The highly anticipated Nissan Ariya has finally arrived in Australia, bringing a sleek and stylish new contender to the electric SUV market. First revealed globally in 2020, this ground-up electric vehicle is a significant step forward for Nissan, showcasing a new design language and advanced technology. Importantly, Nissan has adopted the CCS2 charging standard for the Ariya, moving away from the old CHAdeMO port used on the Leaf, which aligns it with the rest of the new EVs in Australia.

The Australian lineup for the Ariya consists of four variants, offering a choice of two different battery sizes and a progression from efficient front-wheel drive to a high-performance all-wheel-drive system.

• The entry point is the Ariya Engage, a front-wheel-drive model with a 63 kWh battery. This variant provides a WLTP driving range of 385 km and is powered by a motor delivering 160 kW and 300 Nm of torque.
• The mid-spec Ariya Advance shares the same 63 kWh battery and powertrain as the Engage, but adds a suite of premium features like heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a Bose sound system.
• Stepping up to the Ariya Advance+, you get a larger 87 kWh battery pack. This boosts the WLTP range to an impressive 504 km, making it ideal for longer journeys. This model also gets a slightly more powerful motor, putting out 178 kW, and adds features like a panoramic glass roof and a head-up display.
• At the top of the range is the all-wheel-drive Ariya Evolve e-4ORCE. This flagship model is equipped with a dual-motor setup, delivering a combined 290 kW of power and a massive 600 Nm of torque. This allows it to sprint from 0-100 km/h in a swift 5.6 seconds. The “e-4ORCE” system provides advanced all-wheel control, enhancing stability and handling in all conditions. This variant is also equipped with the 87 kWh battery, offering a WLTP range of 487 km.

All Ariya models feature a modern and minimalist interior with dual 12.3-inch screens, a haptic-touch dashboard, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The vehicles also support DC fast-charging up to 130 kW, which can top up the battery from 10% to 80% in around 35-40 minutes. With its stunning design, advanced technology, and competitive pricing, the Nissan Ariya is a serious new contender in the Australian electric SUV market.