Presented two years ago, the Ariya electric crossover is now arriving at dealerships.
Nissan
Posted24 July 2022, 15:00
JAPANESE ELECTRIC CARThis little gem brings Nissan into the electric era
The Ariya is a milestone on Nissan’s path to the future. We had the opportunity to drive the electric crossover.
Nissan introduced the Ariya electric crossover two years ago, but delivery and production bottlenecks have long delayed its market launch. Here it is, finally! From August, the Ariya, which is 4.60 meters long and 1.66 meters high, will be available from Swiss dealerships, initially as front-wheel drive with two sizes of battery. The most powerful variant with all-wheel drive and the largest battery variant is even more interesting, but it is still long overdue – it should be available in the first quarter of 2023.
Chic and futuristic
“The Ariya represents a new chapter for us on the road to the future of electromobility,” said Nissan Vice President Leon Dorssers. Because although the electric Leaf has been on the Japanese program since 2010, the Ariya, with its brand new electric platform, is the first model of the new era. The crossover is all the more futuristic, with a chunky front end, muscular proportions and a sleek rear.
The passenger compartment is very spacious, as is the trunk, which offers a capacity of 468 to a maximum of 1775 liters (4×4: 415). The cockpit responds to what is currently in vogue, with a large display panel consisting of two screens. The highlight is the air conditioning control with haptic light buttons integrated into the wood-look panels. It is also found behind the gear selection button on the raised console between the seats, in particular to activate the One Pedal Drive mode for single-pedal driving.
Featuring the large battery, the Nissan Ariya has a range of 544 kilometres. The entry-level model, however, is capable of reaching up to 414 kilometers on a charge.
Nissan
The raised console between the two seats is electrically sliding. The interior offers plenty of space.
Nissan
With its massive front end, flowing silhouette and sleek rear, the Ariya is a real eye-catcher.
Nissan
On the occasion of its market launch, two front-wheel drive variants are offered: one with a small battery (63 kWh), 414 kilometers of autonomy and 160 kW of power, and the other with a battery of 87 kWh, 544 kilometers of autonomy and 178 kW of power. Of particular interest for Switzerland is the e-4orce all-wheel-drive variant with a second motor on the rear axle, which is offered exclusively with the large battery. It can travel up to 500 kilometres, develops a power of 225 kW and a torque of 600 Nm. The e-4orce goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 200 km/h. h, while the front-wheel drive models need 7.5 and 7.6 seconds respectively and can reach 160 km/h at maximum. Charging takes place with a maximum power of 130 kW at the direct current fast charging station, where the battery can regain a capacity of 10 to 80% in 35 minutes thanks to a fairly regular charging curve. On the AC outlet, the Ariya charges with 22 kW.
As the battery unit is installed flat in the vehicle floor between the axles, the Ariya not only has a low center of gravity, but also offers a perfect 50:50 weight distribution, at least in the four-wheel version. drive, but front-wheel drive is also well balanced with a 52:48 split. Thus, the crossover, which weighs between 2 and 2.3 tons depending on the variant, has good road holding, offers precise steering in turns and is very pleasant to drive in general. Prices start at 53,490 francs, front-wheel drive with a large battery is available from 62,790 francs, the top-of-the-range four-wheel-drive model will be available next year from 66,790 francs.