NISMO returns to Europe...
... with the Ariya SUV. Will something be better than nothing?
You’d have been forgiven for forgetting about the Nissan Ariya NISMO, given it debuted at a Tokyo show that also saw much more exciting reveals. And it is, well, a 435hp Ariya. However, let’s not forget that Nissan forged its reputation with enthusiasts by adding features like Super HICAS all-wheel steer, ATTESA E-TS four-wheel drive and the R35’s box of tricks when the consensus was that too much tech would spoil the authenticity of the driving experience. They should be better prepared than most to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by electrification. And not resurrect the Juke NISMO.
Today it’s been confirmed that the Ariya NISMO will be coming to the UK, marking 40 years of the motorsport sub-brand and the first new model over here with the badge since the much loved old GT-R. Probably we’d all have preferred a Z NISMO, sure, but there we go. Nissan says the new Ariya is ‘dynamic, agile, and with a bold personality.’ There’s reckoned to be ‘added spark’ from the racetrack, too, which really does feel more of a stretch. But there are useful tweaks coming, including recalibrated e–4ORCE all-wheel drive and driver assists, better brakes, better tyres and tweaked suspension. Perhaps it won’t be an Ioniq 5 N, but hopefully the Ariya NISMO won’t just be a badging exercise either.
Nissan Europe’s VP of Marketing and Sales Mayra González is certainly keen: “Ariya NISMO strikes the perfect balance of the immediate response and acceleration of an all-electric car with the mechanical fine-tuning of a sports car, resulting in an outstanding car for day-to-day driving. With its striking design and stance, get ready to stand out from the crowd!” The Ariya will be at the Formula E in London this weekend, the first time the new NISMO has been seen in Europe, ahead of a full launch later this year. Maybe all that cynicism bubbling under will be cast aside and the Ariya will be a fitting birthday gift for NISMO. But just in case it isn’t, here’s an R34 GT-R S-Tune to swoon over as well.
On what planet?
Edit...I also reqlly like the Juke, and the Nismo version...but just to set the cat further into the pigeons, it would have to be the 4wd model with the cvt and the recaro interior. I love the oddball Japanese stuff and that would be a great daily for me...
Nismo 370z is one of my 'maybe attainable' dream cars, Nismo gtr my first lottery purchase...but, I know the difference!!
I get it's ugly and Juke's in general are hateful things. Never driven a Nismo one, can't imagine it's that bad although maybe just not deserving of the Nismo badge?
This new one, though, does absolutely nothing for me.
I get it's ugly and Juke's in general are hateful things. Never driven a Nismo one, can't imagine it's that bad although maybe just not deserving of the Nismo badge?
My view on the looks have actually softened over the years. They still look bad, but not quite as bad as when they first came out, especially compared to some of the ugly tat that's been released since. I suppose it was a bit ahead of its time in a way, as the Puma ST and Kona N followed a similar recipe. Perhaps it's the fact that affordable performance cars are now such a rarity that's made me like it more.
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