Nissan premiers Ariya: All electric crossover

Japanese automaker Nissan revealed its first all-electric crossover SUV "Ariya," this week at a virtual event. Ariya was developed based on a similar concept vehicle that was first displayed by Nissan at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show.

This electric crossover was built on an electric vehicle platform developed by Alliance. Ariya is said to be a representation 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.

Representing the three main pillars of Nissan Intelligent Mobility (Intelligent Power, Intelligent Drive and Intelligent Integration), Ariya combines advanced electric-vehicle technology with a new level of seamless human-machine interface connectivity, offering an entirely new driving experience.

There are four variants of the all-electric Ariya that come in either with two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive versions. Both the versions have two power options - a 63kWh battery and a 87kWh battery.

On a 63kWh battery, the two-wheel drive version of this electric SUV can cover a range up to 450km on full charge. And it can go up to 610km on an 87kWh battery. The four-wheel drive, on the other hand, covers a range of 430km on an 63kWh battery and 580km on an 87kWh battery.

Ariya's design is based on what Nissan calls Timeless Japanese Futurism – characterised by a distinctive Japanese approach conveyed in a simple-yet-powerfully modern way.

The front side of the electric SUV is highlighted by a shield – a grille that follows the traditional Japanese Kumiko pattern. A new brand logo replaces the traditional one and is placed at the centre of the aerodynamic shield.

The LED headlights have turned slimmer and have been constructed with four 20-millimeter mini-projectors which are combined with sequential turn signals. A single, uninterrupted horizon line stretches across the side profile linking the front fascia and the rear.

The rear side is characterised by a steeply raked C-pillar that blends into the rear deck. The one-piece light blade, representing the rear combination lamps, exhibits a blackout effect when parked, and a consistent red illumination, day or night, when in use.

Referring to the design, Nissan's Senior Design Director, Giovanny Arroba, mentioned, "The Ariya's exterior proportions show what is possible with Nissan's 100 percent electric-vehicle platform. The surprisingly short overhangs, aggressive roofline and large wheels provide an elegant appearance that flawlessly balances sport and luxury."

The interior of this electric crossover is equipped with a climate control system that has been placed under the hood. The primary climate control functions are integrated into the wooden centre dash in the form of capacitive haptic switches that offer the same feeling as mechanical switches by vibrating when touched.

The centre console is adjustable and can be moved to suit the driver's personal preference, and the settings can be saved as part of the driver's profile for automatic adjustment during future outings. The surface hosts a new shifter that fits in the palm of the hand to encourage a relaxed driving position with haptic drive mode controls within easy reach

Ariya comes with nine two-tone combinations, each sporting a black roof and five full body colour combinations. It features a new two-tone colour package - Akatsuki, the combination of copper with a black roof.