Nissan Ariya is undergoing testing in Brazil, but it's nothing new. Meet the electric SUV
Since the Leaf's discontinuation in early 2024, Nissan hasn't offered any electrified vehicles in the domestic market. Now, however, it appears to be testing new technologies here, and has selected the Ariya SUV for this mission.
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Nissan Ariya testing in Brazil
In fact, the Japanese brand itself admits it has no plans to sell it here in Brazil, but it has brought a batch of them to be used by dealers, employees, and other collaborators, including at events and special events. It will essentially be a jack-of-all-trades. Nissan says it wants to streamline these tests and that, rather than bringing in a few cars for exclusive engineering use, it chose to import several and put them into regular service, without much fuss.
Four versions of the Ariya were included in this process: the front-wheel-drive Engage, the all-wheel-drive Engage e-4ORCE, the all-wheel-drive Engage+ e-4ORCE, and the top-of-the-line Platinum e-4ORCE. These vehicles are expected to generate data for studying their performance under conventional use, in the hands of the aforementioned employees, dealers, and partners.
What is Ariya like?
However, the Ariya isn't new: in fact, the electric SUV was introduced to the world back in 2020, with sales beginning in early 2022. Even so, it still boasts modern lines, following Nissan's latest visual identity. Dimensionally, it's similar to a Geely EX5, measuring around 4.6 m long, 1.66 m tall, and has a 2.77 m wheelbase. Trunk capacity varies between 415 and 460 liters, depending on the model (and drivetrain).
The mechanical package offers configurations ranging from 215 hp in front-wheel drive versions to 390 hp in all-wheel drive, with the latter featuring two electric motors, one attached to each axle. The simplest versions offer 30.5 kgfm of torque, while the most advanced deliver double that: over 61 kgfm immediately.
It's a fast car, especially in the 390 hp and 61 kgf/100 km/h versions: it takes only about 5 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h. They also feature more powerful batteries, with 87 kWh of usable capacity (91 gross), increasing their range to almost 500 km (WLTP). With front-wheel drive, the battery has 63 kWh (usable capacity), and a range of around 370 km (WLTP).
There's also the front-wheel drive option with large batteries (87 kWh), resulting in a range of 533 km (333 miles) according to the WLTP. Not to mention the Ariya Nismo, a sports car developed in Japan, which features special steering, suspension, and brake calibrations, as well as a 430 hp electric powertrain and distinctive looks.
The entire lineup also features refined four-wheel independent suspension and a multi-link rear axle, which improve ride and comfort. It also features four-wheel disc brakes. For these and other reasons, including its high-impact steel construction, the Ariya achieved (or nearly achieved) a perfect score in the Euro NCAP (Europe), C-NCAP (China), and IIHS (USA) crash tests.
Speaking of safety, its platform also contributes to these positive results: the modern and modular AMPR Medium, a kind of "electric CMF." This CMF line powers the New Kicks, Renault Kardian, and Boreal, among other more recent models from the Renault-Nissan Alliance.
Equipment
The standard package includes a Bose sound system, panoramic sunroof, complete driving assistant package, 19-inch alloy wheels, 360º cameras, 12.3” multimedia system, heated and ventilated front seats, electric front seats with position memory, among other luxuries.
Whether or not the Ariya will arrive remains a mystery. However, Nissan's electric SUV, even in testing, could indicate new developments for the Japanese brand's lineup in the Brazilian market.
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