Nissan launches updated Note Aura Nismo in Japan

MANILA: Nissan Motor Corporation Limited has launched the updated Note Aura Nismo in Japan. 

Known officially as the Note Aura Nismo e-Power, the model was developed by Nissan Motorsports International (NISMO), the Yokohama-based company’s high-performance arm. As such, it is touted as a peppy electrified vehicle that exhibits a balance between aerodynamic performance and modern design aesthetics. 

Exterior

Appearance-wise, the Nismo-tuned Note Aura received a flush front grille, a front bumper with air splitters and a large vent, a muscular hood, and a pair of sharp LED headlamp clusters. 

According to the Japanese marque, the aforementioned splitters can direct air towards the sides of the vehicle’s body. Its rear, meanwhile, gets a layered air diffuser to help keep airflow coming from under the vehicle smooth and slick. 

A set of 17-inch aerodynamic wheels and a black roof and grille complete the sporty hybrid's look. The red contrasting colors, a signature of the high-performance sub-brand’s vehicles, are also present on the new Note Aura Nismo’s front lip, side skirts, and side mirrors. 

Interior

Inside, the model continues the sporty theme with a carbon fiber-decorated dashboard, a flat-bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel with a racing-style center stripe, and a Nismo-specific 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. 

Most of the interior is black, but the aforementioned carbon fiber trims received a red-toned pattern. Likewise, red contrast stitching is present on the seats, interior door cards, and dashboard. 

The vehicle is also equipped with a pair of electronically adjustable Recaro sports seats and a nine-inch infotainment display. The screen can be linked to an optional Bose Personal Plus speaker system featuring headrest-mounted speakers. 

Safety

Safety aboard the updated Note Aura is provided by the brand’s “360° Safety Assist” suite of advanced driver-assist systems. The suite's most notable features include lane departure prevention, rear-side collision prevention, pedal misapplication prevention, reverse vehicle detection alarm, and park assist. 

Engine

The Note Aura Nismo e-Power may come in a single-motor front-wheel-drive (2WD) or a new dual-motor four-wheel-drive (4WD) version. 

The said 1.2-liter hybrid powertrain for the 2WD was carried over from the pre-updated model, with its maximum output kept at 133 horsepower (hp) and 300 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. 

The new 4WD variant’s rear motor, meanwhile, provides an additional 80 hp and 150 Nm of torque.

Moreover, the brand disclosed that it made the vehicle’s chassis more rigid, resulting in better stability and handling. It also added the new “Nismo” drive mode for optimal power distribution. 

For now, the Note Aura NISMO is sold exclusively for the Japanese market with a starting price of 3.072 million Yen, (around P1.144 million). 

Currently, Nissan Philippines’ sole hatchback model is the all-electric Leaf, which retails for P1.998 million. The sole locally available e-Power model, meanwhile, is the Kicks crossover, which starts at P1.179 million. 

So, would you like to see the Japanese brand introduce a new hatchback model, maybe something as sporty as the Note Aura Nismo, in the near future?

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