Nissan LEAF NISMO Launches in Japan

Nissan isn’t just launching one LEAF NISMO, but three NISMO’s with the B5, B7 and B7 RECARO. Based on the all-new Nissan LEAF, the LEAF NISMO is said to “embody the philosophy of all NISMO road cars by blending race-bred performance with everyday drivability and further enhances the driving performance.”

The new LEAF NISMO looks the part inside and out, and reminds me of the glory days of the 80’s when seemingly every manufacturer produced hot hatches, spawned from the launch of the Golf GTi way back in the late 70’s.

Performance

Unlike other NISMO’s the LEAF is sadly front-wheel drive only and power depends on which of the NISMO’s you opt for, with the B5 offering 174 bhp and the B7 and B7 RECARO fitted with a more spicy 217 bhp motor. No 0-62 mph times have been released, but looking at the horse power on offer, this may be the least speedy NISMO yet. Expect a 0-62 mph sprint in around 7 seconds.
This feels like the NISMO B5 or B7 is more of a sporty trim line than tarmac munching beasts that we’re used to seeing with the coveted NISMO name. But could this new trim hint at a more sporty version to come?

Handling

The suspension has been NISMO’d with new springs, stabilizers and member bushes, to increase overall rigidity, plus the steering response has been sharpened up, too. There’s also “swing valve-equipped shock absorbers” to help reduce body roll with the result being a car that feels light, with responsive handling.
And yet, with a vehicle weight being between 1,820 kg to 1,920 kg (depending on which NISMO), the suspension needs all the help it can get to feel light and nimble.

Grippy tyres are from Michelin with Pilot Sport 5 sports fitted as standard that wrap the “rigid” 19-inch alloy wheels from Enkei.

Drive Aids

Four drive modes provide a Standard, ECO, Sport and Personal setting all tuned specifically to the NISMO. Sport mode provides the most power delivery with the sharpest responses placing the single electric motor into ‘NISMO Mode’.

But there is good news for fans of flappy-paddle regen because the new Nissan LEAF NISMO is the first electric NISMO model to feature it. This has four settings with 1 being the least regen and 4 being the most regen, although there is no news on whether one-pedal driving is offered.

Interior

Inside, the cabin features red accent to remind customers of 1980’s hot hatchness, reminding drivers that they’re in something a little special, rather than a more sensible trim line. But, it doesn’t end there because included is a power meter and a power switch.

The front seats also reflect red accents and embroidered NISMO logos, and if opting for the NISMO B7 RECARO it does come with bespoke NISMO RECARO sport seats. These seats are electrically powered, too.

Exterior

Outside gets some enhanced aerodynamic performance parts such as corner finishers with air-guide functionality on the front bumper. This helps to smooth airflow directing it along the side of the vehicle to reduce air resistance.

A new rear bumper has a “boat-hull-shaped under spoiler” with the boot-lid getting a ducktail rear spoiler, that’s said to increase downforce.

Continuing that 80’s hot hatch vibe on the exterior, there’s an ‘Arterial Magma’ red accent colour that runs throughout the body, whilst the door mirrors are available only in a gloss-black finish with a red accent line.

There are six colours, four of which are available on lower LEAF trim-lines plus two dedicated NISMO Stealth Gray colours.

On Sale

There is no news on whether the U.K. will get this NISMO treatment for the new LEAF, but despite its shortcomings with a lack of rear motor, and low on power - missing out on the full NISMO effect - it certainly comes with a heap of kerb appeal.
We’ll keep you updated if we hear any news of the LEAF NISMO reaching our shores.

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About the Author

Graeme Cobb is a lifelong car enthusiast with a passion for writing about cars, EVs, industry updates and more.

You can find Graeme on 𝕏 at @graeme_cobb