AS LUCK would have it I did not manage to get into a Nissan Leaf in April but I did however step into Nissan’s futuristic looking Ariya.

The manufacturer’s website insists ‘whether you seek extra performance, adventure-worthy capability, or long-distance range, there’s an Ariya that will move you.’ Now that may well be an oversell but there are certainly qualities of note for this vehicle.

The Nissan Ariya is the brand’s first attempt at an electric SUV – one of the hottest segments in the car industry right now.

The range starts with a 63kWh (usable) battery model that can manage around 250 miles on a single charge. This should be fine for the majority of users. There is a larger 87kWh unit that gives you an estimated 310 miles.

It’s a good looking as well, with my Blue Pearl with two tone black roof evaluation vehicle clearly creating lots of conversation at traffic lights

Both battery options come with a single electric motor as standard, which drives the front wheels. Acceleration isn’t particularly rapid by electric car standards, although the Ariya is still quicker than most petrol or diesel alternatives.

Overall, the Ariya succeeds in not only becoming one of the most desirable Nissan models you can buy, but also one of the most well-rounded electric SUVs on sale.

There’s just two specifications to choose from – Advance and Evolve and the Ariya generally impresses all-round. It feels premium – which you would expect for a vehicle that costs in excess of £40k.

The Ariya is great to drive for a mid-size SUV. The motor’s response was excellent, with strong, consistent power regardless of load, near-silent operation, and no gearshifts to contend with. It immediately changed modes without hesitation.

The Ariya provides decent practicality and a classy cabin that adds to the overall feelgood factor. Pricing is competitive compared to its close EV rivals, too, although efficiency is behind the best in class.

The Ariya’s infotainment system consists of two 12.3-inch screens, mounted side-by-side. One of these displays acts as a digital instrument cluster for the driver – this can be configured to show information such as navigation directions and the current level of charge.

The display mounted to the left of the instrument cluster can be operated as a touchscreen and is the car’s main infotainment interface. As standard, this comes fitted with sat-nav and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

The panoramic roof (a feature of Evolve trim) allows for plenty of light

There’s a small selection of options packs available, including the Sport Pack. Standard equipment is generous and inclues ProPILOT with Navi-Link and ProPILOT Park, Intelligent Driver Alertness, Traffic Sign Recognition and Traffic Jam Pilot; all aids to help you on your journey.

It’s a good looking as well, with my Blue Pearl with two tone black roof evaluation vehicle clearly creating lots of conversation at traffic lights. It’s certainly something different for the manufacturer and has the ability to turn heads as road users attempt to figure out exactly what it is.

Another point of conversation, is just how easy it was to feel at home in the spacious Ariya.

It was a doddle to get comfortably seated, with lots of leg room and shoulder room around you but, owing to its curving roofline, there is not quite as much head room for taller passengers.

The vehicle has a really open, airy-feeling interior whose flat floor makes it easy to slide across to the driver’s seat having entered through the passenger side door.

Head room notwithstanding, it has plenty of wider space for rear-seat occupants to stretch out in. The panoramic roof (a feature of Evolve trim) allows for plenty of light into what is an inviting and, in places, quite a lavishly finished environment.

Overall, the Ariya succeeds in not only becoming one of the most desirable Nissan models you can buy, but also one of the most well-rounded electric SUVs on sale.