All the details on Nissan Ariya, the brand’s all-electric entry into the segment.
Today, we’re here to tell you about Nissan Ariya, an exciting all-electric SUV that marks a turning point in the brand’s electrification.
Ariya is based on theRenault-Mitsubishi-Nissan Alliance’ s new CMF-EV platform , first seen on the Renault Megane E-Tech (which we recently tested), and which encompasses five different electric vehicle platforms that will be rolled out on different models across the three brands.
Nissan also highlights the implementation of its innovative e-4ORCE technology, which provides all-wheel control, stability and comfort for vehicle occupants.
Many would say that this is the electric evolution of the popular Nissan Qashqai, but the truth is that Nissan Ariya is an electric vehicle built from the ground up, with all the advantages that go with it.
In fact, the Nissan Ariya is based on the Nissan IMx concept that was first named at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show and shown in more detail last year at the same event.
Current line-up and future additions
Currently, the brand’s electric line-up includes the Nissan Leaf, an electric car that has made a great impact worldwide, being a sales success in a multitude of territories, including Spain.
Although it does have other electric models in its commercial portfolio, such as the Nissan Townstar EV van, for the moment the manufacturer has not launched any passenger vehicles other than the Nissan Leaf, and now the Ariya. Nissan announced earlier this year that it will soon launch an electric Nissan Micra, built on one of the Alliance’s platforms.
The company aims to offer only electrified cars in Europe from 2023, a commitment that also includes hybrids, and is based on its ‘Ambition 2030’ strategy.
Manufacturing
Introduced this summer, the Nissan is produced at the brand’s factory in Japan, located in Tochigi Prefecture (Kantō region).
Exterior
Weights and dimensions
Nissan Ariya measures 4.59 metres long, 1.85 metres wide and 1.66 metres high, with a wheelbase of 2.77 metres.
Unladen kerb weight ranges from 1,800-2,300, depending on version.
Luggage compartment
The rear luggage compartment capacity is 466 litres (415 litres on the twin-engine version), increased by folding the seats, which is possible on the 60/40 split rear seats.
Renault Megane E-Tech does not have a front luggage compartment.
Colours
It is available in ten colours, irrespective of the version chosen.
There are four base colours: a light grey ‘Katana Grey’, a darker grey ‘Skyliner Grey’, a black ‘Ninja Black’ and a green ‘Aurora Green’.
There are six two-tone finishes (all combined with black on the roof): grey and black called ‘Fuji White + Ninja Black’, a sand tone with grey nuances combined with black called ‘Shirogane Silver + Ninja Black’, blue and black ‘Ocean Blue + Ninja Black’, red and black ‘Marasaki Red+ Ninja Black’, orange with black ‘Akatsuki Copper + Ninja Black’ and red + black called ‘Tokyo Red + Ninja Black’.
Rims
One wheel option is available as standard. These are 19-inch alloy wheels with aerodynamic wheel covers, which are called ‘KOTAE’.
Optionally, as part of the ‘Sport Pack’, 20″ wheels are available, also with aerodynamic covering, called ‘DEZAIN’.
Interior
Finishes
Depending on the version, there are four upholstery finishes: a synthetic leather and textile mix called ‘SHORAI’, available in black and grey, and two other synthetic leather and suede textile mix finishes, also available in black or grey.
As an option and as part of the ‘Sport Pack’, blue nappa leather upholstery is available.
Displays
There are two screens, one as the instrument cluster and the other as the infotainment panel, measuring 12.3 inches respectively.
A 10-inch head-up display is included in the ‘EVOLVE’ trim.
Sound
Bose 10-speaker sound system is fitted.
Space
As is usual for an electric vehicle, the floor is completely flat due to the absence of the transmission tunnel, with enough space to seat five occupants comfortably inside.
The panoramic glass roof with its movable glass roof lends an even greater sense of spaciousness to the interior of the cabin. As well as being able to be opened, it can also be completely covered.
Driving
Power, top speed and acceleration
Versions of the Nissan Ariya are differentiated by battery and traction, with four options available.
In the case of the power output detailed in this section, there are two options for the 87 kWh battery: 178 kW (242 hp) and 300 Nm or 225 kW (306 hp) and 600 Nm, and 160 kW (218 hp) and 300 Nm for the single-motor 63 kWh battery variant.
For the 87 kWh front-wheel drive version, acceleration from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) is set at 7.6 seconds. For the all-wheel drive e-4ORCE version, it is achieved in 5.7 seconds.
The top speed for the 63 kWh and 87 kWh single-motor version is 160 km/h, while for the 87 kWh dual-motor version the top speed is limited to 200 km/h.
Regenerative braking
Nissan Ariya does feature e-Pedal technology, but without enabling single-pedal driving, as it does not come to a complete stop.
Driving modes
Nissan Ariya offers four driving modes: Standard, ECO, Sport and Snow (the latter is only available on the e-4ORCE all-wheel drive variant).
Battery
There are two battery sizes, depending on the version chosen, both lithium-ion: 63 kWh and 87 kWh.
Nissan Ariya’s batteries are equipped with water pump heater/cooler systems.
Range
Range also varies depending on the version chosen and battery size.
The smaller 63 kWh battery offers a range of 403 kilometres on the WLTP cycle.
In the case of the 87 kWh battery, the estimated range is up to 525 km WLTP for the 4×2 version, reducing to 493 km WLTP for the 4×4 e-4ORCE version.
The single-motor and smaller battery option gives a fuel consumption of 17.6kWh/100km, the single-motor and larger battery option 18.4kWh/100km and the dual-motor and larger battery option 19.5kWh/100km.
Charging time
In terms of charging, it enables fast charging from 20 to 80% in 35 minutes for the 63 kWh version and in around 40 minutes for the 87 kWh battery, with a maximum charging power for all versions of up to 130 kW.
Nissan also announced this year that it has joined the European IONITY fast-charging network, offering lower charging prices for its customers.
Connectors
Connectors compatible with Nissan Ariya are Type 2 (Mennekes) for slow charge options and CSS Combo for fast charge versions.
In addition, it can also be charged via a conventional Shuko plug.
Technology
Safety Assist System (ADAS)
Nissan Ariya includes a suite ofsix active safety features including Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist and Rear Automatic Braking.
It incorporates ‘ProPILOT Assist 2.0‘ driver assistance technology, enabling semi-autonomous driving in certain conditions. The technology supports multi-lane highway driving tasks such as lane changes, passing and exiting the road.ProPILOT with Navi-Link‘ helps to keep the vehicle centred in the lane and to negotiate smooth curves.
It also has parking assistance through ‘ProPILOT Park’, which takes over the entire parking manoeuvre.
Connectivity
It includes Amazon Alexa, as well as providing wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity.
The vehicle is automatically updated via over-the-air updates.
APP
The NissanConnect Services APP is available to remotely control certain vehicle functions such as climate control, charging, locking/unlocking and more, as well as viewing relevant vehicle information such as battery level.
It is also possible to plan the route and add it to the vehicle. This route takes into account the remaining battery and the inclination of the route to offer you the best route, and guide you if necessary to charging points (informing you if they are available).
Versions and pricing
Versions
Four trim levels are currently available: ’63 kWh ADVANCE’, ’63 kWh EVOLVE’, ’87 kWh EVOLVE’ and ‘e-4ORCE 87 kWh EVOLVE’.
As can be seen from the rather descriptive designations, the different versions are mainly based on battery capacity and traction.
Price
At the time of this review, the Nissan Ariya is priced in the range of 40,000 to 60,000 euros.
Currently, due to global supply problems that are known to be affecting several sectors, including the automotive industry, Nissan has been forced to halt reservations for the time being.
As far as we know, once supply is assured, the brand will once again accept reservations and set new prices according to the cost of raw materials at that time, so it is currently not possible to know an exact price of the vehicle in Spain, in any of its variants.
We hope that when it is possible to reserve it again, and therefore its new prices are known, it will be possible to benefit from the MOVES III Plan in some of its versions, as it was initially included.
Optional packages
There are several personalisation options, with features that are already included in the so-called ‘Sport Pack‘ offered by the brand, which include 20-inch wheels and blue leather interior trim.
What we think
After testing the Nissan Ariya for several days, we can say that we are faced with a vehicle with an attractive design, equipped with the latest technologies and with a very well used space (considering its dimensions).
On this last point, although the Nissan Ariya is based on the same CMF-EV platform as the Renault Megane E-Tech, which we also tested recently, the Ariya has more space than the Renault Megane E-Tech, and we were pleasantly surprised.
As for driving, apart from the fuel consumption figures that we will publish together with the range video that will be released soon, we have three driving modes (four in the case of the e-4ORCE version and all-wheel drive), with the ECO mode being more comfortable to drive if we have the e-Pedal functionality activated, as if we activate the other two modes: Standard or Sport, we have detected that it jerks a lot when we take our foot off the accelerator, which, as we said, does not happen in ECO mode.
We also liked the interior, which is very well finished. Although the boot volume may seem a little small, as there is no front luggage compartment, there is plenty of storage space inside for everyday accessories such as a mobile phone with a specific wireless charging compartment or a mini glove box under the main screen that allows you to store quite a few items.
Moving on to the interior, we found the head-up display to be adequate, with two basic pieces of information such as current speed and traffic signs clearly visible. One point that doesn’t quite convince us is the fact that the controls located below the infotainment screen, which are embedded in the wood of the dashboard, are flat and tactile, making it difficult to interact with them when driving, as is the case with the controls located on the centre console, which we have to say as a curiosity that can be moved forwards or backwards, to adapt it according to our needs.
We also liked the panoramic roof, although as we said the cabin is already spacious, it seems even more so. In addition, it can be partially opened and also completely (or partially) covered, which is very useful when the sun is high in the sky.
In terms of lighting, there are LED front position lights. With the lights on, the front lighting is extended and an elongated LED strip illuminates the entire rear. The interior also features LED lighting at various points in the cabin, such as in the doors.
In short, the Nissan Ariya is an electric vehicle that has surprised us for good, highlighting as we say its spaciousness given its dimensions and the comfort it transmits when driving. It is, without a doubt, a very attractive alternative to be used as a main car in our daily lives.
Below, we leave you with the video of the full test on our Youtube channel:
The original text of this article has been extracted from this link. Thanks.