Why can't the leaf look like a dart?

Seriously? I can lease a leaf essentially free but I don't want to because it looks like a deformed slug. If it looked like the dart it would be in my driveway.

Naw, the real question is why isn't the Leaf available in green?

I actually like the goofy way it looks.

Lots of people buy those cars for the same reason other people buy, say, Porsche's or Land Rovers, so they can announce "they drive a..." as they drive around.

I've read the next Gen Leaf is going to look more "normal".

volvoclearinghouse wrote: I've read the next Gen Leaf is going to look more "normal".

Doubtful, Datsun is involved.

Because Nissan/Renault

They should take advantage of the crash safety benefits and make it look like a Karmann Ghia.

Maybe you should lease a Tesla.

I think the Leaf looks better than the Dart. :shrug:

So the question is: Why wasn't the upright 5-door hatchback Leaf designed as a much less space efficient, but more classically good looking, compact sedan?

My understanding is the Leaf, like the Prius, were intentionally designed to look different than regular cars.

My parents have one. I used to hate the styling, but now I just find it meh. I've been more impressed with the inside--there's a lot more usable interior room than I anticipated for a car of that size, particularly in the trunk area. My dad often hauls a pair of big rubbermade bins of parts and tools in it.

Because Nissan's styling department is trying too hard to be "quirky" like their French parent company without actually styling things that look quirky and pleasant.

Seriously, look at Nissan and Infinity's current line up and tell me how many of those are attractive to you? Especially when compared to their competitors?

a Leaf can't look like a Dart for the same reason Chevy offers an optional vinyl graphic for the Volt that says "VOLT" in foot tall letters down both sides of the car.. they know that most of the people that buy them want other people to know that they are better than them for buying it.

Heck, if I could lease one for free i'd strongly consider. Ugly goes out the window when the word free is involved..

novaderrik wrote: a Leaf can't look like a Dart for the same reason Chevy offers an optional vinyl graphic for the Volt that says "VOLT" in foot tall letters down both sides of the car.. they know that most of the people that buy them want other people to know that they are better than them for buying it.

I've yet to see one with those graphics. MINE doesn't have them.

Yeah I think they just look plain IRL, for some reason they look much uglier in pics. I'm trying to convince my sister to buy one, since she's a debt junkie anyway and ICEs don't handle her abuse very well.

nderwater wrote: I've been more impressed with the inside--there's a lot more usable interior room than I anticipated for a car of that size, particularly in the trunk area. My dad often hauls a pair of big rubbermade bins of parts and tools in it.

Yes, this. It's like a real midsized car. No battery-shaped cuts out of the interior space and the hatch can fit big actual things. Loads bigger than the PT Cruiser cargo area was.

In reply to novaderrik:

Yeah but that's the same GM that offers a tribal tramp stamp graphic plastered down the side of the sonic. Your argument is invalid.

In reply to turboswede:

Q50. GORGEOUS!

False. Looks like someone stuck cotton balls in the mouth of an AMG Mercedes Sedan.

novaderrik wrote: ...most of the people that buy them want other people to know that they are better than them for buying it.

Do you have the same negative perception that people put "Grassroots Motorsports" stickers on their car to advertise their self-imposed superiority to other motorists, as you do people who get the "Zero Emissions" or "Volt" stickers?

As much as some people would like to believe otherwise, wanting distinctive styling or visual features that highlight certain attributes of a vehicle is far from unique to the drivers of BEV's, HEV's, PHEV's, SUV's, or any other type of V's. Exactly what that entails and whether or not the end result is desirable to any given individual, will always be subjective.

I am unique. Just like everybody else.

Would that be like saying, most people that make ignorant comments on the internet want other people to know that they are better than them by passing judgment on their ASSumed motivations?

Bwahahahaha.

Thank you for that.