First Drive - EV Review - Nissan Ariya
Nissan Ariya Review
Nissan’s Leaf has, for a long time, been one of the most popular electric cars around. Seen by many people as the true trendsetter for EVs, it was a car that cemented battery-powered cars with the public. Because of its popularity, Nissan has a fair bit more EV experience than most.
Utilising this, Nissan has created the new Ariya. It’s the firm’s first electric SUV and incorporates all of Nissan’s learnings as well as its latest tech. Let’s see what it’s like.
What’s new?
The electric SUV segment is a busy one these days, with a number of high-flying options coming from a variety of manufacturers. The Ariya, therefore, weighs in against a number of accomplished rivals such as the Volkswagen ID.4 and Hyundai Ioniq 5.
But to ensure that it’s in with a fighting chance, Nissan has kitted the Ariya out with a new platform designed specifically for electric cars. In fact, it’s even got a range of new powertrains - you’ll find very few common parts with the Leaf here.
What’s under the bonnet?
You can specify the Ariya with one of three powertrains - a smaller battery model, a big battery version and a range-topping four-wheel-drive version. That entry-level model still brings 215bhp and 300Nm of torque, while a 250-mile range is more than enough for most. It can charge at speeds of up to 130kW, too, meaning a 20 to 80 per cent charge will take around 30 minutes.
The bigger battery option boosts this range up to an impressive 329 miles, while the four-wheel-drive model has a more performance-orientated appeal which is why it can do the 0-60mph sprint in just 5.5 seconds.
What’s the Nissan Ariya like to drive?
The Ariya feels comfortable and refined
You can feel some of Nissan’s electric car experience filtering down into the driving experience that you get in the Ariya, as everything feels very smooth and polished. It’s more than quick enough in entry-level power, too, while on the move it’s both comfortable and refined.
The ride manages to keep the car pleasantly level, too, even through quicker corners. On standard-fit 19-inch wheels, it’s not too firm over lumps and bumps, too, and we’d be hesitant about optioning the larger 20s if you’re after the best possible comfort.
How does it look?
Nissan has definitely taken a more modern approach with the Ariya’s design when compared with some of its other new models, which is probably why this electric SUV is a real head-turner in person. The coupe-life roofline gives it a more dynamic appeal, while the silver window line helps to make the roof look a little lower than it actually is.
There’s a full-width light bar at the rear, too, and though this is a feature we’ve come to expect on new electric cars it looks particularly good on the Ariya. The gold launch colour of the Ariya is particularly striking, too.
What’s it like inside?
Clever haptic buttons look really futuristic
Nissan is pushing a more premium feel inside the cabin of the Ariya, with a range of high-end materials used throughout. They also contribute to a really classy effect, but they’re backed up by plenty of cool features and a generally spacious cabin.
Because of the EV-specific platform, there’s loads of room in the back, with a completely flat floor helping to make the area feel even more spacious. We also really like the haptic feedback buttons which are integrated into the wood of the dashboard. They look great and, most importantly, work well.
What’s the spec like?
There's a large screen on all versions of the Ariya
Nissan has kept things simple with the Ariya’s trim levels - there are just two. Both Advance and Evolve get plenty of equipment, with that entry-level car getting functions such as a 360-degree parking camera, electric boot and a full suite of driver aids. All cars get the clever twin-screen system, too, with both measuring 12.3 inches.
Move up to the Evolve and you’ll get a smattering of high-end features such as a head-up display, panoramic sunroof and a 10-speaker sound system. Having said that, most people will be more than happy with the equipment levels on the ‘standard’ version.
Verdict
It feels as though we’ve been waiting for a new Nissan EV for some time, but it’s definitely been worth it with the arrival of the Airya. Its interior shines through here as it’s both smartly made and well-designed in terms of space.
Though the Ariya might not be here to shake up the market quite like the original Leaf or the Qashqai, it’s a car which is a welcome addition to the flourishing EV segment.
