Nissan has unveiled its new EV crossover at the Tokyo Motor Show. The Nissan Ariya Concept features a minimalist and spacious cabin that includes the OEM’s award-winning driver assistance system, ProPilot 2.0.
According to Nissan, the interior of the vehicle feels more like a lounge than a conventional vehicle. It has been designed to offer the passenger ‘seamlessness’ when it comes to them transitioning from outside to inside the vehicle.
“With a flat floor – made possible by the battery pack layout and absence of an internal combustion engine – the Ariya Concept welcomes occupants as they step in the cabin with a feeling of expansion and openness,” said Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan’s senior vice president of global design. “Panels blend naturally into each other and flow seamlessly from the front, sides and rear, giving a panoramic impression from any seat position.”
The minimalist dashboard features integrated haptic touch controls, which illuminate when the car is in use. They disappear when the car is switched off. The only physical controls included are the start button, a control to operate the 12.3in display monitor and the climate controls. According to Nissan, the instrument panel transitions flawlessly into the doors and interior elements, to be out of sight when not in use.
Ariya has also been developed with supportive and comfortable seats, which feature a thin frame meaning they take up less space within the cabin. The front and rear seats are positioned to ensure that everyone has a good view of the surroundings.
Throughout the cabin, interior materials were carefully selected by Nissan to give an impression of solidness, technology and utility. Fine black synthetic leather covers the instrument panel and inner door panels. A different grade of synthetic leather with a textured grain lines the A-pillar and ceiling. Satin copper-colored aluminum accents are also incorporated into the instrument panel, seats and steering wheel.
The concept vehicle also includes Nissan’s ProPilot 2.0 driver assistance system, which combines navigated highway driving with hands-off single-lane driving capabilities. By engaging the vehicle’s navigation system to help maneuver the car on a predefined route on designated roads, the system can assist the driver with passing, lane diversions and lane exiting on multi-lane highways.
“The Ariya Concept represents a strong collaboration between design and engineering,” said Yasuhiro Yamauchi, representative executive officer, Nissan. “It is the next stage of Nissan’s future design language as we embark on a new era for the company – the next stage in our evolution.”
