Verdict
The Nissan Leaf costs RM168,888 to the Volkswagen Arteon’s RM291,012, a RM122,124 gap that is hard to ignore in Malaysia. The Leaf brings 270 km of EV range from its 40 kWh battery, 50 kW DC charging and RM100 annual road tax. But the Arteon is the quicker, roomier long-distance hatchback: 276 hp, 350 Nm, 5.6 seconds to 100 km/h and a 563-litre boot, against the Leaf’s 148 hp motor, 320 Nm, 7.9 seconds and 435 litres. Its extra safety and cabin equipment are substantial.
Pick the Nissan Leaf if 270 km EV range, 50 kW DC charging and RM100 annual road tax matter more than outright pace and rear-seat amenities.
Pick the Volkswagen Arteon if you want 276 hp, all-wheel drive, a 563-litre boot and much richer driver-assistance and comfort equipment.
Key differences
- Price: Nissan Leaf RM168,888; Volkswagen Arteon RM291,012.
- Performance: Leaf 148 hp and 320 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds; Arteon 276 hp and 350 Nm, 5.6 seconds.
- Energy use: Leaf has a 40 kWh battery, 270 km range and 50 kW DC charging; Arteon has a 66-litre petrol tank and rated consumption of 7.4 L/100 km.
- Size and luggage space: Leaf is 4,480 mm long with a 435-litre boot; Arteon is 4,862 mm long with a 563-litre boot.
- Road tax: Leaf RM100 per year; Arteon RM372 per year.
- Rear suspension: Leaf torsion beam; Arteon multi-link.
Leaf
- RM122,124 cheaper to buy and RM272 cheaper per year in road tax.
- 40 kWh battery with 270 km range, 6.6 kW AC and 50 kW DC charging.
- 56 kg lighter than the Arteon.
- Slower: 7.9 seconds to 100 km/h versus 5.6 seconds.
- Smaller 435-litre boot versus 563 litres.
- Lacks the Arteon’s blind-spot monitor, lane-keeping steering correction and rear cross-traffic alert.
Arteon
- 276 hp, 350 Nm and all-wheel drive; 0-100 km/h takes 5.6 seconds.
- 563-litre boot, 2,837 mm wheelbase and multi-link rear suspension.
- Gets adaptive cruise control, 14-way powered memory driver’s seat and 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio.
- Costs RM122,124 more and annual road tax is RM272 higher.
- At 1,600 kg, it is 56 kg heavier than the Leaf.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM168,888✓ | RM291,012 |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Segment | C-Segment | D-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM100✓ | RM372 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 16-Valve DOHC with Twin-Scroll Turbocharger, Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing and Lift |
| Capacity | — | 1,984 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 276 hp |
| Torque | — | 350 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 82.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 9.6 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 148 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 320 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 40.0 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 270 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 6.6 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 50.0 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | Constant Ratio Gearbox for EV | 7-speed DSG |
| Gears | — | 7 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Nissan | Volkswagen AG |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.9 seconds | 5.6 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | — | 7.4 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 155 km/h | 250 km/h✓ |
| Co2 | — | 164 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,480 mm | 4,862 mm |
| Width | 1,790 mm | 1,871 mm |
| Height | 1,540 mm | 1,450 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,690 mm | 2,837 mm |
| Weight | 1,544 kg | 1,600 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 66 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 435 litres | 563 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 215/50R17 | 245/40R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/50R17 | 245/40R19 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Full-Size 19" Alloy |
| Factory Tyres | Dunlop Enasave EC300 | Pirelli P Zero |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Multi-Link |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 19" Montevideo Two-tone Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 19" Montevideo Two-tone Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | e-Pedal, Intelligent Ride Control, Intelligent Trace Control | Adaptive Dampers |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars — With 6 Airbags and Autonomous Emergency Braking | 5 stars — With 7 Airbags, Stability Control and Autonomous Emergency Braking |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | — |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Rear Cross Traffic Alert |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projectors with Cornering Lights and Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED with Sequential Indicators |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | 14-Way Power-adjustable with Driver's Side Memory |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | — | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 1 Front, 1 Rear, 2 Front USB-C, 1 Front Qi Wireless Charger |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (3 Colours) |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 5" Display Radio/CD Player with USB, Bluetooth, AUX-in and 4 Speakers | Discover Pro 9.2" Touchscreen Infotainment System with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 12-speaker Harman Kardon Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | Powered with Contactless Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | — | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Around View Monitor (AVM) | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | 6.6 kW Wallbox, 7" Information Display, Climate Control Timer | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 3 years | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | 3-year/60,000 km Free Service, 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty, Complimentary Usage of Nissan SUV, MPV or Pick-up for 23 Days per Year | 3-year/45,000 km Free Service |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Leaf & Arteon for sale
Leaf vs Arteon FAQ
Is the Nissan Leaf or Volkswagen Arteon better?
The Arteon is better for performance, luggage capacity and equipment, with 276 hp, a 563-litre boot and adaptive cruise control. The Leaf is the rational choice for EV driving, costing far less and carrying RM100 annual road tax.
What is the price difference?
The Volkswagen Arteon costs RM122,124 more than the Nissan Leaf.
Which one has the stronger safety specification?
Both have five-star Euro NCAP ratings and autonomous emergency braking. The Arteon adds a driver’s knee airbag, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping steering correction, rear cross-traffic alert and all-seat belt reminders.