EVERY manufacturer needs a halo model to top its model range and while this may be exterior dressings or mild performance upgrades, Nissan has gone further in its Ariya.
Their top of the range model carries the company’s famous Nismo performance badge with a power output to confirm it.
Introduced in 2025, additional styling features and aerodynamic detailing announce its uniqueness and confirms its range topping status.
It also features special 20-inch Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres to deliver increased grip and on-road security in is all-wheel drive output.
The Ariya Nismo builds on the performance of the 87kWh Ariya e-4ORCE with a NISMO-tuned powertrain.
This sees power increased to 435 PS (429 HP / 320 kW) – up almost 130 PS – while torque remains a substantial 600 Nm.
This takes it from 0-62 mph (0-100kmph) in 5.0 seconds, and from 50-70 mph (80-120 kmph) in just 2.4 seconds.
Top speed is given as 124mph.
On road, and you immediately become aware of both the size of the vehicle and its power output, particularly in mid-range response.
A firm suspension is quite obvious, transmitting its solidity into the body to give an audible notice of its performance, but it’s a performance model, so expected.
Steering is light and quick while brakes give the confidence to manage the performance.
As is now common practice, a selection of four drive modes is available ranging through Snow, Eco, Normal and the ultimate Nismo performance option.
A head-up display complements the standard instrument panel.
All round parking sensors and 360 degree camera are standard.
For the driver, and front seat passenger, the steeply raked windscreen has to be considered on entry.
Both front seats have 6-way power adjustment as well as heating.
The comfortably moulded sports steering wheel is also heated.
Two glove compartments provide covered storage and a floating console gives double tier storage as well as a concealed wireless phone charger.
Dash design is clean-cut and minimal, with only the raised combined instrument panel and infotainment screen sitting proud of the slim lower panel.
Touch switches thankfully escape the screen for air con and ventilation control as well as for the radio.
Continuing the Nismo tradition, red highlights dominate throughout, including on the upholstery detailing and the steering wheel inset.
A full range of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) is standard on the Nismo including blind spot advice, rear cross traffic alert, emergency front braking with pedestrian and cyclist recognition, and rear emergency braking with pedestrian recognition.
For the rear seat occupants, there is generous leg and shoulder room.
Boot space is a useful 408 litres, accessed through a power tailgate and over a level sill.
In terms of running costs, the Ariya Nismo has a given (WLTP) range of 261 miles. Recharging to 96% capacity at 14 degrees C suggested a range of 248 miles.
This would translate to a full charge range of 258 miles coming very close to the official claim.
On-board AC charging is 22kW while its DC rapid charging capability is 130kW.
With regards to power consumption, I recorded 2.9 miles / kWh.
This range topping Nismo performance derivative of the Ariya is priced at £56,620, and is backed by Nissan’s 3-year / 60,000 mile warranty, extendable at cost.
Motoring editor for Derry Journal Newspapers
