Tokyo Motor Show 2019 : Nissan Ariya Concept previews brand's future EV SUVs

Team OD Updated: October 23, 2019, 05:56 PM IST

One of the highlights of the first day of the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show was the Nissan Ariya Concept. This previews a forthcoming EV SUV from the brand and is also a preview into how Nissan's electric vehicles will look like.

The Ariya Concept is powered by the fully electric dual-motor drivetrain which gives it AWD capabilities. There are DC fast-charging capabilities also but no specs have been announced. Notable tech on the Ariya is the newest iteration of Nissan's driver assistance system, Propilot 2.0. This allows for semi-autonomous driving with the system being able to make overtakes and lane changes under driver supervision. There is also a suite of connected tech to go with this that aid in navigation, connectivity and route planning. There's is also remote parking and OTA updates available.

The Ariya Concept's main brief, however, is to provide a glimpse into Nissan's future EV SUVs. Bits like it's new large solid 'Shield' grille with #D-elements, the slim LED lighting with the V-shaped DRLs are a new take on the brand's V-motion signature. Other touches like the beefed-up fenders, the sloping roofline, large wheels and sharp C-pillar provide similar insights. Rounding these elements off is the protruding rear deck and the full-width tail-lamps. The copper accents used on the outside alongside the Suisei Blue paint scheme are a trait that will be seen on the brand's future electric cars. The 21-inch wheels are another improtant trait, dimensionally the Ariya is 4,600mm long, 1,920mm wide and 1,630mm tall.

On the inside, the EV drivetrain's packaging advantages have been put to good use with the uncluttered theme. The highlight is the seamless dash design and the floating dual-screen instrument cluster layout. Only the starter button and infotainment controller use a physical switch, the other controls all work with haptic-feedback. The insides are trimmed in wood and synthetic leather with copper highlights while the slim frame seats are meant to further enhance the sense of space.

Alongside the Ariya Concept, Nissan has also showcased the Nissan IMk, an EV urban commuter concept. These two cars signify the two braid bases on which Nissan will build its elctric cars going forward.