SPOTTED: 2023 Nissan Ariya EV crossover testing in Malaysia. Could the Philippines be next?

A 2023 Nissan Ariya electric vehicle (EV) has been spotted undergoing road testing in Malaysia.

Thanks to our friends from sister publication WapCar, we got photos of the battery-electric crossover on the go.

Unlike typical test mules covered in camouflage to conceal the vehicle's identity and body lines, the Ariya was hiding in plain sight, which may point to a launch in Malaysia soon.

This could also mean that the Ariya could be making its way to other ASEAN countries, with the Philippines being a viable option since the Japanese brand already sells the Nissan LEAF EV hatchback locally.

What to expect with the Nissan Ariya

Unfortunately, no official specifications are available yet for the Malaysian-spec Nissan Ariya, but we can look to other markets for clues as to what the country might get. 

The Nissan Ariya is available for the Japanese market with two different powertrain options.

The first is a two-wheel-drive model with a 63-kWh battery pack and a maximum output of 218 PS and 300 Nm of torque. It has a claimed maximum range of about 450 km on a single charge.

The second powertrain option is an all-wheel-drive model with Nissan’s e-4ORCE all-wheel-drive system. It has the same battery pack as the two-wheel drive model, but has an increased maximum output of 335 PS and 560 Nm of torque. 

However, with better power output comes reduced range figures, as it can only do an estimated 430 km on a full charge.

Speaking of charging, all variants of the Ariya are DC-fast charging compatible, letting it go from 20 to 80 percent in just 35 minutes.

There has yet to be any news about when it will launch in Malaysia, but given that a test mule is already plying its local streets, it could indicate a launch happening very soon. 

Do you think that the Nissan Ariya would be a hit if it were launched in the Philippines?

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