Highlights
- High levels of technology
- Comfortable interior
- Efficient
- Powerful
Introduction
Nissan has carved out a stellar sales record with the Qashqai, the most popular car in its sector and an all-round bestseller.
But it’s with the striking ARIYA all-electric crossover that the true future lies.
Looking like something that just slipped off the designer’s drawing board, its minimalist contours and clutter-free shape is backed up by the latest technology and an impression of genuine prestige quality.
Powertrain and Performance
The Nissan ARIYA is powered by a 63kWh battery, which develops 214bhp in the Evolve trim that we drove. There’s also a more powerful version which has stronger acceleration and a longer range.
On the move, it gets off the line smartly thanks to the immediacy of power, making town driving sprightly yet refined. Acceleration is about average for the sector, with 0 to 62mph taking less than eight seconds.
Jon Smith
On poor roads, you tend to hear a few suspension movements, partly due to the lack of other mechanical noise. Road rumble is generally well suppressed.
It's also available with four-wheel drive for those who require greater adhesion in poor conditions.
If you’re pressing on at motorway speeds, you’ll notice the driving range sinking rapidly. We tended to get around 200 miles from a full charge, rather than the hoped-for 250 miles.
Progress is relaxed and refined with decent steering feedback and handling that’s precise and predictable if not exactly sporty. Cornering roll is well contained, and country roads can be negotiated swiftly and comfortably.
Design and Practicality
The cabin is just as adventurous in design as the exterior, with high grade plastic mouldings and a digitised facia which continues the simplistic, modern theme.
About the same size as an X-Trail SUV, the Nissan ARIYA offers good practicality alongside seating and luggage capacity for four or even five adults.
There's plenty of leg and headroom, both front and rear. The rear boot is smaller than expected due to the electrics but still manages to absorb 466 litres of luggage which should satisfy most demands.
Seats are Alcantara covered and offer perfect support, while a similar material adds a luxury touch to the facia. All very smart and cosseting in an upmarket way.
There's no shortage of useful storage places in the cabin, which has clearly been designed with families in mind. Beneath the front armrest there’s a tray which is home to a wireless phone charger, cupholders nearby and a glove box in front of the passenger.
A generously sized drawer is situated in the middle of the dash, which can hold further odds and ends.
Technology and Equipment
There are plenty of safety support systems on board. As well as cruise control and driver alert systems, Nissan’s ProPilot both keeps you in the lane and is connected to the sat nav which anticipated the bends, speed limits and junctions coming up.
In addition to the usual Nissan three-year warranty, the ARIYA’s electric drive components get a five-year, 60,000-mile warranty and the battery itself is guaranteed for eight years and 100,000 miles.
Summary
The Nissan ARIYA compares favourably with the growing electric opposition, and represents good value for an exciting looking family car.
The Evolve trim is a great option for the ARIYA as you get a lot of the great features from a high-end ARIYA vehicle, such as a panoramic sunroof and driver assistance systems, whilst not spending as much on the top-of-the-range trim.
