Lifestyle

Nissan Ariya

The all-new Nissan Ariya electric coupé crossover caused quite a stir when it was unveiled to a global audience in July. Now, you can see this remarkable vehicle for yourself at Smiths Nissan

The Ariya – Nissan’s first all-electric coupé crossover – marks a new chapter for Nissan electric vehicles, offering powerful acceleration and smooth, quiet operation, as well as an interior with a welcoming, luxurious lounge-like atmosphere. Its stress-free autonomous driving features, voice personal assistance and seamless connectivity heighten on-road confidence and provide a uniquely welcoming environment for the driver and passengers. And with an estimated range of up to 500 kilometers (based on WLTP combined cycle, subject to homologation), Ariya is the perfect partner for daily commutes and road trips alike. The Nissan Ariya is heavily based on the similarly-named concept vehicle displayed at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show and first hinted at with the IMx at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show.

It’s the first production model to represent Nissan’s new electrified brand identity, forging a path toward a new automotive era where electrification, optimized platform packaging and seamless vehicle AI technology will become standard. Built on an all-new Alliance-developed EV platform, the Ariya is the ultimate expression of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the company’s strategy to further improve the appeal of its vehicles and achieve the ultimate goal of a future with zero emissions and zero vehicle fatalities. Incorporating the three main pillars of Nissan Intelligent Mobility (Intelligent Power, Intelligent Drive and Intelligent Integration), the Ariya combines advanced electric vehicle technology with a new level of seamless human-machine interface connectivity, offering an entirely new driving experience.

The exterior
The Ariya is Nissan’s ultimate expression of style and technology, with each complementing the other in aesthetics and function. The model’s 100% electric vehicle platform has removed fundamental limitations and allowed designers to take new approaches to existing components. When viewed from the side, the Ariya seems to be constantly slicing the air thanks to a low, sleek roofline. Sporty, five-spoke, 19-inch aluminum wheels (20-inch wheels also available, depending on the grade) communicate the vehicle’s dynamic stance and sporty nature. A single, uninterrupted horizon line that stretches across the side profile, linking the front fascia and the rear, conveys linear movement, creating architectural beauty in tension and drama from every angle. The Ariya is offered with six two-tone combinations, each sporting a black roof, and four striking full-body colour combinations.

The interior
The cabin of the Ariya is more akin to a sleek cafe lounge on a starship than to a traditional automotive cabin, offering one of the most spacious cabin in its class. The compact nature of the power train components made it possible for Nissan’s engineers to install the climate control system under the hood (where a traditional petrol engine would be), allowing the designers to utilise the whole length of the cabin without obstructions, such as a transmission tunnel or cabin systems tucked under the instrument panel. Also, a flat, open floor – made possible by the location of the battery at the base of the chassis – and the Ariya’s slim profile Zero Gravity seats result in vast amounts of legroom and easy interaction between front- and rear-seat passengers.

The quiet EV drive train and the generous use of sound-absorbing materials also result in an exceptionally quiet cabin, allowing everyone inside to relax and enjoy the stress-free, lounge-like space. Front-seat occupants are treated to the Ariya’s minimalist dashboard, which blends seamlessly with the shape of the cabin, transitioning into the doors. It’s devoid of buttons and switches found in conventional vehicles. Primary climate control functions are integrated into the centre dash in the form of capacitive haptic switches that offer the same feeling as mechanical switches by vibrating when touched. They only appear when the car is turned on, providing a technological yet luxury touch to the cockpit area.

Intelligent Power
There are five core models, including twowheel- drive and all-wheel-drive versions. The Ariya 63kWh two-wheel-drive model is ideal for urban and suburban commuters, while topping the range is the Ariya e-4ORCE 87kWh Performance offering higher power output. To allow even more possibilities, the Ariya is rated to tow up to 1500kg.

Intelligent Driving
Staying true to Nissan’s heritage of producing fun-to-drive, exciting cars, the Ariya’s all- new EV platform has been optimized to deliver exceptional handling. The battery pack sits under the centre of the vehicle to ensure a low centre of gravity and near-equal weight distribution, front and rear. The Nissan Ariya 63kWh versions carry a 7.4 kW charger for domestic use, while the 87kWh include a 22kW 3 phase charger for home charging. The Ariya can also support quick charging up to 130kW for peace of mind during long journeys. Equipped as standard on the second generation Nissan LEAF, ProPILOT is a hands-on assistance system that helps drivers stay centered in their lane, navigate stop-and go highway traffic and maintain a set vehicle speed and distance to the vehicle ahead. ProPILOT with Navi-link offers an enhanced experience, with the addition of road data and sensing technology, offering a smoother ride during single-lane highway driving.

ProPILOT Park also takes the stress out of parking by helping recognise an open parking space and guiding the vehicle into it. All-wheel-drive Ariya models also feature Nissan’s most advanced all-wheel control technology, e-4ORCE. By specifically managing power output and braking performance for smoothness and stability, e-4ORCE enhances driver confidence by tracing the intended driving line over almost any road surface – snow-covered roads, for example – while never needing to change driving style or input. In addition to optimizing front and rear torque allocation, the system applies independent brake control at each of the four wheels to maximise the cornering force generated by each one.

Intelligent Integration
The Ariya is equipped with the latest in connectivity, including a new human-machine interface and firmware over-the-air updates. Nissan’s intelligent personal assistance technology features a hybrid voice recognition system with advanced natural language understanding technology to handle in-vehicle assistance without the driver taking their eyes off the road. The display interface features both a 12.3-inch instrument monitor and 12.3-inch centre display along a single horizon, allowing battery information, range and navigation to be easily reached and scrolled through with a simple swipe. Further information can be swiped between the displays to customise and prioritise the information displayed just behind the steering wheel. The Ariya also boasts one of the largest fullcolour heads-up displays in the segment. The projected display shows similar information found in the meter display, providing crisp, driving information within the driver’s field of vision without being distracting.

Thanks to the Nissan Connect smartphone app, drivers can check (for example) the status of the Ariya’s battery from the comfort of the breakfast table. Calibration of the Ariya’s climate controls can even be set just the way the driver likes, even before entering the vehicle. When you do approach the Nissan Ariya while carrying the Intelligent Key, the doors unlock automatically. The buzz around the launch was entirely justified, it seems. The Nissan Ariya coupé crossover is absolutely designed around the driver and from a technical standpoint marks a new era for electric vehicles.

FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.SMITHSNISSAN.CO.UK OR PHONE 01733 907608

Leave a Reply

Comments are closed.

Register an Account