Nissan Ariya first drive review in Stockholm

Nissan is making its debut in the all-electric SUV market with the Ariya, and we travelled to Stockholm, Sweden, to see it and drive it.

Expectations were high, particularly given the many years of experience the Japanese brand has built up with the Leaf. But does the Ariya deliver on the road?

This was only a short first encounter, yet it was enough to show that this is a very convincing proposition and that Nissan has entered the battery-electric SUV segment with confidence and credibility.

There is no shortage of space

Built on the CMF-EV platform, which also underpins the Renault Mégane E-Tech Electric, the Nissan Ariya is 17 cm taller and 3.5 cm longer than the Nissan Qashqai. That extra size is noticeable inside, especially on the rear seats, where this electric model feels particularly spacious.

The only less positive aspect in this area is the boot, which provides 468 l of capacity in front-wheel-drive versions and just 415 l in all-wheel-drive models.

In either case, the figure remains below that of its main rivals. The Volkswagen ID.4, for instance, offers 543 l, while the IONIQ 5 provides 588 l.

A minimalist, harmonious interior

On the outside, the Ariya stands out through its flowing, dynamic styling. The descending roofline, more rounded rear end and slim front light signature, seamlessly connected to the front “grille”, are particularly eye-catching.

Its smooth surfaces and highly balanced lines help it achieve a drag coefficient (C_x) of only 0.29. This approach is echoed in the cabin, which also features a minimalist design dominated by horizontal lines.

Nissan’s attention to the choice of materials and the quality of the finishes is equally apparent, with the interior presenting a very high standard overall.

Highlights include the seat upholstery, which uses a leather developed specifically for this model, along with the wood on the dashboard and centre console, which can slide backwards and forwards. There is also microfibre covering part of the door panels and, naturally, a strong digital offering: two 12.3-inch displays and a head-up display that simulates a 10.8-inch screen.

Three versions available

In Europe, the Ariya will be sold in three distinct versions:

• Ariya 63 kWh, 160 kW (218 hp), 403 km of range;
• Ariya 87 kWh, 178 kW (242 hp), 533 km of range;
• Ariya e-4ORCE (two motors and all-wheel drive), 87 kWh, 225 kW (306 hp), 500 km of range.

During this first drive through the streets of Stockholm, I was only able to test the entry-level front-wheel-drive version with the 63 kWh battery. Even so, it never felt short of “firepower”.

This Ariya was consistently brisk, pleasant to drive and, above all, very composed. It takes a considerable increase in pace to unsettle it and push it “out of its comfort zone”, so to speak.

Nissan Ariya consumption is exceptionally low

While the Ariya’s performance, comfort and refinement won me over, what probably surprised me most during this first drive in northern Europe was its energy consumption.

I finished the road test with an average consumption of 13.4 kWh/100 km, a figure far below the brand’s claimed 17.6 kWh/100 km on the WLTP cycle. However, an important caveat is needed here.

Stockholm is largely flat and has considerably stricter speed limits than those found in Portugal. As a result, I was driving relatively slowly for much of the time, which was reflected in the consumption figure.

However, the route was not limited to city streets: I also drove the Ariya on secondary roads and motorways. Even there, the electric SUV benefited from Sweden’s motorway speed limit of just 110 km/h.

Range in Portugal

The Nissan Ariya will arrive in Portugal in two equipment grades: Advance and Evolve.

The first comes as standard with equipment including the ProPILOT system with Navilink, 19-inch alloy wheels, a 360° camera, a wireless smartphone charger and a hands-free powered tailgate.

The Evolve trim adds a 10-speaker Bose sound system, opening panoramic roof, intelligent rear-view mirror and sliding centre console as standard.

There will also be an Evolve 87 kWh e-4ORCE version. It will be the most expensive and best-equipped model in the range, taking a prominent place in the line-up of the Japanese brand’s first all-electric SUV.

What about prices?

In Portugal, the Nissan Ariya will be available from €49,200:

• Ariya 63 kWh Advance - from €49,200;
• Ariya 63 kWh Evolve - from €53,700;
• Ariya 87 kWh Advance - from €55,200;
• Ariya 87 kWh Evolve - from €59,700;
• Ariya 87 kWh Evolve e-4ORCE - from €63,200.

Deliveries of the first 63 kWh battery models will take place during August. The 87 kWh battery variants will follow soon afterwards, while the range-topping e-4ORCE version will not arrive until closer to the end of the year.