[Brydo]

The MY21 Nissan Leaf is now on sale, bringing new connected vehicle tech and a signature EV sound to alert road users.

Nissan has always incorporated a form of alerting sound since the first-gen Leaf and the latest model will come equipped in Europe with a new Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) named ‘Canto’.

Created by sound designers and engineers at Nissan Japan as the signature brand sound for all Nissan EVs, but adapted for Europe at the Nissan Technical Centre Europe, it automatically activates at speeds up to 18mph.

It alerts both drivers and pedestrians around the car to its presence, complying with EU laws that make AVAS systems mandatory for all hybrid or electric vehicles sold from 1 July 2021 onwards.

But Nissan’s AVAS is also intended to not be alarming to pedestrians, residents and passengers, and to complement surroundings. It also varies in tone and pitch depending on whether the vehicle is accelerating, decelerating or reversing.

It’s one of a number of changes for MY21 Leaf, which as before will be available with a 40kWh battery pack for Acenta, N-Connecta and Tekna grades and 62kWh for N-Connecta and Tekna trims.

Other updates include Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention (IBSI) as standard. Nissan’s Intelligent Rear View Mirror (IRVM) is also available as an option on N-Connecta and Tekna grades.

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[struth]

that sounds horrible.. could they not just give it an engine sound?

Current Car: Hyundai Kona Premium EV...2 way 40kg hoist
Last Car: Toyota C-HR Excel Hybrid...4 way 80kg hoist

[Menorca Mike]

My 2021 model Toyota CHR has an audible pedestrian warning sound up to 12 mph it’s a strange sound now law on all hybrids and EVs

[Wigwam]

I’m sure some enterprising person could produce a rumbling V8 sound and fix big speakers under the car…

[Landyman]

Vag group already have enhanced engine sound inside with some of their models, I’m surprised they haven’t already channelled it outside as well.

[Georgie]

Surprised (and pleased) to see we have some 180 bhp CH-R’s on Motability now.  £3k+ AP, of course, but at least they’re there.

[Author]

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