TOKYO MOTOR SHOW: Electric Nissan Ariya SUV debuts

The drapes are off the all-new Nissan Ariya – a concept for a new pure-electric LEAF-based SUV that's set to become the Japanese car-maker's best-selling EV.

Revealed today at the 2019 Tokyo motor show, senior Nissan execs have warned not to underestimate the importance of the Ariya as it, alongside the pint-sized IMk concept, introduces the car-maker's latest design direction.

Better still, the car-maker's designers claim the Ariya concept has a very "realistic look", hinting that it previews a production model that should be on sale as soon as 2021.

Measuring in at 4600mm long, 1920mm wide and standing 1630mm tall, the Ariya is close in stature to the current X-TRAIL – it's only 90mm shorter, 90mm wider and 80mm lower than the conventional internal combustion-powered SUV.

This means that, size-wise, the production Ariya will rival electric cars like small battery-powered SUVs like the Tesla Model Y that's on the way.

Rumoured to be on sale by the second half of 2021, the Nissan Ariya is said to have been targeted at younger drivers with families.

That, perhaps, explains its sleek lines, striking looks and large 21-inch rims that are claimed to blend sportiness with luxury.

No details have been given about the Nissan EV's powertrain but a range of around 500km is rumoured given the zero-emission SUV will be based on the current LEAF's platform but with an additional electric motor to provide all-wheel drive.

Again, no performance figures have been released but a 0-100km/h time of less than six seconds is likely if it is to truly match its US car-maker's opposition.

Another new feature currently not offered on the LEAF is an upgraded version of the car-maker's ProPILOT semi-autonomous driving aids that, by 2021, should be capable of Level 3 'eyes-off' the road autonomy in certain conditions.

Inside, the Ariya is said to offer a premium, modern cabin feel, with passenger space from the class above thanks to its lack of traditional engine and transmission, with flat floor and simple minimal cabin.

Speaking of which, there's just a single rotary dial to operate the 12.3-inch infotainment screen and climate control.

The instrument panel, meanwhile, is claimed to join seamlessly with the door cards, while the Ariya's efficient space-saving slimline seats are said to give a commanding view of the road ahead.

In the short term, even before it launches, the Ariya will influence all future Nissans, say its designers, suggesting that its traditional Japanese minimalist themes will be reflected in other models.

“The Ariya Concept is born in a time of huge technological leaps from our engineers, making visible a blank canvas for design,” said Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan’s senior vice president of global design.

“We were able to look forward and back simultaneously, uncovering a new language for the Nissan brand that fuses high technology and the Japanese spirit, combining electric, autonomous and connected functions.”

Revealed with the Nissan IMk, which was previewed earlier this month, the new Ayria was revealed alongside Nissan's latest Formula E race car that gets a single electric motor powertrain and an all-new livery for the 2019/2020 race season.