It was, then it wasn't. But now it has. Nissan New Zealand has launched the Ariya, in three different models; it's come as a surprise to some, given that earlier this year the brand pulled the plug on plans to introduce the pure-electric SUV, in response to an EV market that had virtually collapsed.
"We've seen a little more optimism in the market," says Nissan NZ country manager Jennie Martin. "We have confidence in the NZ market, we have confidence in the product and we think we'll see some good good engagement from Kiwi drivers.
'We made the decision [to delay the launch] earlier when we saw the market start to soften, but we're confident. We think we've got a great launch price, which will stimulate some demand; we'll monitor it closely, but we believe the time is now."
Ariya has arrived in entry Engage, mid-level Advance and flagship Evolve specifications. The first two have a 63kWh (B6 battery in Nissan-speak) and single-motor front-drive, while the Evolve gets an 87kWh pack (B9) and dual-motor AWD.
The FWD versions make 160kW/300Nm and have a range of 398km (0-100km/h in 7.5 seconds), while the AWD produces 290kW/600Nm, with a range of 497km (0-100km/h in 5.1sec).
Nissan Ariya prices for NZ
The Engage is $76,990, the Advance $82,990 and the Evolve $109,990. However "launch pricing" wipes between $13k and $20k off those retails depending on model. So for now, the Engage is $59,990, the Advance $69,990 and the Evolve $89,990.
Martin says there's no set time frame or sales volume attached to the launch pricing; the company will simple see how sales and stocks levels go.
To the equipment level of the Engage, Advance adds a heated steering wheel, leather-accented upholstery, power tailgate, heated front seats and extra ProPilot driver-assistance features.
Aside from the extra performance and e-4orce AWD system, Evolve gains 20-in wheels (up from 19in), Nappa leather, adaptive headlights, ventilation for the front seats and a panoramic roof. It also doubles the tow rating from 750kg to 1500kg.