review of LEAF goes even further in its praise of the ‘comfortable cruiser’, describing it as ‘refined and great fun to drive’. Fowler is also quick to point out that LEAF is comfortable on the motorway, where ‘power is delivered smartly and swiftly’, before concluding his description of the vehicle as ‘extraordinary’ and ‘brilliant’.

And finally, TopGear magazine prizes the LEAF’s ground-breaking engineering and technology above all other elements. The review is especially appreciative of the fact that the ‘electric motor responds immediately, without the slight delay that a turbodiesel needs to get the blower spooled up’. LEAF also comes off favourably when compared to Toyota’s flagship hybrid vehicle: ‘it’s helped in corners by its instant and progressive throttle response – in withering contrast to a Prius.’

Media coverage on LEAF is sure to gather pace as the launch date nears, so watch this space for more product reviews.