2024 Nissan ARIYA 87kWh Advance UK Owner Review: Swapping a Qashqai for Electric
The rising cost of fuel was the main reason for trying an electric car, as I wanted to see the real-world difference between petrol and electric. Having previously driven a 2023 Nissan Qashqai, making the switch to the Nissan ARIYA as my very first EV has completely transformed our weekly motoring budget without sacrificing everyday practicality.
Specifications and Comfort
My car is a 2024 Nissan ARIYA finished in Gun Metallic grey, in the standard Advance specification with the larger 87kWh usable battery. This single-motor, front-wheel-drive model produces 242 bhp (178 kW) and 300 Nm of torque, taking it from 0 to 62 mph in 7.6 seconds with a top speed of 100 mph. It also comes equipped as standard with a 22kW onboard AC charger, 19-inch alloy wheels with aero covers, and twin 12.3-inch infotainment and driver display screens.
Out on the road, the car is exceptionally quiet on all types of road surfaces regardless of the speed we are travelling. It is very comfortable on long runs, and the lounge-like cabin is extremely spacious inside for both front and rear passengers. Over the first year of ownership, we have already covered between 30,000 and 40,000 miles, with our ongoing annual mileage estimated at 15,000 to 20,000 miles. Despite that heavy use, we have experienced zero faults or reliability issues.
Real-World Range and Charging
One of the biggest surprises has been how well the 87kWh battery performs. After high mileage, the battery still feels as good as new. From an 80% charge, I achieve a dependable average of 280 miles. Strangely, while the official WLTP combined range is supposed to be up to 329 miles, we regularly see between 360 and 380 miles on a full charge—and that is just driving normally in standard mode.
The only negative—if you could even call it one—is that its maximum 130kW DC rapid charging rate isn’t the quickest compared to some rivals on the market, though it is completely fine for us and probably most people. In truth, we never use public charging networks anyway. I do all of my charging at home using a Sync II wall charger paired with a British Gas EV tariff.
Practical Tech and Daily Usability
The ARIYA doesn’t try to stand out as an overly complicated tech car; instead, it simply does everything you need it to do and does it with ease. For me, the standout feature and best-kept secret is the 360-degree Around View Monitor camera. It is an absolute lifesaver in tight spots and makes daily parking a breeze.
Running Costs and What Are You Buying Next?
When it comes to the finances, the ARIYA is massively cheaper to run than our previous 2023 Qashqai. We used to average £60 a week on petrol, whereas we now average just £10 a week using our overnight EV tariff. Elsewhere, the tyres are a normal price, we don’t have to worry about mechanical issues with a combustion engine, and our fully comprehensive cover with Darwin Insurance costs less than £400 for the year for both me and my wife.
I’m not someone who goes looking for loads of gimmicky technology; I just want a car that does its job well, and the ARIYA really delivers. In fact, we are so impressed that I am already looking at upgrading to the new facelift model—complete with built-in Google and that essential 360-degree camera.
Review by Robert Costello
