Nissan has updated its Ariya electric SUV with fresh styling and some tweaks to the car's tech.
How has the Ariya changed?
You'll easily spot the updated Ariya from its new styling, which is really quite different at the front. Where before there was a deep, sweeping black panel that gave the Ariya's front end the appearance of a traditional SUV grille, now there's a body coloured panel, framed by LED running lights that cut deeply into the 'face' of the car.
This new 'V-Motion' look is, says Nissan, an evolution of its 'Timeless Japanese Futurism' design language, and it also neatly brings the Ariya into line with the new Leaf, creating a stronger family look.
Any other exterior changes?
Yes, there are new 19-inch alloy wheels, which combine aluminium and resin elements, and a new 'Plasma Green' colour option.
Anything new inside?
There have been some interior tweaks, but you won't spot them at first. The biggest change is that the centre console storage has now been enlarged to 3.2 litres, and there's a new 15-watt wireless charging pad for your phone.
Behind the big touchscreen, which remains more or less the same physically, there's new software, as the Ariya gets updated to the latest Google-based system that Nissan introduced with the new Leaf. There's an automatic in-car route planner which, even when you just shout a destination at the dash, will instantly calculate not only the route but any charging stops you might need on the way.
Anything new on the battery front?
The Ariya retains its choice of 63kWh or 87kWh battery packs, giving it a claimed driving range of 532km on one charge. As before, there's 130kW DC fast charging allowing you to add as much as 375km of extra range in 30 minutes of charging. What's new is that the Ariya now gets bi-directional charging, so you can use it as a massive rolling battery pack when you need to.
There's an accessory that plugs straight into the Ariya's charging port, which allows it to send up to 3kW of energy back out of the car, meaning you can hook it up to a kettle, a laptop, an e-bike, or even a portable stove.
Any mechanical changes?
The Ariya's suspension has been given a light going-over, which Nissan claims brings: "improved stability, reduced vibrations and a smoother driving experience.” The ProPilot electronic driver assistance systems have also been updated with faster response times and smoother adjustments.