Ariel Guide
Ariel is a small British manufacturer based in Crewkerne, Somerset, best known for stripping the sports car back to its essentials. Its modern reputation rests on the exposed-frame Atom, with the Nomad applying a similar approach to rougher ground.
Cars are built individually, and buyers work with the factory or specialist dealers to choose equipment suited to road, track or off-road use. These are specialist second cars, with limited weather protection and little conventional luggage space. The attraction is their directness and low weight, rather than luxury or everyday convenience.
Current Models
Nomad 2 (25-) Photo: Ariel Motor Company | RRP From: £68,970 |
Nomad 2 takes the lightweight sports-car idea somewhere muddier. Its exposed structure, generous suspension travel and purposeful tyres make it an unusual alternative to both a track toy and a conventional off-roader. It is for buyers who value an adventurous drive more than isolation from the elements. The short list of alternatives reflects that unusual mix: no mainstream model does quite the same job.
 Photo: Ariel Motor Company | RRP From: £57,600 |
The Atom puts the driving experience on full display, from its exposed frame to the front wheels working beside you. It suits someone who wants road drives and track days to feel like events, and who can accept a helmet, limited luggage and a fairly involved arrival procedure. Choosing the right brakes, suspension and weather protection matters more than chasing the largest power figure. For those who do want the extreme, the limited-production Atom 4RR takes output to 525 bhp, although its £249,600 UK price puts it in an entirely different league from the regular Atom.
Specifications, dimensions and prices were correct at the time of the latest update. Recommended retail prices are official UK list prices, while pre-registered and used values are approximate UK market figures and may vary depending on specification, mileage, condition and location. Recommended retail prices include any applicable UK Government electric vehicle grant where available but exclude dealer discounts, manufacturer incentives and other retail offers.
Dimensions quote vehicle width excluding exterior mirrors unless otherwise stated. Boot capacities are measured or quoted up to the parcel shelf/load cover where applicable, rather than to the roof. For seven-seat vehicles, the listed boot capacity refers to space behind the third row with all seats in use unless otherwise stated.
Power outputs are quoted in bhp, with manufacturers' kW, PS or CV figures converted where necessary. Electric driving ranges use WLTP combined figures where available.
Unless otherwise stated, vehicle images are manufacturer press photographs provided by Ariel and remain the copyright of their respective owners.