Yet despite the extra power, the hot Ariya fails to deliver the driving engagement that its ‘Nismo’ designation promises; the light steering offers little feedback and while Nissan has stiffened the suspension somewhat, the Ariya’s mass quickly becomes apparent on fast corners as the car leans.
It’s not all bad, as there’s plenty of grip from the four-wheel drive system and Michelin Pilot Sport EV rubber – a good thing given Nissan hasn’t upgraded the brakes, instead opting to retune the pre-existing setup. Plus, if you are feeling particularly childish, it is possible to provoke a smattering of lift-off oversteer after flooring it through a bend.
If the Ariya Nismo isn’t a real sports SUV, then can it act as a motorway mile-muncher or competent family transport? Well, yes and no; the firm suspension does make you feel like you’re sitting on top of a washing machine on a light spin cycle at times, but it’s not too harsh to the point it’d put off most family buyers.
The Ariya’s range and charging stats aren’t all that great, either; a WLTP figure of 261 miles is rather short for a car with a massive 87kWh (usable) battery, and a maximum charging rate of 130kW won’t top it up that quickly, either. One saving grace is that, from our experience on a warm April day, the Ariya will easily get around 250 miles on a charge – even when travelling at 70mph on the motorway – so it does at least put to bed some range anxiety concerns.
| Model: | Nissan Ariya Nismo |
| Price: | £56,630 |
| Powertrain: | 87kWh battery, 2x e-motors |
| Power: | 429bhp |
| Transmission: | Single-speed auto, four-wheel drive |
| 0-62mph/top speed: | 5.0 seconds/124mph |
| Range: | 261 miles |
| Max charging: | 130kW (10-80% in 35 minutes) |
| Size (L/W/H): | 4,655mm/2,172/1,660mm |
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