ONE of the great things about this job is that I get to try out the very latest new cars… but thanks to those lovely people at Nissan I recently got to go one better.
That was because they loaned me a pre-production vehicle to try out – and not any old Aryia but the new hot Nismo version which has been much anticipated in the world of performance electric cars.
The Nismo badge last appeared in the UK on the Juke compact crossover and 370Z sports cars but now it has been fitted to the Japanese brand’s electric SUV to create a dual-motor, 429bhp Crossover.
That is a 129bhp power hike over the standard Ariya and e-4orce and Nismo badges plus red accents and bespoke alloy wheels let you know that this is far from the standard SUV.
Priced at £56,630 this hot Ariya has twin motors which are set-up to give that joint BHP figure plus four wheel drive. There are four drive modes but it is in the top Nismo setting where things get interesting with 60 per cent of the power going to the rear wheels.
Flicking the Ariya into Nismo mode also sharpens throttle response and regenerative braking– and there’s even a synthesised engine note to mimic the whine of an electric motor.
Nissan’s engineers have also tweaked the suspension, particularly at the rear, for a more entertaining drive and as with Nismo models of the past the Ariya has a more aggressive look with bespoke 20in Enkei wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres.
Deeper bumpers and side skits, a front splitter, ducktail spoiler and lots of red sporty accents complete the look – oh and UK buyers can have it only in Stealth Grey.
Inside there are glowing red panels in the foot well and doors but things are still quite civilised despite the red accents, Nismo badges and black ‘graphite suede’ upholstery.
That being said, it’s still quite a relaxing place to sit, with easy to use screen functions and physical buttons. Space is the rear is particularly generous for the class as is boot space with the rear seats down.
Standard kit includes heated electric front seats, auto air con, lights and wipers, parking sensors and rear camera, 10 speaker Bose audio, head up display, wireless phone charging, sat-nav, power tailgate and adaptable cruise control. There is also a comprehensive suite of the very latest safety aids.
Nissan claim a full charge range of 261 miles and the 87kw battery can charge at 22kw/hour AC and 130kW/hour on a DC rapid charger. Performance is 0 to 62 in a very respectable 5 seconds (and it feels even faster) and a limited top speed of 124mph.
Now £56K seems a lot for a Nissan but with this level of performance and practicality that price tag starts to make sense – plus there is the kudos and street cred of the Nismo badge.
For more info see www.nissan.co.uk
By Motoring Editor Steve Howarth