Since the downfall of former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn in 2018, it is fair to say that Nissan has had a terrible time. As the Brexit deadline loomed around the corner in 2019, the future of the car manufacturer's Sunderland plant became increasingly uncertain, and that remains the case with the final Brexit deal still being negotiated.

Also, the coronavirus has badly damaged the profits of automakers across the globe, including Nissan.

The new Nissan Ariya, which is due to be released in 2021, is central to the carmaker's success in the new year for so many reasons.

The Ariya Is Part Of Nissan's New Brand Identity

Nissan Ariya
Via: Electrek

The Ariya is meant to represent Nissan's new electrified brand identity. Its strategy has been shaped by a new EV platform focused on marrying advanced EV technology with interface connectivity. The carmaker's new logo is also meant to signify Nissan's focus on expanding into the EV market.

Further, the Ariya is the car manufacturer's first 100 percent electrified vehicle. Nissan is no stranger to the electric car market thanks to its LEAF vehicle, which celebrated its 10-year anniversary this year, but the car company has gone one step further by building its first fully electric car.

RELATED: Nissan Unveils 2021 Ariya Electric Crossover And New EV Logo

For those who like SUVs, the Ariya has many promising characteristics to attract buyers. It will be offered in four core models, including two-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive variants. The twin electric motor AWD versions of the car feature Nissan's e-4ORCE all-wheel control technology, as well as new styling approaches.

The Ariya's Styling Is Particularly Brave

Ariya Nissan
Via: ExtremeTech

The Ariya retains the bold styling of the concept unveiled at last year's Tokyo Motor Show. It is the first car to be built on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance's new CMF-EV architecture.

The front end of the Ariya, which is marked by a shield, features a 3D influenced Japanese kumiko pattern and the carmaker's new brand logo. The shield's lower section is flanked by subtle lighting that illuminates up along with the brand new logo. The SUV's thin LED headlights are paired with sequential turn signals.

Nissan's new electric SUV comes with four driving modes: Standard, Sport, and Eco, with e-4ORCE variants adding a Snow mode. The underfloor battery has been positioned to guarantee 50:50 weight distribution. Its flat underbody aerodynamics help to increase the SUV's stability. One-pedal driving is possible because the SUV consists of the LEAF's e-Pedal regeneration system.

It also has a bold interior, with virtually all physical buttons replaced by switches built in to the dashboard surface. The Ariya includes 'Zero-Gravity' slim-profile seats and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen. Nissan claims it is one of the biggest head-up displays in the class.

RELATED: Nissan To Make All-New Ariya Electric SUV In 2021

What makes the Ariya so unique compared to other EVs is its range. Nissan claims that the vehicle can travel up to 310 miles and it has a 389-hp performance variant. With so many outstanding characteristics, there is very little to dislike about Nissan's first purely electric vehicle.

Nissan Must Provide The Ariya With A Competitive Price To Succeed

Nissan Ariya
Via: CarScoops

The biggest stumbling block that the carmaker faces is the Ariya's price. Although the SUV's price is yet to be confirmed, there is no doubt that the pricing of EVs is a real stumbling block when it comes to selling them, even with the help of government grants.

Ghosn criticized Nissan for failing to enter the electric car market sooner, but considering the car giant has now produced its first pure EV, there is no reason why Nissan cannot compete in this market, especially when it has had so much success with the LEAF.

Nissan's Success In 2021 Depends Upon The Ariya

Nissan Ariya
Via: USA Today

However, if the Ariya is not competitively priced, Nissan is going to struggle to regain ground that it lost due to the coronavirus harming its sales and profits this year. The carmaker has some tough competition thanks to Volkswagen and Ford releasing their own electric models. Considering these are two established car brands that have produced many successful cars themselves, the Ariya is going to have to be an outstanding vehicle in order to boost the struggling car manufacturer's profits.

Fortunately for Nissan, this is not the only electrified vehicle that the carmaker plans to release soon. The Qashqai is being updated as a hybrid vehicle as well, and Nissan is planning to release a new Micra too. Therefore, Nissan customers have plenty of reasons to be excited about the range of exciting new products that the car brand is due to release soon.

For the sake of Nissan's survival, 2021 must be a successful year for the carmaker. Its losses have already affected Renault's too. The 2020s could be a successful decade for Nissan, and that is why it is so crucial that they focus on ensuring that they provide the Ariya with an affordable price and that it stands out in a crowded marketplace.

NEXT: New Nissan Ariya electric SUV unveiled ahead of 2021 launch