The Nissan Ariya is back in the New Zealand market and it has made a strong comeback with some of the new and bold features. After being pulled from the market last year, Nissan has re-released this electric vehicle in three different models. In this blog, we will review the Nissan Ariya 2025 model and whether it matches the exceptional hype or not.
Pricing and Range: What You Need to Know
Let’s start with one of the essential things, that is pricing and range. The entry-level Nissan Ariya is priced at around NZD 60,000, which is just shy of 400 kilometers on a full charge. While you might think that 60 grand is steep for a family car, it’s worth noting that this is comparable to the price of a Honda Civic, which is quite a standard choice in the market today.
With electric vehicles (EVs) becoming increasingly competitive in terms of pricing, the Nissan Ariya stands out as a brand new, well-appointed electric car without the need for petrol or diesel. Moreover, the savings on maintenance costs are significant; say goodbye to belts, pulleys, and all the other components that come with traditional car engines.
Model Variants: Choosing the Right One
The Nissan Ariya comes in three variants: the Engage (entry-level), the Advanced, and the Evolve (top-spec). The Engage and Advanced models feature a 160 kW electric motor driving the front wheels, while the Evolve model boasts a more powerful 290 kW dual-motor setup, delivering a whopping 600 Nm of torque. In this review, we’re focusing on the Engage model to see if it can still hold its own.
Interior and Technology: A Modern Experience
Inside the Nissan Ariya 2025 model, you’re greeted by a sleek and modern interior, highlighted by two seamlessly joined 12.3-inch displays. The left display serves as the touchscreen entertainment system, featuring built-in maps and all the usual functionalities. On the right, the instrument cluster displays crucial information like remaining range and speed.
The entertainment system is customizable, allowing you to add widgets and rearrange screens to your liking. It also includes a decent reversing camera and supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, albeit only through wired connections. One downside is the location of the USB port for these features, which is positioned awkwardly at the bottom of the console.
Space and Comfort: Room for Everyone
Space is good enough in the Nissan Ariya, making it a comfortable ride for both front and rear passengers. As someone of average height, I can attest to the generous headroom and legroom available. The rear seats even recline slightly, providing extra comfort for passengers on longer journeys.
Boot space is practical too, with a manual lift for the rear hatch. The boot floor lifts up to reveal additional storage, and the rear seats can be folded down for even more cargo space. This flexibility makes the Ariya a practical choice for families.
Driving Experience: Smooth and Efficient
Taking the Ariya out on the road reveals its true charm. The car glides over bumps, thanks to its height of 71 cm, making it easy to get in and out. The driving experience is enhanced by the regenerative braking feature, which captures energy as you decelerate, making it perfect for city driving.
On the highway, the Nissan Ariya performs well, coasting smoothly. The efficiency is worth it, especially for an electric vehicle. If you have solar panels at home, your running costs can be minimal, as you’ll essentially be using solar energy to power your rides.
Autonomous Driving Features: A Good Innovation
The Nissan Ariya is equipped with ProPILOT, which offers level-two autonomous driving capabilities. This includes steering, braking, and accelerating functions. However, it requires the driver to keep their hands on the wheel. This feature is particularly useful on motorways, providing a more relaxed driving experience.
Performance and Efficiency: Comparing Both
Performance-wise, the Ariya doesn’t disappoint. While it may not be a sports car, it accelerates with ease, outperforming many petrol-powered family crossovers in 0-100 km/h tests. The handling is secure, and it tackles corners with confidence, though its tires might not be the most thrilling for aggressive drivers.
When it comes to efficiency, the Ariya holds its ground. On open roads, it consumes around 16.8 units of electricity per 100 kilometers. This translates to approximately 360 km per charge on highways and nearly 400 km in the city. The charging speed is adequate, with a recent test showing a 30-minute charge from 17% to 80% using a hyper-rapid charger.
Conclusion: Is the Nissan Ariya Worth It?
In summary, the entry-level Nissan Ariya presents an appealing package at a competitive price point. With its spacious interior, modern technology, and efficient performance, it’s a solid choice for those looking to make the switch to electric without breaking the bank. While it might not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end models, it offers excellent value for money.
If you’re considering an electric vehicle, the Ariya is definitely worth a test drive. It’s a well-engineered car that feels upscale and comfortable, making it a great option for families and city drivers.
So, what are you waiting for? The Nissan Ariya is back in New Zealand, ready to take on the roads. Are you ready to join the electric revolution?
