e Nissan Ariya is the Japanese brand’s newest electric crossover with bold looks and a touch of Japanese minimalism.
This is the long-awaited Nissan Ariya. Born as a concept in 2020, it was quietly delayed due to the pandemic and chip shortages, only starting production in late 2022.
If the Leaf got you thinking about affordable EVs over a decade ago, the Ariya is here to remind you that Nissan is still committed to making them, but with a more refined and tech-packed approach.
simplicity is bliss
The Ariya’s design feels both futuristic and familiar. Nissan’s gone for a “simple and clear Japanese design identity,” with a streamlined look that’s all about subtle elegance.
There’s a “horizon line” that traces the car’s contours, giving it a sculpted feel. Up front, you’ll spot a plastic panel with a traditional kumiko pattern (a bit of Japan’s artisan heritage), housing sensors behind.
big upgrades on the inside.
Step inside, and it’s even more minimalist. The dash is a layered affair, combining fabric and wood with an ultra-clean design. The buttons are touch-sensitive and backlit through the wood veneer itself.
The Ariya’s interior is both spacious and smart. The haptic buttons present provide just enough functionality to avert your fingers from the 12.3-inch centre touchscreen, and the steering wheel buttons are still clickable for more tactile feedback.
You even get two gloveboxes to account for the lack of cubby storage on the centre console, and the centre one is especially useful for loose items that may otherwise slide around whilst driving.
With a long wheelbase and flat floor, the back seat offers ample legroom, and three passengers can fit comfortably.
At 466 litres, boot space is generous. Nissan’s thoughtful compartmentalisation is present too, allowing you to separate cargo and prevent them from sloshing about.
There’s no frunk here, but you do get useful underfloor storage for charge cables.
but how does it drive?
Built on a dedicated EV platform, the Nissan Ariya is a significant leap from the Leaf, now with liquid-cooled batteries, faster charging, and some very efficient coil motors free of rare earth metals.
Singapore only gets one powertrain for now, and that comes with 215bhp and 300Nm fed to a front-mounted electric motor. It’s plenty for our local roads, and the Ariya delivers power in a smooth, controlled burst.
Nissan also claims the Ariya has “GT-R genes”. A bold statement for an electric crossover, but in spirit, there’s a touch of truth.
The Ariya does feel agile, with a balanced demeanour and enough pep to keep things interesting. The ride is fairly firm, so you’ll feel the road beneath you, but it’s generally well-mannered, though it does tend to give a slight jolt over potholes.
The steering is pleasantly weighted and responsive in Normal mode, although switching to Sports mode brings an artificial heft. And for a bit of city-driving comfort, there’s Nissan’s e-pedal drive, which boosts regenerative braking to recoup some battery charge.
However, brake pedal feel can be a touch better, especially when transitioning from regen to friction braking.
is charging an easy affair?
While the Nissan Ariya only manages 50kW with DC charging, the 66kWh battery is still fairly quick to top off. When full, the car can deliver about 385km of range or 5.2km/kWh.
In testing, I managed to average 5.15km/kWh, and that’s with a bit of spirited driving thrown into the mix, so the Ariya scores well in this department.
solid, stylish, and ready for the road.
The Nissan Ariya arrives late to the crossover EV party, but it brings with it a unique sense of style, practicality, and thoughtful tech. While it doesn’t necessarily bring revolutionary tech to the table, it does tick the boxes with features that EV buyers appreciate. For those who trust Nissan’s EV legacy from the Leaf, the Ariya is a natural step up.
The Ariya’s price does sit above Nissan’s usual comfort zone, but its quality and features are on par with its more luxurious competitors.
If you’re drawn to its design and want the practicality of a well-thought-out electric crossover, the Ariya might just be the ideal choice.
technical specifications.
Nissan Ariya Electric
Powertrain: Single Electric Motor, Front-Wheel Drive
Power: 160 kW (215 bhp)
Torque: 300 Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed Reduction Gear (A)
0-100km/h: Unknown
Top Speed: Unknown
Battery Capacity: 66 kWh
Energy Consumption: 5.2 km/kWh (claimed)
Price: S$249,800 (Single-Tone), S$251,800 (Dual-Tone), both with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Nissan Singapore
Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)
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