[Auto] Nissan Ariya 2021: An electric SUV with bold design and great autonomy

[#Steeven.™]

The new Nissan Ariya is the result of combining a long period of development and several billion euros invested in technology. A priori it may seem somewhat obvious, but the first one hundred percent electric SUV of the Japanese firm will be a before and after in the automotive sector. And no, we do not say it for its risky aesthetics and its location halfway between the Qashqai and the X-Trail, but for the technique that gives it life.

With this launch, Nissan is once again at the forefront of a segment that already revolutionized in 2007 with the first Qashqai. Now, he seeks, longs for and needs to reissue that success to cement the growth of a firm that is not going through its best moment. And we do not know when we can touch it and test it, but with the data in hand we can say that, almost certainly, we have before us a world best seller.

The aesthetics of the Nissan Ariya is revolutionary and very successful

"For tastes the colors": this is the maximum to which Nissan has clung to develop the Ariya. It is useless to offer a high technological level if you sell it with a packaging without personality. Therefore, and even at the risk of polarizing the market, they have created an avant-garde product that is full of details. The first: the renewed brand logo, which presides over the front and can be illuminated with 20 LEDs.

The front area indicates that Nissan's aesthetic code has evolved. We see it in elements such as the large fairing grill and the torn optical groups. These have LED technology, such as those dedicated to the innovative daytime signature. If we go to the side view, we see fluid lines that shape a muscular and coupe-like body. This is particularly evident in the shape and finish of the "C" pillar.

Although the Nissan Ariya is not provided with great off-road capabilities, the black plastic protections are the predominant note throughout the lower perimeter of the body. This same shade is used for the roof or the rear-view mirrors, emphasizing the sportiness of the whole. A 19 or 20-inch alloy wheel with aerodynamic design or the two shark fin antennas also contribute to this.

Finally we take a look at his behind. In this area, the design team has used marked lines to give personality to the light and gate groups. The former are united in the center and include the word "NISSAN". The lower area of the hood accommodates the logos of the model and the type of version in question. Finally, we have a bumper of simple design that lacks an exhaust outlet and integrates a discreet diffuser.

Avant-garde interior, quality and high technological level

After examining the exterior of the Nissan Ariya we entered its interior. The air you breathe is futuristic, standing out for the minimalist format of the dashboard. This configuration that, a priori, could go against you, feels really good, but not the absence of physical controls. Instead, we have two large 12.3-inch displays, one for the instrument cluster and one for the vehicle's infotainment and management system.

Nor can we ignore the new steering wheel with only two spokes or the absence of a central tunnel under the dashboard. This area could be occupied by the large central glove box, but its managers have decided to keep this physical space open. Regarding the materials and adjustments, in the absence of seeing and touching it in person, we can say that it is at a high level, offering successful color combinations and well-measured adjustments.

Regarding habitability we can say that it will be average. Its bodywork reaches 4.59 meters in length, 1.85 meters in width and 1.66 meters in height. But the key is in the wheelbase, which is 2.77 meters. All this will also affect a trunk that, depending on the version, will have one or another capacity. Thus, in the 2WD versions it will be 468 liters and in the 4WD all-wheel drive it is reduced to 415 liters.

The Nissan Ariya offers a complete mechanical offer and great autonomy

 

If on an aesthetic level the Nissan Ariya surprises, on a technical level it will leave its rivals very badly on its feet. The 100 percent electric powertrain from the Japanese firm has evolved a lot since the first Leaf hit the market. Now you can offer two- or four-wheel drive solutions and many other battery combinations. In this case, the all-wheel drive system they have created is called the e-4ORCE.

The 2WD access version combines a 160 kW (218 hp) electric motor and 300 Nm of maximum torque powered by a 63 kWh capacity battery. This version may also include a larger capacity motor and battery, with 178 kW (242 hp) and 87 kWh respectively. The level of autonomy varies between one and the other, with up to 360 kilometers in the first case and up to 500 kilometers in the second.

In order not to mess with the technical details, we leave you an explanatory table that will be of great help. Finally, we must talk about the possibilities of recharging and driving modes and equipment. The 63 kWh Ariya equip a 7.4 kW charger and those using the 87 kWh battery use a three phase charger up to 22 kW. Of course, all versions can be charged with direct current to a maximum of 130 kW.

To manage the battery charge, the Nissan Ariya has three driving modes for the 2WD version and a fourth for the 4WD. They are called Standard, Sport and ECO plus Snow and adapt parameters such as throttle, suspension and energy management. To finish, on a safety level it will include the latest evolution of the ProPILOT system, the single pedal driving function and the NissanConnect application.