Nissan Ariya Advance+ review
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In the music industry ‘the difficult second album’ refers to the struggle some artists have in following up a successful debut with an equally compelling second record.
Turns out it’s a thing in the car industry, too; at least when it comes to Nissan and its electric vehicle program.
Way back in December 2010 Nissan shocked the world becoming the first car maker to launch a mass-market electric vehicle, the Leaf.
Tesla had already dabbled with its low-volume Roadster, but it would be another 18 months before the Model S arrived.
Given its head start, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Nissan might have rushed to fill its development pipeline with an array of new EVs. But you’d be wrong.
In fact, it would take until late 2022 before the Japanese car maker launched a follow-up, in the form of its all-new Ariya crossover.
Fast forward another three years and the Ariya is finally here, in a four-grade line-up comprising Engage, Advance, Advance+, and Evolve e-4ORCE.
The first two feature a smaller 63kWh battery while the Advance+, and Evolve e-4ORCE come equipped with a larger 87kWh battery. Only the top-grade gets dual motors and all-wheel drive, with the rest being front-wheel drive.
The Advance+ we’re testing has the best claimed range, at 504km (WLTP) and is generously equipped.
Pricing starts at $55,840 (MRLP) for the Engage and rises to $71,840 (MRLP) for the Evolve e-4ORCE, with the Advance+ lining up at $63,840 (MRLP).
Like its lower-grade stablemates, the Advance+ is front-wheel drive but gets the larger-capacity battery and a bump in power to 178kW (up from 160kW), and the same 300Nm of torque.
Superior range is the key benefit of the bigger battery, with the Advance+ managing an impressive 504km (WLTP) on a single charge, where 63kWh models manage 385km (WLTP).
Standard features include heated steering wheel, hands-free automatic tailgate, Bose 10-speaker sound system, black synthetic leather with Ultrasuede trim, head-up display, panoramic glass roof, a power sliding centre console, and heated and cooled front seats.
The interior is roomy and tastefully designed, featuring a contemporary twin-12.3-inch digital screen display and capacitive touch icons integrated into timber-effect trim sections.
There’s also eye-catching ‘Andon’ lighting in the lower doors and footwell, designed to emulate a traditional Japanese paper lantern.
The comfortable driving position offers good visibility and there’s plenty of adjustment for the shapely sports seats ahead of a nicely proportioned leather-trimmed steering wheel with sporty flat-bottom design.
Rear-seat accommodation is generous, except for footroom which is on the tight side, and there are 466 litres of boot space accessed via a hands-free electric tailgate.
Out on the road the Ariya's ride and handling balance is well judged, with all-independent suspension providing impressive isolation from road and wind noise.
Performance is strong, smooth and quiet, although the single motor variants don't have the pin-you-to-the-seat thrust of an equivalent Tesla.
Attractively styled, generously equipped and with competitive range and pricing, the Nissan Ariya Advance+ is a compelling alternative in the small-to-medium electric SUV segment.
Nissan Ariya Advance+ specifications
- PRICE: $63,840 (MRLP)
- WARRANTY: 10 years vehicle and battery (if serviced through Nissan's dealer network).
- POWERTRAIN: Single electric motor (178kW/300Nm), front-wheel drive; Electric Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT), 87kWh battery.
- ANCAP CRASH RATING: Five stars (2022)
- RANGE AND ENERGY CONSUMPTION: 504km, 17.2 kWh/100km (WLTP)
- FOR: Attractively styled; well finished; good range, generously equipped; 10-year warranty (if serviced with Nissan); strong dealer network support.
- AGAINST: No full-size spare (tyre repair kit); expensive compared with some Chinese rivals; can’t match the acceleration of key single motor rivals; lack of cabin oddment stowage; slower DC fast charging rate than some rivals.
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