Nissan's 'Nismo' performance division has been around for over 40 years, with its signature white and red badging adorning several generations of the legendary Skyline, Silvia, 350Z and modern-day GT-R. It should come as a surprise then, to find an electric family SUV bedecked with that same badging.
The SUV in question is the Ariya, an electric vehicle that has not sold as well as Nissan would have hoped. The Japanese automaker has shipped 272 to date this year in Ireland for example, far less than the likes of the Skoda Enyaq and the VW ID.4. Will the iconic Nismo logo help Nissan's cause here?
The Ariya range starts in Ireland from just under €40k. The Ariya Nismo 87kWh e-4ORCE has an asking price of €68,495. That is quite the jump.
So, what do you get? Nismo has had its hands on the Ariya, so performance is a given. Power output increases to 429hp and 600Nm of torque, while 0-100km/h takes five seconds. Enhancements have also been made to the car’s four-wheel-drive system for better handling and less roll through corners. The suspension has also been reworked by Nismo, with revised stabilisers, spring rates and shock absorber settings.
It is a decent package out on the road, and would add some spark to the dull school runs. However, at the risk of contradicting myself, I do question why a family-orientated car needs so much torque and a rapid sprint time. Nissan is not the only offender here. Tesla quotes 3.3 seconds from standing to 100km/h for the new performance version of its Model Y.
The Ariya Nismo does look the part, particularly in Nissan's new 'Stealth Grey' hue. Beefing up the model is a Nismo body kit comprising a front splitter, an extended lower bumper, twin diffuser and a ducktail rear spoiler. Unique to the Nismo version are 20-inch 'Enkei' cast-aluminium wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport EV rubber. Thinner spokes have also been used to aid brake cooling.
The interior also gets the Nismo treatment. The seats are trimmed in a suede-like material and feature stitched Nismo logos. There is a new digital gauge design while the brand's red stitching can be found on the steering wheel, along with signature Nismo-red accents throughout the rest of the cabin. A new blackened wood texture is used on the dash and doors, while a red starter button sits central alongside the Nismo logo.
The Ariya Nismo should be good for a range of close to 400km (419km WLTP ), but DC fast charging speeds are limited to 130kW, which is a notable flaw. Additionally, 22kW of AC charging is on tap as standard.
Sure, the Nissan Ariya Nismo is a cool addition to the electric vehicle market, but I suspect it will be a rare sight on Irish roads.
