Nissan has revealed an electric crossover concept at the Tokyo motor show that previews a new production model due within the next two years.
The Ariya Concept is 4.6m long and 1.92m wide - a bit shorter but a good deal wider than Nissan’s current Nissan X-Trail - yet the roofline is a good 100mm lower than that car. The firm claims it is signalling “a dawn of a new era for Nissan as it embarks to redefine its brand philosophy for the next evolutionary phase of the automobile”.
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Despite its future-pointing status, however, the firm acknowledges that the “bold styling and unconventional interior and exterior elements” are to make it into production in the near future. To that end, Autocar understands a production model is due to follow imminently, possibly before the end of next year - the long-mooted ‘Leaf SUV’, in effect - and the fact that the concept has been shown with conventional door handles and wing mirrors is a giveaway for just how much production intent the concept has.
“When Nissan gives a car a real name, rather than a codename, it is always because the car is approaching production,” revealed head of design Alfonso Albaisa. “I liken it to when you go to the doctor and find out if your unborn baby is going to be a boy or a girl. When you know that, you give it a name and the birth is not so far away. Now we have a name, we aren't planning to wait long either.”
The concept car is built on an all-new electric-only vehicle architecture that will be rolled out across the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance for future models. The architecture is modular, and allows for vehicles of multiple shapes and sizes, with different amounts of motors and battery packs.
Albaisa added: “Ariya represents an entirely new design direction for Nissan - it is our way of celebrating distinctive Japanese culture.
“At the front, the Ariya shows a strong hint at the design of our future EVs. Inside, you can easily see the freedom the new EVP platform has given us.”
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