Nissan Ariya: Flagship Electric SUV Now Priced Below £40,000

Nissan has made an exciting announcement for electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts. The company has reduced the on-sale price of its flagship electric SUV, the Nissan Ariya, to below £40,000 for the first time. In addition to the price drop, Nissan has introduced two new specification levels to enhance the model’s appeal.

The Nissan Ariya now starts from £39,645 in the UK, making it more accessible to a wider range of customers. Existing cars with the 63kWh battery have received a price cut of £3000, while larger-capacity 87kWh models have seen a reduction of £3750.

The range now includes the Engage 2WD as the entry-level variant, available with either a 63kWh or 87kWh battery. This variant offers a range of 251 or 330 miles, depending on the battery choice. It comes equipped with LED headlights, 19-inch wheels, and dual 12-inch screens inside the cabin. Standard features also include a rearview camera, heat pump, and an intelligent safety suite.

For those seeking improved performance, Nissan has introduced a new range-topping variant called Evolve+. Priced from £59,025, this model boasts 388bhp and 442lb ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 5.1 seconds and offers a range of 310 miles. The Evolve+ models come with additional features such as a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, an intelligent rearview mirror, and a ten-speaker Bose stereo. They also feature Nappa Blue leather seats and ride on 20-inch wheels.

Interested customers can now place orders for the Nissan Ariya, which aims to rival the Volkswagen ID 4 in the EV market.

The production-ready Ariya retains the bold and distinctive styling of the concept unveiled at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show. It showcases Nissan’s new brand identity with its “seamless, elegant, and fresh” design. The Ariya shares the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s new CMF-EV electric architecture with the Renault Mégane E-tech Electric, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Nissan.

The Ariya features Nissan’s new e-4orce four-wheel drive system, which is inspired by the system used in the GT-R supercar. This system employs a regenerative rear-motor braking system to enhance vehicle stability and provide a smooth ride. The e-4orce Performance model can accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds and has a top speed of 124mph.

The Ariya offers Standard, Sport, and Eco driving modes, with e-4orce variants adding a Snow mode. Nissan claims that the underfloor battery placement ensures a 50:50 front/rear weight distribution, contributing to improved stability. The Ariya also features the Leaf’s e-Pedal regeneration system, allowing for convenient one-pedal driving.

Measuring 4595mm in length, 1850mm in width, and 1660mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2775mm, the Ariya is comparable in size to VW’s forthcoming ID 4 electric SUV. The car’s weight ranges from 1.8 to 2.3 tonnes, depending on the chosen specifications.

The front of the Ariya showcases a new ‘shield’ design with a 3D ‘kumiko’ pattern beneath a smooth surface. In markets where it is allowed, the Nissan logo will be backlit with 20 LEDs. The side profile features a low-slung coupé roofline, while the back end boasts a distinctive C-pillar design, a high-mounted rear wing, and a one-piece light bar. The Ariya rides on 19-inch or 20-inch wheels and is equipped with multi-link rear suspension.

Inside, the Ariya offers a minimalist yet bold interior design. Physical buttons have been replaced by capacitive, haptic-feedback switches integrated into the dashboard surface. The car features ‘Zero Gravity’ slim-profile seats, a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital driver display, and one of the largest full-color head-up displays in its class.

The Ariya will also come with a high level of driver assistance systems, including an enhanced version of the Leaf’s ProPilot system, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. Nissan’s Safety Shield active safety systems are standard.

Owners can use a Nissan smartphone app to check battery status and set climate controls remotely. The Ariya also offers built-in 4G connectivity for over-the-air updates. Charging options include a 7.4kW home charger for the 63kWh cars and a 22kW three-phase charger for the 87kWh cars. Additionally, a 130kW rapid-charger is available.

With its reduced price and new specification levels, the Nissan Ariya is set to make a significant impact in the EV market. It combines impressive performance, advanced technology, and a stylish design to provide customers with an exceptional electric SUV experience.