Experts crown Nissan Leaf as their Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year

The 86-strong, all-female jury from 55 countries – including the UK – also named the all-electric Leaf as best compact car.

Priced from £32,248 (after deducting a £3,750 taxpayer-funded grant), judges praised its space, practicality, smooth driving and outstanding efficiency, noting ‘it delivers one of the most intuitive electric driving experiences’ around.

Awards organisers said jurors were choosing cars that met the ‘real, everyday needs’ of all motorists – and not just a ‘woman’s car’.

Praise: Awards organisers said jurors were choosing cars that met the ‘real, everyday needs’ of all motorists – and not just a ‘woman’s car’

Marta García, president of Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year, said the Leaf ‘represents a mature and intelligent vision of electrification’. 

Category winners included Skoda Elroq (best compact SUV), Mercedes-Benz CLA (large car), Hyundai Ioniq 9 (large SUV) and Toyota 4Runner (4X4).