New Nissan Leaf Nismo revealed for Japanese market

Sporty bodykit and revised suspension unveiled for sporty Nissan Leaf Nismo, but no plans for UK sales yet

Nissan has revealed the Leaf Nismo - the first version the electric car to receive attention from the Japanese brand’s motorsport arm.

Outside, the Leaf Nismo features a more aggressive body kit, including deeper bumpers, wider side skirts and a more aggressive rear diffuser, all finished with red highlights. A motorsport-inspired rear fog light sits low in the centre of the rear bumper.

Best electric cars on sale today

There’s further red trim on the black door mirrors, while the roof is optionally available in a contrasting black finish too. There are nine exterior colours to choose from in total.

The Nismo rides on uprated suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in grippier tyres. The electric power steering receives a unique tune, and the standard car’s Intelligent Trace Control features a sportier bias.

Despite tweaks to the throttle mapping which aim to deliver a shaper response, the Nismo doesn’t get any more power than the standard Leaf. In other words, it makes 148bhp, and should cover the 0-62mph benchmark in around 7.9 seconds.

Flashes of red trim around the vents and starter button add an injection of sportiness inside. There’s further red stitching on the seats and part alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, as well as a red 12 o’clock marker.

Parts of the dash are finished in a carbon-effect trim, and there’s a gunmetal chrome effect finish for the drive selector.

The new model will go on sale on 31 July, but there’s just one problem: for now, it’s only available to buy in Japan.

Would you like to see the Nissan Leaf Nismo in the UK? Tell us below…

Chief reviewer

Alex joined Auto Express as staff writer in early 2018, helping out with news, drives, features, and the occasional sports report. His current role of Chief reviewer sees him head up our road test team, which gives readers the full lowdown on our comparison tests.

Recommended

New Honda Sustaina-C is an electric city car with its own ‘Pocket’
 Honda Sustaina-C and Pocket EV scooter
News

New Honda Sustaina-C is an electric city car with its own ‘Pocket’

The cute Honda Sustaina-C concept car is partnered with a ‘Pocket’ EV scooter
27 Oct 2023
Toyota FT-3e concept teases future flagship electric SUV
Toyota FT-3e - front
News

Toyota FT-3e concept teases future flagship electric SUV

Production version of new FT-3e concept could serve as a Polestar 3 rival and big brother to the mid-size Toyota bZ4X
25 Oct 2023
New Subaru Sport Mobility Concept gives us hope of a rally return
Subaru Sports Mobility Concept - front
News

New Subaru Sport Mobility Concept gives us hope of a rally return

Subaru has brought a two-door coupe to the Tokyo Motor Show
25 Oct 2023
New Lexus LF-ZL concept revealed: an EV to rival the most luxurious SUVs
Lexus LF-ZL concept - front 3/4 static
News

New Lexus LF-ZL concept revealed: an EV to rival the most luxurious SUVs

The Lexus LF-ZL concept will be the brand’s new flagship model when it reaches production
25 Oct 2023

Most Popular

‘Forget leasing a car, a cut-price van should be your next everyday vehicle’
Opinion - Fiat Scudo
Opinion

‘Forget leasing a car, a cut-price van should be your next everyday vehicle’

With some huge savings to be had, Mike Rutherford thinks a van could be the perfect vehicle
3 Dec 2023
Deal of the Day: Spacious Skoda Superb is a peerless estate for £223 a month
Skoda Superb Estate - front tracking
News

Deal of the Day: Spacious Skoda Superb is a peerless estate for £223 a month

The Superb is one of our favourite estates and our Deal of the Day for Monday 4 December
4 Dec 2023
New Renault 5: price, specs, launch and on sale dates
Renault 5 EV concept at 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed
News

New Renault 5: price, specs, launch and on sale dates

Renault’s reborn Renault 5 will start from €25,000 in Europe, suggesting a circa-£30k price in the UK. It's due on sale in the summer of 2024. Here's …
1 Dec 2023