New electric crossover updated… already

James Cleary

Deputy Editor

2 min read

It may have only just arrived in Australia, but Nissan’s compact pure-electric Ariya crossover was unveiled globally way back in 2020 and ramped into full production in early 2021.

So, it’s not a huge surprise that a facelift is waiting in the wings with Nissan confirming a near-production ready concept version of the updated EV will be on display at this month’s Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo.

Clearly taking external design cues from its third-generation Leaf hatch sibling, the new car’s headlight treatment has been tweaked with jagged DRL strips descending into the nose.

Read More About Nissan Ariya

Vertical vents ahead of the front wheel arches have been deleted and the grille has been replaced by a body-coloured section.

No details on interior changes and the rear view remains a mystery with Nissan only releasing three images of the car so far.

Having said that, the car’s profile, hard points and overall dimensions appear to be unchanged although the fresh five-spoke wheel design helps lift the concept's more contemporary appearance.

The only hints on specification updates are the addition of Google-powered multimedia and V2L (Vehicle to Load) functionality.

The Ariya was the subject of a lengthy arm wrestle between Federal Government authorities and Nissan over the car’s Australian Design Rule compliance, including provision of top tether points for anchoring baby capsules and child seats. Presumably the updated version will make a smoother and more punctual arrival here this time around.

Stay tuned for CarsGuide’s on-the-ground reports from the Japan Mobility Show (30/10 to 09/11, 2025).

James Cleary

Deputy Editor

James Cleary is CarsGuide's Deputy Editor, with over four decades’ experience across automotive editorial, marketing, product planning and creative advertising. He has written for national and international titles including Wheels, Drive, Carsales, Motor and Top Gear Australia providing everything from new product assessment and feature writing to industry analysis, news content and expert advice. He’s spent time as an advanced driving instructor, and had the opportunity to experience rare and valuable classics here and overseas. James worked in the PR and advertising/sales promotion teams at Mercedes-Benz Australia and has managed the Marketing Communications and Product Planning functions for Peugeot Australia. He also directed advertising client service for Hyundai Motor Company Australia and Volvo Australia. James has a Bachelors Degree in Communications from Macquarie University and driving qualifications from multiple advanced schools, including Ian Luff Motivation. He has been a member of the CarsGuide team for 10 years and as Deputy Editor manages everything from sub-editing to back-end platforms while creating written and visual content. Expertise New product assessment Industry analysis News content Expert advice Feature writing Experience BMW Performance Driving School Lamborghini Winter Accademia Master Maserati Driving School Mercedes-AMG Snow Performance School Porsche Level 4 Master training Volkswagen Driving Experience program Education Bachelor of Arts (MassComm) | Macquarie University | 1981-1984 Featured publications Carsales Drive Motor Top Gear Wheels CarsGuide
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