Nissan’s second bespoke pure electric vehicle is going to be built in two- and four-wheel-drive form, with prices for the Ariya SUV starting from just under £42,000.
Pre-orders for the Volkswagen ID.4 rival – which was shown in concept form at the Tokyo Motor Show back in October 2019 – are now open. First deliveries are set to begin next summer and a total of four versions are available at launch.
Entry-level ‘Advance’ uses a 63kWh battery for a 223-mile range, with its 215bhp electric motor capable of taking the car from 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds and on to a 99mph top speed.
‘Evolve’ – the second front-wheel-drive model in the range – draws its power from a more generous 87kWh pack for a significantly greater 310-mile range. Although it has 35 more bhp, performance is broadly similar but the price jumps to £51,090.
‘e-4orce Evolve’ and range-topping ‘e-4orce Performance’ are both all-wheel-drive and have a range of 285- and 248-miles from a full charge of their battery. They command an asking price of £53,790 and £58,440 before options.
With 302bhp, ‘e-4orce Evolve’ models can dash to 62mph from a standing start in 5.7 seconds – that’s six tenths of a second slower than ‘e-4ORCE Performance’ variants because their dual motor set-up is good for 389bhp.
The 63kWh cars will get a 7.4kW home charger and 87kWh cars a 22kW three-phase charger. Nissan has confirmed that a 130kW rapid-charger is also available.
Marketed as a “bold new chapter in Nissan’s electrification journey”, Nissan UK’s Managing Director Andrew Humberstone said: “We’re taking over a decade of experience in leading the market with electric vehicles, and ensuring our customer-focused expertise and network capability delivers a model that’s as rewarding to own as it is to drive.”
Offered in a choice of ten body colours, including pearlescent, metallic and premium metallic shades on top of six two-tone body colour options, the Ariya is defined by its upright front end that incorporates a new ‘shield’ design and slim LEDs.
Customers can choose from three dashboard colours – black, blue and grey – with dual-motor models receiving a 10-speaker Bose sound system, digital head-up display, panoramic glass sunroof, and 20-inch alloy wheels.
The added traction guaranteed by ‘e-4orce’ Ariyas promises to “enhance driver confidence by tracing the intended driving line over almost any road surface”. Nissan claims this allows drivers “to maintain their optimum driving style and input”.
