Showing posts with label Nissan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nissan. Show all posts
2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek
2023 Nissan Z
Sports cars are having a moment—witness the rise of the Toyota Supra and the mid-engined Corvette that debuted last year—so it's a good time for Nissan to redesign its aging Z coupe. Perfect, too, because it's clearly out of date. Historically, Nissan sports cars have had alphanumeric names, like the outgoing 370Z model and the original 240Z from 1969, but this generation will be called the Z. The 2023 Z is powered by a 400-hp twin-turbocharged V-6 engine. Powering the rear wheels is via a six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic. We were impressed with the Z's cheerful handling and nimble acceleration and were pleased to find that the Z is smoother overall than the car it replaces. Luckily, the Z also receives a technology update with a new touchscreen infotainment, a reconfigurable digital gauge display, and a host of new driver assistance features. While the last-gen 370Z competed with more affordable sports cars like the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Toyota 86 on price and performance, this next-gen car moves further down the market to put the Supra in its crosshairs.
Nissan's iconic Z car is here with a new look for 2023. Judging by the Z Proto concept car, the new Z takes design inspiration from previous models but gives us a glimpse into the future with the latest technology and much-needed interior modernization. The new Z goes on sale in summer 2022 as a hardtop coupe, but a convertible version may come later.
Despite a higher base price than the outgoing 370Z, the new Z still offers a lower price than key rivals such as the Supra and Audi TT. To justify its higher price tag, the Z ups the ante with more luxury features and more desirable styling. We'd go with the midrange Z Performance trim, which adds sportier suspension tuning, a limited-slip differential, upgraded brakes, 19-inch wheels with summer tires, and power-adjustable seats with faux suede upholstery.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Like its beast sibling, the Nissan GT-R, the Z is powered by a twin-turbocharged V-6 engine. But, instead of the 565-hp 3.8-liter engine under the GT-R's hood, the Z gets the 400-hp 3.0-liter engine from the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 paired to a six-speed manual. or a nine-speed automatic. Although all-wheel drive is available in the Infiniti, Nissan stuck with rear-wheel drive exclusively for the Z. The turbo six gives the Z a lot of edge, but our manual-transmission test car hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, well behind the Supra. With the nine-speed automatic, we were able to accelerate the Z to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. Cornering grip is plentiful as long as you don't drive too close to the Z limits. However, if you push it hard, the suspension tuning turns out to be insufficient for the task. Its compliance provides good comfort on the move, but rival sports cars offer sharper reflexes.
Real World Fuel Economy and MPG
According to the EPA, the most efficient Z is the one with an automatic transmission. It's rated for 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Using the manual drops those numbers to 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. If we get the chance, we'll test the Z on a 75 mph highway fuel economy test route and update this story with the results. For more information about the Z's fuel economy, visit the EPA website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Even though it's new for 2023, Nissan hasn't changed the layout of the Z's cabin. It remains a two-seat coupe with no rear seats remaining the Porsche 911. But what has changed is everything. The new Z receives a modernized cabin with updated materials—a welcome upgrade over the current 370Z's dated interior. Leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control are all available. Cargo space remains a mystery, but we don't expect the Z to be a Costco-managed champ; We fit three carry-on suitcases in the old 370Z's trunk, which should be enough for most sports car buyers.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Nissan has brought the Z into the twenty-first century with a standard 8.0-inch infotainment screen (a 9.0-inch unit with navigation is optional), a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A six-speaker stereo is standard but audiophiles can upgrade to an optional premium audio setup designed by Bose; An onboard Wi-Fi hotspot is also available.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Nissan offers the Z with several standard driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and blind spot monitoring. For more information about Z's crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Standard lane departure warning
Adaptive cruise control is a standard
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Nissan's basic warranty plan is just that: Basic. Rivals like the Supra and BMW Z4 both supplement their standard warranties with lengthy free maintenance plans.
The limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
The powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
No free scheduled maintenance
Specification
2023 Nissan Z Performance Vehicle Type
: front-engine, rear-wheel drive, 2 passengers, 2-door hatchback
PRICING BASIS
/As Tested: $51,015/$53,610
Options: Passion Red premium two-tone paint, $1695; Illuminated kick plate, $500; floor mats, $400
MACHINE
DOHC 24-valve V-6 twin-turbocharged and intercooler, aluminum block, and heads, direct fuel injection
Capacity: 183 in 3, 2997 cm 3
Power: 400 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque: 350 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
TRANSMISSION
6-speed manual
CHASSIS SUSPENSION
, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 14.0 inch ventilated disc/13.8 inch ventilated disc
Tires: Bridgestone S007 B-Silent
F: 255/40R-19 96W
R: 275/35R-19 96W
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 100.4 inches
Length: 172.4 inches
Width: 72.6 inches
Height: 51.8 inches
Passenger Volume: 52 ft 3
Luggage Volume: 7 ft 3
Curb Weight: 3507 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.5 seconds
100 mph: 10.6 seconds
1/4-Mile: 13.0 @ 111 mph
130 mph: 19.0 seconds
The above results eliminate a 1-foot launch from 0.3 seconds.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.3 seconds
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 8.0 seconds
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 6.0 seconds
Top Speed (gov ltd):
155 mph, 70–0 mph braking:
166 ft, 100–0 mph braking:
Roadholding 331 ft., Skidpad 300 ft.: 0.93 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 17 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMICS
Combined/City/Highway: 20/18/24 mpg
2023 Nissan Z Performance Vehicle Type
: front-engine, rear-wheel drive, 2 passengers, 2-door hatchback
PRICING BASIS
/As Tested: $52,085/$54,335
Options: Boulder Grey/Super Black two-tone paint, $895; flared black kick plate, $500; interior accent lighting, $445; floor mat package (premium floor mat, trunk mat, first aid kit, cargo net, owner's manual branded portfolio), $410
MACHINE
DOHC 24-valve V-6 twin-turbocharged and intercooler, aluminum block, and heads, direct fuel injection
Capacity: 183 in 3, 2997 cm 3
Power: 400 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque: 350 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
TRANSMISSION
9-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arm/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 14.0 inch ventilated disc/13.8 inch ventilated disc
Tires: Bridgestone Potenza S007 B-Silent ES7AJZ
F: 255/40R-19 96W
R: 275/35R -19 96W
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 100.4 inches
Length: 172.4 inches
Width: 72.6 inches
Height: 51.8 inches
Passenger Volume: 52 ft 3
Luggage Volume: 7 ft 3
Curb Weight: 3592 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.3 seconds
100 mph: 9.8 seconds
1/4-Mile: 12.7 seconds @ 115 mph
130 mph: 16.5 seconds
The above results eliminate a 1-foot launch from 0.3 seconds.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.0 seconds
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.8 seconds
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.5 seconds
Top Speed (gov ltd):
155 mph, 70–0 mph braking:
164 ft, 100–0 mph braking:
Roadholding 322 ft., Skidpad 300 ft.: 0.93 g
EPA FUEL ECONOMICS
Combined/City/Highway: 22/19/28 mpg
2023 Nissan Frontier SV
I wish I could have seen the look on my face when I realized that all the fuel I pumped into our long-term Nissan Frontier was pouring into the puddle at my feet.
I should have been alert. The Frontier usually gets at least 300 miles on a tank, and I knew something was up when the fuel gauge hovered above "E" after just 180 miles. A slow leak somewhere is a possibility that comes to mind, but the emphasis is on slow.
That—plus a killer case of jet lag, having just returned from driving the Ioniq 5N in South Korea that morning—might be why it took me a few seconds to notice the sound of the waterfall and the smell of gasoline, and then another few seconds to notice it. registering that both came from my truck. Talk about your WTF moment!
What happened? Did I hit something that penetrated the gas tank? Surely if that was the case I would have heard or felt it. A quick crawl under the Frontier—after pulling it forward and out of a puddle of gas—showed the bottom of the tank was clean and dry. I traced the fuel filler neck and found a rubber hose between the filler pipe and the tank, with a roughly cut rectangular hole. Well, that's your problem. Someone crawled under the truck, punctured the hose, and removed what they could from the tank.
Fuel theft? Is that a problem anymore? I think plunger tanks went out of style after the oil crisis of the 1970s, as the very wide bell and strap models became more popular. (Then again, bell bottoms are back, right?)
What does someone do if their gas is stolen? Call Nissan Roadside Assistance, have your car towed to the dealer, and contact your insurance company. The good news is that such theft is likely covered by comprehensive insurance.
We have a Frontier flat-bed for Carson Nissan, who should order parts soon. The total for the new filler hose, associated hardware, and shipping costs came to $95.58—plus $556.50 for labor. Why so many? Simultaneously with evaluation and installation, the system must be evap tested.
Like almost all new cars, the Frontier has a zero-evaporation emissions system, and I'm sure there's a temptation to scoff at its impact on price improvements. (Surprisingly, the theft didn't trigger the system and turn on the idiot light.) On my old '93 Chevy pickup, replacing the hose on the fuel filler (if there was one) would likely take 20 minutes. But if you care about the environment—and I do—zero-evap is useful. I read an interesting statistic a few years ago when Nissan brought out its first car with a zero evaporative emissions fuel system, the Sentra SULEV 2000. Thanks to the sealed fuel system, Nissan claimed that if you drove the Sentra SULEV 10 miles to work and then 10 miles to the house, it would produce less pollution than a zero-evap car (like my Chevy pickup) left in the driveway. days with the engine off.
Along with the $662.08 repair bill, I paid $26.80 for the Lyft ride home from the gas station. The Frontier was at the dealer for eight days. Automakers that provide loan services generally only do so for routine maintenance, warranty repairs, or recalls, so most owners may need a rental car. In my case, Nissan's PR staff loaned me a beautiful Altima SV, painted the same shade of blue as the Frontier, for the duration. How much money will come out of the owner's pocket depends on their insurance policy. A moot point for us—Nissan technically owns our Frontier and covered the repair under its insurance—but MotorTrend has a physical damage policy on the vehicle we own that would cover the repair with a $0 deductible, although taxi rides and rental cars would cover the cost these improvements. out of the bag.
What can we do to prevent this in the future? Not many. I guess that whoever stole our gas knew that this was an exploitable weakness in the Frontier (and, I imagine, other pickup trucks). Remove the rubber on the fuel filler neck. I'm not an engineer, but I think there should be some flexibility in the connection between the fuel port on the body and the tank, otherwise a side impact could result in a fuel leak. Trucks are not like cars, where these pieces can easily be hidden under the bodywork. I guess it's just a danger that pickup truck owners face, like a stolen tailgate.
I guess I should be glad they didn't take out the catalytic converter while they were down there. There was also no ignition source nearby when I pumped two or three gallons of unleaded across the asphalt because my wife and dog were sitting in the Frontier at the time.
However, I'm comforted by the fact that thieves probably netted less than half the tank, which means a maximum of 10 gallons—and not even the good stuff, since the Frontier uses cheap 87-octane fuel. Even with soaring gas prices in Los Angeles, the cost was around $50, which doesn't seem like a profitable outcome considering all the effort involved. Let's hope the thief uses that gas to get to a real job interview!
2023 Nissan Ariya
Electric crossover. It's a bit sportier to drive than some of these, but you'll be attracted to, or repelled by its looks. Nissan places great emphasis on the idea of a clear and simple Japanese design identity. Inside or outside.
Nissan is off to a bold start with electric cars. The Leaf has been around for more than a decade, getting the world used to the idea of a realistic, affordable electric vehicle, and has sold more than half a million. And then… not much.
Even so, Ariya was still one step ahead of Konoha. The Ariya has an all-new EV platform. Unlike the Leaf, the battery has liquid cooling, which means it charges much faster without baking itself. To take advantage of it, it has a CCS connector so it has access to a higher-power charger. It switched to an all-coil motor, for better high-speed efficiency and free of rare earth metals.
The same guts also (with a shorter wheelbase) carry the Renault Megane. And next year they'll be repurposed as the new Leaf, previewed back in 2021 by a concept called Chill Out. Yes, the Leaf was never very interesting.
The Ariya is the size of a Tesla Model Y or VW Group ID.4, Enyaq and Q4 e-Tron mob, or a Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Volvo C40 Recharge. But it's not as wide as some of them, so it helps on narrow roads. The Ford Mustang Mach-E is larger but slightly more expensive.
On the outside, it is simple, with few creases, creases or slashes. There's just one, 'horizon line', a subtle crease that runs around the car, starting below the ultra-shallow LED headlights, going back to the sides and around above the single-strip taillights. The sides are perforated, which might make it look a little awkward. The proportions are good: wheels in the corners.
On the front, a plastic panel houses the sensor, with an ancient Japanese Kumiko woodworking pattern, which allows light to pass through.
Inside, the numbers are greatly reduced. The main novelty is that the switchgear symbols shine through the wooden coating. It was a novelty, sure, but the Ariya was late on the market and the BMW iX beat it.
Range means two things so we will answer both. The range as in the 'version line-up' starts with a 217bhp front-drive job with a 63kWh battery. Next is the same as the 87kWh battery, which supplies a higher current allowing a motor output of 242bhp. But because the battery is heavier, performance is almost the same, seven and a half seconds to 62mph.
You can also get a bigger battery with AWD, a torque vectoring system called e-4ORCE that we'll never remember how to spell. It had two outputs available, 306bhp and 394bhp, the latter capable of 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds. The battery capacity is usable, clean, and numbers.
We've tested the model from near the top of the Ariya tree, and the bottom. That means a smaller battery and FWD on one side and a big battery with 4WD and 306bhp on the other. A 394bhp version will arrive at a later stage.
So with a choice of two trims that gives a price difference of £46,145 to £58,590, but we don't yet have a price for the 394bhp version.
Another meaning of range is WLTP which measures the distance from fully charged to fully empty. On the FWD model, Nissan claims a range of up to 250 miles for the smaller battery, and up to 329 miles for the larger battery. Adding 4WD cuts that to 319 miles (we saw about 300 miles in real-world warm weather). The 394bhp model loses significantly more, up to 255 miles.
Nissan says the high-powered engine, with its torque vectoring, has GT-R genes. Like an ape with the Top Gear car reviewer gene, we suspect.
But after all, this is a coupe-crossover so it should be able to drive sportily. And the company certainly has more fire than some of its lumbering competitors, changing course with moderate enthusiasm. The e-4ORCE version feels more confident, and you can feel the torque vectoring working for you.
You pay for it with a slightly firmer ride, but that's OK. What's not so great is its tendency to clatter loudly over sharp, potholed ridges. Even so, the suspension and tires are quiet when cruising.
Ariya's value isn't that great when looking at the ratio of EV range versus sticker price. But at least it is well equipped”
The Ariya's plight occurred a year later than planned, due to a global microchip shortage. So it doesn't bring much new technology.
It's also not a great value given the modest ratio of EV range versus sticker price. But at least it was well equipped. Especially with items that electric vehicle buyers don't know about until they don't have one – heat pumps, heated seats, and steering wheels.
There will likely be people who have been waiting for the Ariya because they trust Nissan as an electric vehicle maker, and want the Leaf's unrivaled reliability.
For them, range anxiety won't be an issue and the price jump in the Ariya's small battery from their Leaf won't be too big. The higher-spec Ariya plays above the usual Nissan price range, but the quality of the car itself is on par with an Audi Q4 e-tron or Mercedes EQA.
We're now at the point where there's a lot of choice in electric crossovers, and it's becoming a game of design and styling. If you like the look of a Nissan, especially its interior, go for it.
2024 Nissan Maxima Platinum
The Nissan Maxima's sophisticated looks, powerful performance, and cutting-edge technology make it a favorite among automotive enthusiasts.
The 2024 Nissan Maxima Platinum is the new pinnacle of the popular midsize sedan. It features upgraded luxury amenities and enhanced performance.
In this article, we'll take a look at the 2024 Nissan Maxima Platinum and discuss its standout features and specifications, as well as point out how it differs from its predecessors and competitors.
Exterior and Interior Design
The 2024 Nissan Maxima Platinum is visually distinctive thanks to its aggressive front grille, high-tech LED headlights, and large machined aluminum wheels measuring 19 inches in diameter.
The sedan is 192.8 inches long with a 109.3-inch wheelbase, providing plenty of room for passengers and their luggage.
Ascot leather upholstery, diamond-quilted leather accents, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are just some of the upscale interior features included in the Maxima Platinum.
For optimal comfort, each driver can adjust the seat, steering wheel, and rearview mirrors in the vehicle's memory system. Automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers are also a nice feature in bad weather.
Performance and Handling
The 3.5-liter V6 engine under the hood of the 2024 Nissan Maxima Platinum provides exceptional performance for a midsize sedan.
The transmission is automatic, so power is distributed smoothly and quickly. While all-wheel drive isn't an option, the Maxima Platinum's front-wheel-drive powertrain provides ample traction and stability in most conditions.
Advanced Technology Features
The 2024 Nissan Maxima Platinum includes many high-tech systems that enhance vehicle safety and entertainment options.
The infotainment system has a fairly large touchscreen display with simple controls for the radio, phone, and navigation system.
A Wi-Fi hotspot keeps riders connected on the go, and a premium Bose audio system provides first-class sound quality.
The Maxima Platinum's Safety Shield 360 package includes forward collision warning, rear door reminder, traffic sign recognition, and automatic emergency braking, among other advanced safety features. With these advanced safety features, everyone in the car can have peace of mind.
gave the 2016 Nissan Maxima a four out of five for reliability, continuing its history of highly rated vehicles in this category.
It's too early to say whether the 2024 Maxima will continue to offer above-average reliability in the large car class, but the model's history suggests it will.
The 2024 Nissan Maxima Platinum is an outstanding new addition to the Maxima family, providing a superior blend of comfort and performance.
Maxima Platinum is the best choice for buyers interested in a stylish and reliable midsize sedan due to its attractive design, powerful engines, advanced technology features, and high level of reliability.
2023 Nissan Maxima Trim Levels
SV
The SV is the entry-level model, with a purchase price of $38,340. Standard equipment includes a 3.5-liter V6 engine, CVT automatic transmission, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, sunroof, rearview camera, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
SR
The base price of the SR model is $43,500. It includes 19-inch wheels, a new front fascia, a dark-colored exterior, and a sport-tuned suspension. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and aluminum pedals are standard equipment on the SR.
Platinum
Platinum package prices start at $44,450. This premium trim includes luxury amenities like a Bose stereo, heated and cooled front seats, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof as standard equipment.
Automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are some of the driver assistance systems included in the Nissan Safety Shield 360 package that comes standard on every 2023 Nissan Maxima.
The Nissan "Ariya" is a mid-sized five-door SUV 2022
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The Nissan Ariya is a mid-sized five-door SUV, and the Japanese manufacturer’s first attempt at a large all-electric (EV) family car. After a year of delays due to supply shortages, the Ariya arrived in the UK in the middle of 2022.
Customers can choose from two battery grades – the standard 63kWh unit or the ‘extended range’ 87kWh battery, which Nissan promises can travel 250 miles and 329 miles respectively from full charge. While entry-level models use a single 160kW electric motor to power the front wheels, the faster range-topping variant is all-wheel drive, with a motor in the front and the back.
Nissan’s first big EV launch since the introduction of the current-generation Nissan Leaf in 2018, the Ariya has been well-received by the British motoring media so far – Auto Express describes the SUV as “a great leap in the right direction for Nissan” that Car says “looks set for a battle royal at the top-end of the class.”
“The Ariya is a great-looking and well-equipped electric family SUV”, Carwow explains, “but its boot is a bit on the small side and other EVs have better charging capabilities.”
Reviewers agree that the Nissan is well-equipped and refined inside, but a few comment that the Ariya might struggle to stand out from a very competitive all-electric SUV class, as it doesn’t bring anything new to the table. “It’s no better than anything that’s already been out there for a while”, The Sun comments, adding that the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 are better choices.
Pricing is another frequently raised issue – the entry-level Ariya is around £3,000 more expensive than the cheapest version of the Skoda Enyaq, which is the current class-leader.
That said, Driving Electric argues that the Ariya is still a great all-electric option worthy of consideration. “This is by no means the cheapest zero-emissions family car around, but it’s a premium-feeling product that gets loads of kit for the money.”
The Nissan Ariya is just one of many new electric family SUVs vying for your money and attention at the moment. We drove it at the European launch last summer and loved it, but we’ve now had a chance to spend a much longer time behind the wheel here in the UK. One year on, does it still impress?
After Nissan’s pioneering efforts with the Leaf more than a decade ago, you’d have expected the company to build on that success. But although a second-generation Leaf came along in 2017, it took until 2022 for Nissan to add a second electric car to its line-up (and we’re deliberately ignoring the fairly awful van-based e-NV200 people carrier).
Based on plenty of positive media reviews, the Ariya was awarded our Best Medium SUV in The Car Expert’s 2022 Car of the Year awards. It’s had a few trim tweaks since then, so we’ve had a longer UK review to really get under the skin and see what it’s like to live with.
Last year, we said that the Nissan Ariya “looks and feels like a Nissan Qashqai from the future”, and that still holds. It’s broadly similar in size (roomier in the cabin) but it definitely feels a generation ahead of the Qashqai.
The Ariya line-up has expanded since it was launched last year, with a new entry-level model and a new top-end model. Customers now get a choice of four trim levels (Engage, Advance, Evolve and Evolve+) and three powertrains, which are:
160kW motor, 63kWh battery, front-wheel drive
178kW motor, 87kWh battery, front-wheel drive
225kW motor, 87kWh battery, all-wheel drive
290kW motor, 87kWh battery, all-wheel drive
The entry-level Engage model is only available as a front-wheel drive model, while the headline Evolve+ version is only available with the all-wheel-drive powertrain (called e-4orce).
The version we spent a week with was the Evolve spec, with the 87kWh battery and front-wheel-drive motor.
If you’re looking for a plug-and-play family EV, you’ve come to the right place. For anyone looking at making a switch from petrol or diesel to electric power, this is a fantastic starting point.
Despite car company marketing efforts, the reality is that there is inevitably a learning curve that comes with switching to an EV – your mindset has to reset when it comes to refuelling vs. recharging and the way that affects how you use the car. So the last thing you want is added complexity of trying to fathom how the various functions of the car all work as well. The Ariya is dead easy to live with, which makes that jump much easier.
There are cheaper alternatives – the MG 5 estate makes every other electric family car look expensive – and there are similarly priced EVs that give you more kit or more space for the money, like the Skoda Enyaq. There are also other EVs that give you better driving range, like the Tesla Model Y.
If price, space or 350-odd miles of range are top priorities for you, there are better options out there. The Ariya is pretty good in most areas, but doesn’t really excel in any one department.
Unlike most modern cars, which tend to be heavily and aggressive overstyled, the Nissan Ariya is a welcome contrast. Its exterior styling is clean and minimalist, without heavy-handed slashes or fake air vents everywhere.
However, the design does tend to look best in brighter metallic colours, especially with the contrasting black roof and mirrors. Our car was Blue Pearl, which looked fairly dull and dreary, especially paired with dark grey wheels. It looked nothing like the blue on the website, so best check out cars in the metal at your local Nissan dealer before making your choice.
The interior styling follows a similar theme, with a Scandi-style sleek and pared-back look. The upholstery was black leather, while the (fake) matt woodgrain looked refreshingly stylish and modern – not something you usually associate with woodgrain trims on cars.
The stand-out design elements in the cabin are two sets of touch controls embedded into the woodgrain trim, the climate control buttons on the dashboard and some additional buttons in the centre console. They’re no better than normal touchscreen controls, which means they’re not as good as physical buttons for using on the move, but they look cool
Once we’ve got the first impressions out of the way, it’s time to look a bit harder at exactly what you’re getting for your money with the Nissan Ariya.
The line-up kicks off with the 160kW Engage with the smaller 63kW battery for just under £40K. According to official lab tests, this will give you a battery range of 250 miles, so you can expect 200+ miles in most real-world driving conditions. Advance trim is about £3.5K more at just over £43K on-road, and from there you can spend £4K more (just over £47K) for the Evolve version.
To go a bit quicker and further, the 178kW motor with the larger 87kW adds £5K to each of the above models. This gives an official battery range of 310 miles, which we found worked out to about 250-ish miles in real-world driving.
The previous top-spec power unit is a 225kW electric motor in all-wheel drive with the 87kW battery, This adds a bit less than £3K to Advance and Evolve models (not available for the base-spec Engage model). Finally, there’s a new flagship Evolve+ version that’s priced at £59K (a £4K premium over the Evolve). This one gets a hefty performance upgrade, with 290kW on tap, driving through all four wheels and powered by the 87kWh battery.
Our car was the second-to-top-level Evolve, which has pretty much all the mod-cons you could want in a family car and then some. You get a panoramic glass sunroof, adaptive high beam LED headlights, a Bose sound system, head-up display, adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance (which Nissan calls ProPilot), all the usual driver assistance safety systems and 360-degree parking cameras, ventilated front seats and heated (but not ventilated) rear seats, and memory for your seats/steering wheel/mirrors/infotainment settings and even the centre console, which is electrically adjustable (we’ll get back to that bit shortly).
We like: Good equipment levels. All the key safety kit is standard on all models.
We don’t like: Top-spec Evolve+ looks pricey at £60K compared to entry-level £40K model
2023 Nissan Qashqai
Nissan Qashqai is the Best Small SUV of 2023.
After its predecessor exceeded its expectations, the world is now demanding the next generation Nissan Qashqai. It turns out the wait was worth it, because the Qashqai really lives up to the expectations of a small SUV.
With a ton of new technology and materials, a powerful yet efficient turbocharged engine, and a spacious, premium interior, the 2023 Nissan Qashqai fights all comers to be the 2023 Best Small SUV Drive Car of the Year.
Before we go any further, how about a brief overview of the Nissan Qashqai? The Qashqai sits above the Nissan Juke light SUV and below the mid-size alternative X-Trail. Prices start at just under $34,000 for the base ST variant, but there are four specs to choose from in all, finishing at the $47,390 (before ORCs) Qashqai Ti.
What both have in common is a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 110kW/250Nm through the front wheels. Additionally, it only comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission.
The continuously variable transmission is relatively quiet under load and delivers smooth acceleration up to posted speed limits.
Inside the cabin, there's a smart new infotainment screen with new Nissan software that looks sleek and is dead easy to use. The rest of the dash array is appealing and functional too. Old-school air-conditioning controls are much appreciated at a time when some rivals are opting for infotainment-based 'soft' controls.
Although it has risen in price by a substantial margin over its predecessor (it's between $3300 and $8300 more expensive than before), the 2023 Nissan Qashqai comes well equipped even from the entry-level variant. Highlight features include adaptive cruise control, a digital instrument cluster display, smartphone mirroring for the infotainment system, and front and rear parking sensors as standard.
Servicing costs are capped at $1467 over three years, while Nissan warrants the car for five years (unlimited kilometers).
Our launch testing in late 2022 highlighted a surprisingly spacious cabin that includes impressive wide-opening rear doors, a sizeable boot capacity and a smooth powertrain.
The Nissan Qashqai's performance in slalom and emergency swerve testing wasn't the best in class. The vehicle felt top-heavy and its electronic stability-control system intervened aggressively.
2023 Nissan Kicks
The Nissan Kicks isn't on our list of the 10 Cheapest New SUVs You Can Buy for 2022, but its price tag can't be blamed for its absence. Instead, it's the lack of available all-wheel drive that disqualifies it from official SUV designation. Otherwise, the Kicks' starting price tops the affordability list, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious shoppers. On sale now, the 2023 Kicks sees a $300 price increase over the outgoing base model and starts at $21,585 (all prices include destination charge). Still, the Kicks' starting price is less than half the average new car price that was estimated at $46,259 last month, according to J.D. power.
Despite its small footprint and below average price tag, the Kicks offers a very spacious interior that seats up to five passengers. It also gets impressive fuel economy and a healthy list of standard safety technologies. See what the base S model has to offer and how it fares compared to higher trim and its small SUVs and fellow pseudo-SUV rivals (no AWD available).
The single-engine Kicks option, a 122-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder, remains unchanged and is again paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission. In our testing of the 2022 model, we found the SUV competent on city streets but struggled with highway acceleration. What the Kicks lacks in passing flair, it makes up for in efficiency, with an EPA-rated 31/36/33 mpg and the higher real-world mpg seen during our test: a pump-counted 37 mpg.
The modest list of standard tech features in the Kicks S includes a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, three USB ports, a six-speaker audio system and a start button. However, the SUV's standard suite of driver assistance and safety features up the mark. The Nissan Safety Shield 360 comes with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic warning, blind spot warning, reverse automatic braking and automatic high beam assist. The S also comes with standard cruise control, but Nissan's adaptive cruise control system is only available on higher trims.
