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Video | Ariel Nomad 2
It costs more than 80 grand but doesn’t even come with bodywork – welcome to the mad world of the Ariel Nomad 2!
Words by: Dan Trent
Published on 13 December 2024 | 0 min read
Somerset-based Ariel describes its products as ‘serious fun’ which, it turns out, is a perfect summary for the latest version of its incredible Nomad off-road buggy. So minimal it doesn’t even have any bodywork, this is the second generation of Nomad and takes the madness of the original to a whole new level. As Rory finds out on a brisk winter’s day in the middle of Wales.
Where the original Ariel Atom was built for the road and racetrack the Nomad it inspired was created to go anywhere, the signature tubular steel body built around the two occupants with a screaming – and similarly exposed - Honda engine driving the rear wheels while long-travel suspension meant it was equally fun off the road as on it. As Rory discovers, that basic formula endures in this second-generation Nomad, even if the guys at Ariel have devoted a huge amount of energy and engineering expertise into making it even better. The Honda engine has been replaced by a turbocharged Ford one as seen in road cars like the Focus ST and Mustang Ecoboost, the example Rory is driving getting the power upgrade to 305 horsepower via a three-stage boost controller. In a car weighing less than half than a regular hot hatch with equivalent power. This one also gets the fancier of the suspension options and a full suite of accessories. But still no doors, roof or side windows. Which makes for a pretty bracing driving experience at this time of year. Is it still as raw and mad as the original, though? Or has the Nomad, all things relative, grown up and got a bit sensible? Wrap up and join Rory for a drive as he attempts to find out. And once you’ve warmed up again (and if you haven’t already) don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more like this and let Rory know what you think of the car in the YouTube comments thread.
Where the original Ariel Atom was built for the road and racetrack the Nomad it inspired was created to go anywhere, the signature tubular steel body built around the two occupants with a screaming – and similarly exposed - Honda engine driving the rear wheels while long-travel suspension meant it was equally fun off the road as on it. As Rory discovers, that basic formula endures in this second-generation Nomad, even if the guys at Ariel have devoted a huge amount of energy and engineering expertise into making it even better. The Honda engine has been replaced by a turbocharged Ford one as seen in road cars like the Focus ST and Mustang Ecoboost, the example Rory is driving getting the power upgrade to 305 horsepower via a three-stage boost controller. In a car weighing less than half than a regular hot hatch with equivalent power. This one also gets the fancier of the suspension options and a full suite of accessories. But still no doors, roof or side windows. Which makes for a pretty bracing driving experience at this time of year. Is it still as raw and mad as the original, though? Or has the Nomad, all things relative, grown up and got a bit sensible? Wrap up and join Rory for a drive as he attempts to find out. And once you’ve warmed up again (and if you haven’t already) don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more like this and let Rory know what you think of the car in the YouTube comments thread.