Nissan has slashed the price of its Ariya electric SUV and brought in two new models at the top and bottom of the range.

All existing 63kWh models will be reduced by £3,000 and all 87kWh variants will be reduced by £3,750. This shrinks the price difference between the 63kWh and 87kWh batteries to £5,000. The line up now starts at £39,645 and the top spec Ariya is £59,025.

This brings the Ariya down to a price level which is competitive with rivals such as the Skoda Enyaq and even the smaller Kia Niro EV.

The new entry-level model, called the Engage, is available in both 63 kWh and 87kWh battery sizes.

It delivers 251 or 330 miles of range and still features 19-inch alloy wheels, dual 12-inch TFT screens, rear view camera, heat pump and Intelligent Cruise Control.

At the top end of the line-up, Nissan now offers the Evolve+, improving power output and acceleration over the existing Evolve. This grade offers the highest power output of the Ariya line-up with 388 bhp, compared to the 302bhp of the standard Evolve. This gives it a 0-62mph time of 5.1 seconds, 0.6 seconds faster than the original, while still offering 310 miles of range.

In addition to all the standard features of the Evolve – such as a panoramic retracting sunroof, Intelligent Rear View Mirror, head-up display, power-adjustable centre console and steering column, Bose 10-speaker stereo and temperature-controlled front seats – Evolve+ also features 20-inch alloy wheels with aero covers and Nappa Blue leather seat trim.

The new Evolve plus has a 5.1 second 0-62mph time