It’s been a while now since Ariel announced its slick little minimalist off-roader called the Nomad. The Nomad is a rougher sibling to the Ariel Atom, a mad little tube frame track day beast that happens to be street legal and is about as close as you get to motorcycling with four wheels. Nomads are powered by a 235hp Honda four-cylinder engine mounted in the rear of the vehicle.
It has a 6-speed manual transmission and fully adjustable Ohlins long travel suspension with double unequal wishbones. A version called the Nomad Tactical adds skid plates, sump guards, lights, and winch. New Nomads will begin being delivered in the US in July.
Performance and Capabilities
The Ariel Nomad is designed to offer a unique blend of performance and off-road capability. The 235hp Honda engine provides ample power for a vehicle of its size, allowing it to accelerate quickly and handle challenging terrains with ease. The 6-speed manual transmission gives drivers full control over the vehicle’s power delivery, making it a joy to drive both on and off the road.
The fully adjustable Ohlins long travel suspension is one of the standout features of the Nomad. This suspension system allows the vehicle to handle rough terrains and absorb shocks effectively, providing a smoother ride even in the most challenging conditions. The double unequal wishbones further enhance the vehicle’s stability and handling, making it a capable off-roader.
The Nomad Tactical version takes the vehicle’s off-road capabilities to the next level. With added skid plates, sump guards, lights, and a winch, the Tactical version is well-equipped to handle more extreme off-road adventures. These features make it a versatile vehicle that can be used for a variety of purposes, from recreational off-roading to more practical applications like search and rescue operations.
Design and Practicality
The design of the Ariel Nomad is minimalist, focusing on functionality and performance rather than luxury. This approach is evident in the vehicle’s tube frame construction, which provides a lightweight yet strong structure. The lack of bodywork gives the Nomad a distinctive look and contributes to its lightweight design, but it also means that drivers and passengers are exposed to the elements.
One of the main criticisms of the Nomad is its lack of 4WD. While the vehicle’s rear-wheel-drive setup is sufficient for many off-road situations, it may struggle in more challenging conditions where 4WD would provide better traction and control. Additionally, the open design means that occupants can get wet, muddy, and uncomfortable during off-road excursions, which may be a drawback for some potential buyers.
Despite these limitations, the Nomad’s design has its advantages. The open structure provides excellent visibility, allowing drivers to see obstacles and navigate difficult terrains more easily. The vehicle’s lightweight design also contributes to its agility and performance, making it a fun and engaging vehicle to drive.
The only thing not minimalist about the Nomad is its price tag. A standard Nomad Sport starts at $78,200 with the Tactical version starting at $90,450. The big downside I see to the Nomad it is lacks 4WD and with no bodywork any off-road excursion will leave you wet, muddy, and uncomfortable. I certainly like the looks of the Tactical though; it might be just the ticket for high-speed off-roading in the desert. This thing looks like a vehicle for Special Forces soldiers.
The Ariel Nomad is a unique and exciting vehicle that offers a blend of performance and off-road capability. While it has some limitations, such as the lack of 4WD and the open design, it also has many strengths that make it a compelling choice for off-road enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a fun recreational vehicle or a capable off-roader for more practical applications, the Ariel Nomad is worth considering.
SOURCE: Road and Track
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