NISSAN

NISSAN ARIYA ELECTRIC HATCHBACK 160kW Advance 63kWh 5dr Auto

Fuel

FuelElectric

Transmission

TransmissionAutomatic

Acceleration

0 - 62 mph7.5s

WLTP - Pure Electric Range

Electric Range223 miles

The Ariya broadens Nissan's EV range up-market, an upper-mid-sized Coupe-Crossover that really seems to have the 'want one' factor missing from so many family-segment electric vehicles. It's boldly styled, has a cutting-edge cabin and offers a choice of battery sizes and drivetrain options. Think EV are dull? Check this one out.

ARIYA & DRIVE

Nissan's Ariya aims to rejuvenate the upper-mid-sized part of the EV market. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

The Ariya broadens Nissan's EV range up-market, an upper-mid-sized Coupe-Crossover that really seems to have the 'want one' factor missing from so many family-segment electric vehicles. It's boldly styled, has a cutting-edge cabin and offers a choice of battery sizes and drivetrain options. Think EV are dull? Check this one out.

Background

Every major brand has been developing Electric Vehicles over the last decade. But only a few have been doing so with actual customers, selling cars from actual showrooms. One of these brands is Nissan, who established the concept of an all-electric family car with the innovative LEAF all the way back in 2011. Before bringing us a follow-up, that difficult second album, this car, the Ariya. Much of that time was spent creating the platform this car sits upon, the CMF-EV chassis that also underpins its very similar close cousin, the Renault Megane E-Tech Electric. That car is positioned in size and price very similarly to the current-day Nissan LEAF, so this one, its name based on the Japanese word for 'honourable', must be a slightly larger, slightly more aspirational, more up-market thing. A mid-sized Crossover aimed at entry-level Tesla territory and the EV market's most over-crowded segment.

Driving Experience

The idea here, says Nissan, is to 'amplify the fun-to-drive aspect' of electric mobility. A heavy old EV; fun to drive? That might be a new concept for you. If so, Nissan wants to change your mind. This one is certainly weighty, tipping the scales at between 1.9 and 2.2-tonnes, depending on spec. But it counters with sharp steering and near-perfect 50-50 weight distribution. Less welcome is the unsettled ride over poor surfaces that characterises quite a few EVs in this class, despite promises of a 'magic carpet' feel from this car's freshly developed CMF-EV platform. That's been primarily created for front-driven models like this Ariya's Renault Megane E-Tech Electric close cousin - which isn't ideal for this Nissan in a class where most rivals are more maturely propelled from the rear. You're also reminded of the class below by the size of the volume model's battery pack - 63kWh of usable capacity, in a class where 70 to 80kWh-sized battery packs are more common. For a chunk more cash, an alternative 87kWh battery pack's available, boosting the base version's rather mediocre 250 mile range figure to a more reasonable 329 mile total. With that bigger battery, you're also offered the alternative of the brand's clever 'e-4ORCE' AWD system, which adds an extra motor on the rear axle and is offered in standard form with 306PS and a driving range figure of up to 319 miles. There's also an 'Evolve+' e-4ORCE flagship model, which ups the power output to 394PS. Either way, the e-4ORCE package adds an extra 'Snow' setting to the three standard ones fitted to all Ariyas - 'Standard', 'Eco' and 'Sport'. Plus all variants get an 'e-Pedal' brake regen system that's so powerful it can almost slow the car to a standstill.

Design and Build

The Ariya is certainly a striking-looking thing, it's front end featuring a bold 'shield'-style design with a 3D 'kumiko' pattern under a smooth surface. From the side, there's a low-slung coupe silhouette and a single crease line linking the front and rear of the car. At the back, you get a distinctive C-pillar design, plus a high-mounted rear wing and a single-piece light bar. To suit the current zeitgeist, there are big alloy wheels of 19 or 20-inches in size. Thanks to its new electric vehicle-specific CMF-EV platform, this is quite a large car too, 4595mm long, 1850mm wide and 1660mm tall. Which, to give you some perspective, makes it almost the same size as its closest rival, Volkswagen's ID.4. The 2,775mm wheelbase makes possible a decently large cabin too. It'll certainly feel futuristic, with 'Zero Gravity' slim profile seats and a very minimalist design, with almost all the physical buttons replaced by capacitive haptic-feedback switches integrated into the fascia surface. There's a 12.3-inch central touchscreen; and a digital instrument binnacle display of the same size, plus what Nissan reckons is one of the biggest head-up displays in the segment. There's also a fold-out centre stowage box beneath the main instrument panel. There's a reasonably-sized rear bench, but it would be more comfortable for two than three. The boot capacity is 466-litres for 2-Wheel Drive variants, but the e-4ORCE AWD derivatives lose some of that because of the extra motor they use: their cargo area is rated at 408-litres.

Market and Model

Ariya pricing starts way beyond the point where pricing of Nissan's top LEAF 'e+' models finish. That means a price structure that starts from around £40,000 for the entry-level 'Engage' 63kWh model - or around £45,000 with the larger 87kWh battery. Beyond that lie 'Advance' and 'Evolve'-spec models and there's the option of the brand's e-4ORCE AWD system (which gives you 306PS). The top 'Evolve+' variant uses the 87kWh battery, ups power to 394PS and costs around £59,000. Across the range, as you'd hope given these prices, there's plenty of kit included course, including ultra-slim full-LED headlights which incorporate four 20mm projectors and are combined with animated indicators. Inside, there's a sophisticated centre dash infotainment screen which incorporates a 'digital assistant' incorporating Amazon Alexa voice control and activated by the phrases "Hello Nissan" and "Hey Nissan". This set-up includes 4G connectivity and can receive over the air updates for infotainment elements and chassis and EV settings. There's plenty of smartphone integration too of course, which will enable appointments to be fed to the car in advance any journey. As you'd expect, you'll get Nissan's latest suite of 'Safety Shield' camera safety equipment. The front grille houses a whole range of sensors that drive Nissan's 'ProPILOT' driver assistance systems - features like Lane Keeping Assistance and Adaptive Cruise Control. The Ariya can be ordered with a choice of six 2-tone paint finish combinations, each with a contrasting black roof; as well as four full-body paint finishes. These are complemented by an eye-catching single 'light blade' at the rear that is designed to look black when the car is switched off.

Cost of Ownership

We mentioned range mileages in our 'Driving Experience' section: just to reiterate, the base 63kWh 'Advance' model manages up to 250 miles, the 87kWh front-driven 'Evolve' version is up to 329 miles and the 87kWh e-4ORCE 4WD variant is up to 319 miles. There are the usual controls for increasing the level of regenerative braking so that you can maximise this car's range potential. Like the LEAF, the Ariya operates with an 'e-Pedal' system when braking regeneration is at its maximum, meaning that in normal driving, you'll be able to launch, accelerate and decelerate only using the throttle pedal. As you'd expect with an electric car, there's a special smartphone app allowing you to remotely check on battery status and set climate controls to precondition the temperature of the cabin before you reach the car. The 63kWh version features a 7.4kW AC charger for home connections, while the 87kWh variants have a 22kW three-phase setup. Nissan says the Ariya can support up to 130kW DC charging, technology that will allow around 230 miles of range to be added to this car's battery pack in around half an hour. Hooked up to a 7.4kW garage wallbox, you'd need 10 hours to charge the 63kWh version - or 14 hours with the 87kWh model. A nice touch is the inclusion of an LED inspection light in the car's charging point so that owners won't have to rely on street lighting to connect their cars to an electric source at night.

Summary

There's no doubt that the Ariya is a massive step forward for Nissan. The problem for this brand though, is that every one of its rivals have made almost similarly seismic and well-funded improvements in order to move into the EV era. Having kicked the whole thing off with the LEAF back in 2011, you might have expected this Japanese maker to use this follow-up design to set another significant benchmark for competitors to strive after. Perhaps in driving range, charging speed, cabin space or value. None of those areas are advanced here: indeed the Ariya struggles to compete in some of them, notably driving range. Which is a pity because there's lots to like about this car - striking looks, some clever cabin touches and a classy vibe positioning this model as a more expensive thing than it actually is. The fundamentals are undoubtedly here for a very appealing family EV and no brand's better placed the Nissan to deliver on that promise.

  • Rear wiper
  • Rear privacy glass
  • Rain sensing wipers
  • One touch front and rear electric windows with remote opening and closing
  • Super UV and infrared cut glass
  • Heated front windscreen

  • Rear ventilated brake discs
  • Electrically driven intelligent braking system
  • Intelligent front emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist recognition and junction assist
  • Front ventilated brake discs
  • Auto hold function
  • Electronic parking brake

  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto
  • Bluetooth audio streaming with handsfree system

  • Lane departure prevention
  • Blind spot intervention
  • Drive modes select (Eco, normal and sport)
  • ProPilot
  • Intelligent speed limit assist
  • 360 degree digitally enhanced around view monitor
  • Intelligent traffic jam pilot and lane keep assist
  • Power assisted steering
  • Intelligent Cruise control (ICC)
  • Traffic sign recognition
  • Rear cross traffic alert
  • Adjustable speed limiter
  • Intelligent driver alert system
  • Moving object detection
  • Front and rear parking sensors
  • Auto parking system

  • Hands free power tailgate
  • Wireless phone charger

  • Virtual personal assistant and firmware over the air capability
  • Telematics - notifications and connectivity services
  • Navi-Link
  • 12.3" Full TFT screen
  • 12.3" navigation system

  • Heated and auto folding door mirrors
  • Frameless rear view mirror

  • DAB audio
  • Front and rear USB connections (Type-A and Type-C)

  • Satin chrome window surround
  • Shark fin antenna

  • LED front and rear fog lights
  • 3rd brake light
  • Automatic LED headlights
  • Advanced sequential turning lights
  • LED daytime running lights
  • Follow me home headlights
  • LED rear lights
  • Adaptive high beam assist

  • Heat pump
  • Rear air vents
  • Plasma cluster ion air purifier
  • Automatic dual zone climate control

  • Luggage board system
  • Power magic centre storage with table
  • Super smooth leather steering wheel
  • Tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel
  • Rear armrest
  • 12v socket in front
  • Synthetic leather upholstery

  • LED ambient lighting

  • Side airbags
  • Driver and passenger airbags
  • 3x3 point rear seat belts
  • Curtain and front side, far side airbags

  • Heated front seats
  • Driver's electric lumbar adjustment
  • Front head restraints
  • Seat back pockets
  • 60/40 split folding rear seat
  • 3 rear head restraints
  • 6 way electrically adjustable front seats

  • Alarm
  • Intelligent key and start push button with easy access

  • Battery Charge Slow Time (Minutes): 30
  • Battery Charge Slow kW: 130
  • Battery Charge Slow Percentage: 10-80
  • Coupler/Connector Type: Type 2
  • Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8
  • Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000
  • Battery Capacity in kWh: 63
  • Battery Type: Lithium-ion
  • WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 359
  • WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 223
  • Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 75

  • CO2 (g/km): 0
  • Standard Euro Emissions: N
  • CO: N
  • HC: N
  • NOx: N
  • HC+NOx: N
  • Particles: N

  • Engine Code: N
  • Cylinders - Bore (mm): N
  • Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N
  • CC: 1
  • Cylinders: N
  • Cylinder Layout: N
  • Number of Valves: N
  • Camshaft: N
  • Fuel Delivery: N
  • Catalytic Convertor: N
  • Engine Layout: N
  • Compression Ratio: N
  • Transmission: AUTO
  • Gears: 1 SPEED

  • EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N
  • EC Urban (mpg): N
  • EC Extra Urban (mpg): N
  • EC Combined (mpg): N

  • Coin Series: Advance [Sky/Bose]
  • Coin Description: 160kW 63kWh
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000
  • Service Interval Mileage: 18000
  • Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12
  • Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N
  • Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N
  • Badge Power: 217
  • Badge Engine CC: 0
  • Vehicle Homologation Class: M1
  • Generation Mark: 1
  • Alternative Fuel Qualifying: True
  • Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: False
  • Special Edition: False
  • Special Order: False
  • Based On ID: N

  • Engine Torque - MKG: 30.6
  • Engine Power - BHP: 217
  • Engine Power - PS: True
  • 0 to 60 mph (secs): False
  • 0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.5
  • Top Speed: 100
  • Engine Power - KW: 160
  • Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 221
  • Engine Torque - NM: 300

  • Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP
  • RDE Certification Level: N/A

  • Alloys?: True
  • Space Saver?: False
  • Wheel Style: Aero
  • Tyre Size Rear: 235/55 R19
  • Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY
  • Tyre Size Front: 235/55 R19

  • Length: 4595
  • Width: 1850
  • Wheelbase: 2775
  • Width (including mirrors): 2172
  • Height: 1660

  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 466
  • No. of Seats: 5
  • Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 750
  • Max. Roof Load: 75
  • Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.8

  • Metallic paint: £575
  • Pearlescent paint: £745
  • Two tone paint: £1,225
  • Solid paint: Included
  • Two tone special paint: £1,395

  • Metallic - Gun metallic: £575

  • Pearl - Black pearl: £745
  • Pearl - Ceramic grey: £745

  • Solid - Aurora green: £0

  • Two tone special - Burgundy/pearl black roof and door mirrors: £1,395
  • Two tone special - White pearl/pearl black roof and door mirrors: £1,395
  • Two tone special - Blue pearl/pearl black roof and door mirrors: £1,395
  • Two tone - Akatsuki copper/pearl black roof and doors mirrors: £1,225
  • Two tone - Warm silver/pearl black roof and doors mirrors: £1,225
  • Two tone - Tinted red/pearl black roof and doors mirrors: £1,225

  • Synthetic leather - Black with fabric inserts: £0

  • 20" alloy wheels with aero covers: £850
  • 19" alloy wheels with aero covers: Included

Whilst every effort is made to verify and ensure the accuracy of the data, the information should only be used as a guide and no purchasing decision should be made without verification of the data from either the manufacturer or franchised dealer. Our offers may be on a different model year to that represented by this data and so specification may differ accordingly.

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