Japanese automaker Nissan has unveiled UK details for its upcoming all-electric crossover, The Ariya, which will offer three different battery and powertrain combinations and a range of up to 530 kilometres.
And, with a UK release sometimes serving as a prelude to an Australian launch – thanks to the fact that we both drive on the left – might this herald an early 2023 arrival on our shores?
Nissan unveiled the UK details for the Ariya all-electric crossover late last week, which will be available in only two grades – the Advance and Evolve – but with three different battery and powertrain combinations. These will include the 2WD 63kWh combination, the 2WD 87kWh, and the e-4ORCE AWD 87kWh.
With a range of up to 530 kilometres and power 600Nm of torque, the Ariya is built on the all-new Alliance CMF-EV platform – expected to form the basis for 15 electric models across the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance by 2030.
Quick charging using a CCS charging system can provide the Ariya 87kWh with up to 350 kilometres in only 30 minutes, while the battery pack will sit at the base of the chassis to ensure 50/50 weight distribution on the e-4ORCE version and near-equal weight distribution on the 2WD versions.
“We created Ariya for customers wanting an elevated electric vehicle that fits seamlessly into their lifestyles,” said Leon Dorssers, senior vice president for region marketing & sales at Nissan AMIEO (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe (including Russia) and Oceania).
“During the design process, it was integral that we put the customers at the forefront of every decision, such as including a power sliding centre console, increased leg room and a dual-screen display. The result is a fantastic EV that marks a new chapter for Nissan as we pave the way toward the future of electric vehicles.”
Inside the Ariya, the seats, steering wheel, and power-sliding centre console are all adjustable based on the driver’s preference and can be saved in memory profiles for ease of use for multiple drivers.
Two 12.3-inch displays make up the display, providing important vehicle information such as battery charge, range, and navigation, and by displaying multiple pieces of information on one horizontal plane, oriented in a wave-like shape, Nissan explains that the information can be more easily digested while minimising driver distraction.
A heads-up display also shows practical information for the driver, and haptic controls integrated into the dashboard help to communicate touchpoints with feedback.
Space is also taken into consideration for the boot, with adjustable dividers helping make life easier in either the 466-litre 2WD models or the 408-litres in the 4WD model.
With pricing starting at £43,845 for the 160kW Advance 63kWh (around $A77,700), and scaling up to £56,290 for the 225kW e-4ORCE Evolve 87kWh with a 22kW Charger (around $A100,000), Nissan hopes that there is an Ariya for every customer’s needs.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.