NISSAN have been in the electric car game for more years than most major manufacturers, starting with the Leaf in 2009, and that collective expertise really shows in their latest offering.
The plush Ariya is a good looking vehicle and we got to try out a range topping e-4orce Evolve Sport which comes stuffed with kit and performance from its twin electric motor four wheel drive set up.
A mid-sized SUV/crossover the Ariya has been with us since late 2022 but is still a rare sight on UK roads so stands out in a crowded electric car market.
With a 0 to 62 time of 5.7 seconds and top speed of a shade under 125mph in sport mode it really gets down the road briskly even in standard drive setting (there is also eco and snow) but all electric cars are quick so it is in the comfort and equipment departments where the Ariya really shines.
The quilted leather seats in the quality interior are heated all round (plus cooled with memory function in the front) there is a heated steering wheel plus handling and suspension are set up to waft you around corners and over bumps despite the huge 20” alloy wheels with low profile tyres.
Standard equipment includes adaptive cruise control, heads up display, large central infotainment touchscreen with sat-nav and premium sound system, full length power panorama glass sunroof, distinctive LED lights all round, a hands free power tailgate and a 360 degree camera system plus parking sensors front and back and just about every safety aid available on modern motors. This Ariya will also park itself and even the centre console is electrically adjustable.
It does also come with something some manufacturers no longer offer and that is a three pin ‘slow’ charge cable as well as the industry standard rapid version which means if, like me, you have not yet got around to having a home rapid charge terminal fitted you can still put the car on an overnight boost which I found put in a very useful 60 to 70 miles of range (full charge is a claimed 309 miles).
Over a week of very mixed driving I only had to charge the Ariya overnight twice and it proved a very easy car to live with. I even got use to one eco feature – the e-drive pedal which means most of your motoring is done without using the brake pedal as the car’s regenerative braking system cuts in when you lift off the accelerator (this can be disabled if you prefer).
The only down side is price, while the Ariya range starts from Engage trim with front wheel drive at £39,645 our high speed 4×4 Evolve e-4orce Sport is £61,330 (including optional ceramic grey paintwork at £745). Now that’s a lot of cash but you do get a whole load of standard kit, performance and style which will help you to stand out on the streets.
More info from www.nissan.co.uk
By Motoring Editor Steve Howarth