What is it?
Nissan’s 2nd pure-EV following the Leaf is a family-sized SUV. The Ariya has a range of up to 329 miles on a charge, and comes with a choice of battery sizes and power ratings. Rivals include the likes of the VW ID.4, Skoda Enyaq iV, and Ford’s Mustang Mach-E.
What will it cost?
The entry level Ariya Advance starts at £43,845 with a 63 kWh (net) battery and 160 kW electric motor for a 250 mile range. Recharging will take 30 mins to add 165 miles of range on a high-power point, and it can even tow (rare for an EV) up to 750kg.
Long-range champion is the 87 kWh Ariya, with 178 kW motor and the headline 329 miles. This will add up to 217 miles in 30mins on a high-power charger, and starts at £49,595. Finally, the e-Force dual-motor Ariya starts at £52,295 with a 310 mile range and 6 second 0-62mph time.
This is the first Nissan EV to use the European standard CCS for charging, which means the Ariya can be plugged in to more high-power chargers for the fastest charging times. It’s an important point, and opens up easier long distance trips to owners.
Rivals?
The electric family SUV market has plenty of choice, but Nissan has pitched the Ariya well. It sits in gaps of the VW ID.4’s line-up, looking at battery, power, range & price. The Ford Mustang Mach-E is a starts towards the top of the Ariya range, and climbs upwards.
So the Nissan is pretty well positioned. Only Skoda will cause Nissan headaches on range and price really for this size car. Also worth looking at the smaller Kia Niro EV, premium Volvo XC40 Recharge, and superb Hyundai Ioniq 5.
New design language is a far cry from Nissan’s divisive 1st-gen Leaf, and sleeker still than the current shape of its best-selling EV. With electric cars and SUVs selling well, it’s not going to be a surprise if the Ariya - an electric SUV - quickly picks up sales for Nissan.
Inside is a huge leap forward in styling, with tactile touch surfaces rather than screens, a cleanly designed dash, and a spacious cabin. Boot space is middling; smaller than many rivals, but not small by any stretch. Occupant space is huge though.
Verdict?
We’re yet to drive the Ariya, but reckon Nissan has got its electric “tricky second album” about right. A good variety of range, power, and price means it will suit a variety of buyers, it looks good, and seems capable as a family workhorse.
