08-18-22

2023 Nissan Ariya

Overview

Nissan is expanding its line of electric vehicles with the 2023 Ariya SUV, which will go on sale in the U.S. in fall 2022. The Ariya will join the Leaf hatchback in the Nissan showroom and will offer up to 300 miles of driving range, which beats the Leaf's maximum of 226. The Ariya's design represents a shift from the current sharp, angular lines seen on many of Nissan's vehicles. The low, wide stance of the Ariya differentiates it from the Rogue and gives it a sportier look. Two different battery sizes will be offered—a 63.0-kWh battery is standard, and a larger 87.0-kWh pack is optional—as well as either front- or all-wheel drive. A host of driver-assistance features, infotainment tech, and convenience items will be included here, helping the 2022 Ariya compete with similarly sized EV crossovers, such as the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Kona Electric.

Overview

What's New for 2023?

The Ariya is an all-new vehicle for Nissan. It features Nissan's new semi-autonomous driving system (ProPilot 2.0), which debuted on the Japanese-market Nissan Skyline sedan. The Ariya is said to deliver up to 300 miles of driving range, but only when equipped with the optional dual-front/rear-motor drive configuration and the larger 87.0-kWh battery pack.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The Ariya's $47,125 starting price puts it above the Leaf and other affordable EVs but under the base price of the Model Y. We're of the mindset that to successfully switch from gasoline to electricity, range is key, so we'd stick with the entry-level Venture+ trim which boasts the longest driving range among the Ariya's four trim levels.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

Unlike the Leaf, which comes only with front-wheel drive, Nissan is pulling from features developed in other cars, including the GT-R sports car's torque-split system, to offer optional all-wheel drive via a dual-front/rear-electric-motor configuration. Front-wheel drive models offer a claimed zero-to-60-mph time of 7.2 seconds according to Nissan, so if you're looking for more pep, consider the more powerful all-wheel drive Ariya which is significantly faster. We estimate that model will zip from zero to 60 mph in less than 5.0 seconds, a feat that is similar to higher-end electric vehicles. From what we've experienced so far, the Ariya provides a calm, stable ride which should please most buyers, but it lacks the sporty nature we driving enthusiasts prefer. When we get a chance to test the Ariya for ourselves and evaluate its handling in the real world, we'll update this story with details.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

Nissan says the Venture+ offers up to 300 miles of driving range per charge, which is quite the step up from the Leaf's maximum range of 226 miles. The Evolve+ and Premiere models offer up to 285 miles per charge and the top-spec Platinum+ is supposedly good for up to 265. Similarly sized vehicles include Jaguar's I-Pace and Audi's E-Tron, which have 234 and 204 miles of range, respectively. Key rivals from Tesla offer claimed ranges of over 300 miles. The Ariya will be capable of charging at home on 110- or 240-volt outlets as well as at public charging stations and even DC fast-charging ports.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

EPA fuel economy estimates aren’t yet available for the Ariya, nor has Nissan released any claimed MPGe figures. When the Ariya gets closer to launch, that information will likely be available. We also hope to test the Ariya ourselves on our 200-mile highway route, which allows us to evaluate its real-world efficiency. For more information about the Ariya's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Ariya's interior looks futuristic and minimal. Nissan has discarded every button possible in pursuit of a smooth dashboard that favors a sleek look to match the design of the exterior. Despite Nissan's claim that the Ariya's cabin is unlike a traditional automotive interior, its minimalistic theme appears to be its sole unique trait. Not that the cabin doesn't look like a nice place to spend time. A flat, low floor creates a spacious feeling inside, and Nissan has incorporated its comfy zero-gravity seats into the design. The rear seat space is noticeably less generous than the front, but a pair of adults should still find it comfortable and roomy enough even for long-distance travel.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Dual 12.3-inch displays serve as both the digital gauge cluster and the infotainment screen. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and in-dash navigation should all be standard features. The Ariya concept that was shown in 2019 had a feature that allowed the car to sync with the schedule of the driver, so it can pre-heat or pre-cool the interior while it's parked and charging, and therefore not draw on the power from the battery. The concept also showed off technology that would allow the driver to use their phone to park the Ariya automatically from a nearby location using ProPilot's Remote Park, a system similar to Tesla's Smart Summon feature. Nissan hasn't said yet if these features will make it to the production model.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Ariya will feature ProPilot 2.0, Nissan's second generation of the ProPilot semi-autonomous technology, as an optional feature. The system allows drivers to remove their hands from the wheel in certain driving scenarios. Although we haven't tested this new setup, we liked the original ProPilot system when we used it in 2017—and if that's any indication of how version 2.0 will perform, our expectations are high. For more information about the Ariya's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

  • Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
  • Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
  • Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

We predict the Ariya will come with the same basic warranty package as the Leaf when it goes on sale. That warranty should include a competitive bumper-to-bumper policy as well as battery protection that stretches over eight years or 100,000 miles.

  • Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
  • Battery warranty covers eight years or 100,000 miles
  • No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

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11-07-19

The Benefits of Buying a Vehicle in the Fall

Fall isn’t only for football—it’s for car buying as well. If you want the best deals from the dealership, ‘tis the season to shop. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of buying a vehicle in the fall.

Discounts Abound During Fall

Autumn marks the end of the quarter for dealerships. Fall is also the time when brand new models from the upcoming year are slated to fill lots. That means dealerships have to offer deals and discounts to cut back on excess inventory. That’s where you can swoop in and get your hands on a vehicle you’ve been eyeing for a while—for less.

Multiple Models are Still in Stock

Some car buyers opt to wait to the very end of the year to buy a new car: December. However, by the time December rolls around, the trims, specs, colors, and even models you’re looking for may not be in stock. While you can get some of the best deals in December, autumn offers comparable discounts with the added benefit of all kinds of options. Getting what you want at a price point you like is definitely one of the best benefits of buying a vehicle in the fall.

‘Tis the Season for Specials

To reduce inventory, dealerships also turn to specials on vehicles that they still have an abundance in stock. This is especially true during fall, as the end of the quarter (and year) looms. This means you can snag a certain vehicle for a whole lot less than the dealership originally listed it for.

Sales are on Your Side

Sales goals are a constant in the car selling industry—and can many times swing in your favor. As the New Year nears, dealerships strive to hit certain sales marks. Sometimes, this means you can negotiate a more favorable price for the vehicle you want.

Summary

Not only are there many benefits of buying a vehicle in the fall: there are many benefits of buying a vehicle from Townsend Nissan. We’re the place to buy Nissan—and don’t have the baggage of big city prices. Feel free to browse our new and used Nissan vehicles over on our website.

For more deals, vehicle spotlights, and Nissan news, continue following our blog. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram to get more from Townsend!

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09-26-19

Vehicle Spotlight: 2020 Nissan Altima

The 2020 Nissan Altima is the ultimate ride. That’s why we’re shining our vehicle spotlight on this incredible mid-size car. Whether you’re a fan of the Altima looking to learn more about the latest edition, or you’re on the hunt for the perfect car, strap in! We’ll tell you all you need to know about this fantastic machine.

Performance Details

When you drive the 2020 Nissan Altima, the specs sure are special. It runs on a VC-Turbo engine, getting 25 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. With the help of its Turbo engine, it can reach 236 HP. As for its fuel economy, you could be driving longer without refills if you choose a model with its four-cylinder Direct Injection Gasoline. As for its passenger capacity, it can comfortably seat five people. Other great performance improvements include responsive steering and the Nissan Intelligent Mobility Suite.

Features

When you drive, you want a car that makes the road safe and comfortable for everyone. Well, we have good news: the 2020 Nissan Altima is loaded with features that drivers and passengers alike are sure to love. They include incredible offerings like:

  • Nissan door to door navigation;
  • Drive-assist display;
  • Rear cross-traffic alert;
  • Rear automatic braking;
  • Nissan Connect Services with Amazon’s Alexa and the Google Assistant;
  • 60/40 split rear seating;
  • Smartphone compatibility;
  • Parked car finder;
  • Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection;
  • Remote access, including unlocking and start/stop;
  • Lane departure warning; and
  • Blindspot warning.

Safety and comfort are one in the 2020 Nissan Altima. After all, you deserve the best possible care on the road!

Summary

Are you itching to test out this incredible car? Good! We’ll be happy to help you take a test drive of the amazing 2020 Nissan Altima. Prefer an SUV? What about a truck? No matter what you’re looking for, we’re here to help you find it! Come visit us at Townsend Nissan or call us at 877-861-8514. As for learning more about cars and car-buying, you can visit our blog!

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09-12-19

Nissan’s Self-Driving Car Tech Adapted for Golf Balls

Science—it changes the way we do everything. It even changes how we golf! Because of Nissan’s self-driving car tech adapted for golf balls, the game has an interesting future ahead of it. Here’s how they “putt” the technology into autonomous golf balls—and how that will affect how people play the sport.

Self-Driving Technology

By now, you’ve probably heard all about self-driving cars. They’re out there—and some, like Google’s self-driving cars, have seen their fair share of pavement. Well, it turns out that the same technology can also be used to make autonomous golf balls.

So, how does the technology work? It uses miniature sensors, a motor, and an internal monitoring system to get each golf ball to its target goal. That means that when a user putts the golf ball, it can course-correct. Of course, the destination needs to be selected first, which tends to take some of the fun out of golfing.

Innovating How We Play Golf

Golf is a sport filled with patience and precision. Using Nissan’s self-driving car tech adapted for golf balls can change how the sport is played, but the heart of the game remains the same: you putt the ball and hope that you can make it reach the hole.

Though some golf fans may not like this new technology, others might enjoy getting an edge on their game. Still, it looks like the golf balls won’t be on the market any time soon. And if you were interested in trying them out for yourself, that window just passed on September 1. A select few people visiting the Nissan headquarters located in Yokohama, Japan did get the chance to try out the golf balls. Who knows though—maybe one day, you’ll be able to pick these cool golf balls out at a local sporting goods store!

Summary

Getting Nissan’s self-driving car tech adapted for golf balls involved a lot of hard work and experimentation. Getting into a Nissan, on the other hand, is simple and easy! Come visit us at Townsend Nissan to take a test drive or call us at 877-861-8514. You can also check out our cool blog for more useful info for drivers.

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08-29-19

Your Vehicle Safety Carpool Checklist

When you carpool, you can count on a few things: spilled snacks, forgotten backpacks, and LEGOs in the strangest of places. One thing you should never count on, though, is that a safe drive is guaranteed. With school starting back this month, make sure that you’ve checked off all the requirements from this vehicle safety carpool checklist.

Look out for other pedestrians

Some kids walk to school. Others might sneak behind your vehicle as they leave or enter the carpool lane. You’ll encounter lots of little pedestrians as you drop off your kiddos. So, make sure to keep an eye out for them!

Visit the auto shop

In the lead-up until school starts, you’ll have a lot to do. Shopping, doctor’s appointments, school open houses and more—don’t forget to add an auto shop visit to your list. There, you can get a check-up on your car! Make sure that you get your brakes, lights, tires, oil, wipers, and more checked out by a professional. Though this part of the vehicle safety carpool checklist may take some time, it’s a critical step towards taking care of drivers and passengers alike.

Double-check before you back up

Children can be fast. Always double-check before you back up. If you have a car with a back-up detection camera, make sure to use it—but still confirm for yourself that the area is clear.

Stow your phone

Maybe you’re waiting to hear back from another parent about him or her picking up your child. Maybe your coworker has a quick question. Or maybe you have a child taking a sick day. Though these sound like tempting excuses to check your message, you should never, ever have a phone out while you’re behind the wheel. Stow it away and check on it only when you’re done with your journey.

Do a seatbelt check

Before every drive, you should always ask if everyone’s buckled. You should also look in the rearview mirror or cabin camera and make sure that they’re all telling the truth. Spending these precious few seconds on safety could make all the difference.

Store large belongings carefully

Your kid may have instruments, equipment, and more to bring to school. Try and put big belongings away carefully so that they don’t obstruct your view of the road.

Summary

Carpooling does its part to save our environment. Make sure that you do your part to keep your passengers safe from point A to point B by following this important vehicle safety carpool checklist.

Now that it’s time to start carpooling again, you might need a bigger vehicle. At Townsend Nissan, we’re happy to help you find the right one! Visit us soon or call us at 877-861-8514 to get started. As for learning more about cars, check out our blog.

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