The World Car Awards jurors commented that: 'The LEAF is the gateway to a brave new electric world from Nissan. This five-seater, five-door hatchback is the world's first, purpose-built, mass-produced electric car. The good news? It feels just like a normal car, only quieter.'

Now in their seventh year, the annual World Car awards come the guidance of a Steering Committee of pre-eminent automotive journalists from Asia, Europe, and North America.

This year's winner was announced at a press conference hosted by Bridgestone Corporation and the New York International Auto Show.

'It is a great joy that the world’s first, mass-marketed electric vehicle, the Nissan LEAF, has won the prestigious award of 2011 World Car of the Year,' said Nissan chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn. 'This accolade recognises Nissan LEAF, a pioneer in zero-emission mobility, as comparable in its driving performance, quietness and superb handling to gas-powered cars. And it validates Nissan’s clear vision and the values of sustainable mobility that we want to offer to customers around the world.'

Previous World Car of the Year winners were the Volkswagen Polo in 2010, Volkswagen Golf in 2009, the Mazda2 / Mazda Demio in 2008, the Lexus LS 460 in 2007, the BMW 3 Series in 2006, and the Audi A6 in 2005.