The Ariya is Nissan's first new EV in over a decade following the
venerable Nissan Leaf. This mid -size Crossover format has distinct
Nissan design cues and contemporary styling. The Japanese Kumiko
motifs are present on the outside, and also reflected in the interior. The
black grille has a Japanese lantern-inspired design and there is thick
black wheel arch cladding above the aero influenced 19-inch wheels.
The rear light bar spans the width of the tailgate and identifies the
vehicle with spelled out Nissan name instead of a logo. A long flowing
spoiler gives the upright Ariya a sleeker look. Overall, its a distinctive
design.
In terms of powertrains, the regular two-wheel drive Ariya is available
with 214 hp (standard 63-kWh battery) or 238 hp (extended-range 87-
kWh battery), and 221 lb-ft of torque. The Ariya e-4orce version adds a
second synchronous AC electric motor on the rear axle. With the
standard battery, the Ariya e-4orce delivers 335 hp and 413 lb-ft of
torque, while a larger battery boosts output to 389 and torque to 442 lb-
ft. Electric driving range varies for the Ariya according to trim line, from
348 km to 465km depending on model configuration. The as tested
Front Wheel Drive Evolve+ trim had the larger 87 kWh battery
allowing for 238 Horsepower and up to 465 km of driving range.
As for charging, a Level 3 charger provides 10 to 80 per cent charge in
around 40 minutes. Home level 2 charging can take up to 8 hours.
respectively. There is also a 7.2 kW on board charger.
The Ariya arrives in six trim levels priced from $52,998 before EV
incentives. The range comprises the Engage FWD version and the:
Venture+ FWD ($59,498), Evolve e-4orce ($60,598), Evolve+ FWD
($64,998), a Platinum + e4orce ($69,198) as tested and a Premiere +
e4orce, ,69,998). The Ariya comes very well equipped with standard
features such as RearView Monitor, Heated steering wheel, Front and
rear heated seats, and an Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with Distance
Control Assist (DCA) an da power -sliding centre console and much
more.
The Interior cabin is light and airy with a panoramic sunroof and a smart
looking dual 12.3-inch screens and a fully digital instrument cluster,
with cool haptic controls. Generally, fit and finish and design is very
well executed. The materials are of a premium grade and ergonomics are
good.
The infotainment screen is responsive and fairly easy to navigate and
thankfully include an actual physical volume knob. The whole control
and touchscreen is intuitive to navigate and use. The front zero-gravity
seats are wonderfully comfortable and minimize driver and passenger
fatigue on long drives. Oddment storage is a bit lacking, but you do get a
cool motorized centre console that glides forward and backwards and
offers modular-style functionality. In the rear, the seats are surprisingly
comfortable for outboard passengers. The rear perches are heated and
there is good legroom and headroom. As for cargo space, with the rear
seats up, 646L is available. Folded you get 1,691L. A handy “Divide-N-
Hide” configurable cargo system also increases versatility.
On the safety and technology front, the Ariya can be equipped with
Nissans ProPILOT Park system, a device that parks the vehicle without
driver intervention. There is also the ProPILOT Assist system, which
keeps the vehicle on the right track with lane departure warning, lane
keeping assist, intelligent cruise control and much more.
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On the road, with its almost 50-50 weight distribution, the Ariya rides
smoothly with a stable well-balanced feel. I like the light, easy steering
very much Acceleration is fast and despite modest torque figures, there
is no shortage of speed when you need to overtake or merge. Drive
modes are Sport, Standard and Eco.
Instead of regenerative braking to bring the car to a stop. Instead, Nissan
offers a new feature called e-Step that allows the driver to modulate
various levels of braking resistance according to selected drive mode.
Downsides are few. The Ariya is aiming high at BMW and Audi
territory so pricing is high for fully equipped loaded models. the 2023
Nissan Ariya is a highly impressive family CUV. It offers quality, a
good standard of luxury, and enough standard features to rival other
entries in this sector. Highly recommended.
2023 Nissan Ariya Platinum + e-4ORCE Priced at $69, 198.plus
options and PDE. Final price – $72,243.
More info at www.nissan.ca.
