SHANGHAI MOTOR SHOW: 2024 Nissan Arizon EV uncovered

The 2024 Nissan Arizon concept has made its debut at the Shanghai motor show, previewing a production small-medium SUV that could be on sale as soon as next year in China.

Featuring sharp creases and blocky styling, the striking Nissan Arizon doesn’t attempt to hide its off-roader aspirations, but behind its rugged design is a so-called “driver-centric” vehicle that has been created by Nissan China’s engineers and software designers to make life easier for drivers.

Most notably, the Arizon features a new AI-driven on-board virtual personal assistant, named Eporo, which is said to be capable of communicating in a human-like manner.

There’s also an interactive lighting system, plus capability for the car to recognise who’s on-board via facial recognition, customising the lighting to their preference.

Some of the modes included are ambient hues for leisure, relax, sleep and a mode called ‘surprise’.

Above the occupants is a large panoramic glass roof that’s claimed to have auto-dimming technology.

Said to also offer “new levels of connectivity and integration” than current vehicles, the Arizon is what Nissan describes as a “software-defined” vehicle.

It’s based on the same Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance CMF EV platform as the latest Nissan Ariya and Renault Megane E-Tech, however Nissan has not announced any details on its powertrain.

We expect it will come with a development of the dual-motor set-up from the Ariya that should push out around 290kW and provide sprightly acceleration.

Combined with the Ariya’s 87kWh battery, the Arizon should cover around 500km between top-ups.

Externally, the grille-less front-end, ultra-slim headlights, sharp lines and general boxy appearance, plus the full-width rear LED light bar, should all make it to production, albeit with some toning down.

The rear-hinged suicide doors and missing B-pillars are not likely to be retained, nor is the apparent lack of door handles.

Despite its towering ride height, Nissan promises the Arizon should be a decent drive thanks to a low centre of gravity.

The production model is also expected to use the latest version of Nissan’s e-4ORCE all-wheel drive and chassis tech.

“China is one of the most technologically sophisticated markets in the world. Market and customer needs are rapidly changing, making China a global driver of electrification as well as a leader in connected car services,” said Nissan COO Ashwani Gupta.

“There is a need for increased electrification and advanced sustainability in the market, and we are working hard to meet it.”

There’s no word on whether the 2024 Nissan Arizon will be offered in other markets, including Europe and Australia, but an international rollout is anticipated as part of Nissan’s pledge to launch 19 battery-electric vehicles worldwide by 2030.

We should also note that there’s still no word yet on when the Ariya will be sold Down Under, three years after its debut overseas.

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