The Aura is basically a more premium version of the 2022 Nissan Note—a compact hatchback that’s now exclusively available with the company’s e-Power drivetrain. However, instead of offering things like a two-tone exterior finish, interior wood grain paneling, and tweed-like fabric/leather seats, the Aura NISMO goes for a decidedly sportier approach.

For starters, the Aura NISMO rides on wide 17-inch wheels with “high aerodynamic performance.” Both ends have been tweaked to visually lower the hatchback while incorporating matte red accents. Of course, the NISMO emblems have been added too.

Inside, the interior mixes dark-toned colors and red accents to evoke excitement and is heightened by the 12.3-inch advanced drive assist display which takes on an exclusive red color. Moreover, optional Recaro sport seats replace the stock Aura’s Zero Gravity ones to keep the driver and front passenger firmly in place during hard cornering.

Having said that, Nissan did not add any horsepower in the Aura NISMO. Instead, the Aura NISMO retains the run-of-the-mill hatchback’s 100 kw (135 horsepower), 300 Nm of torque e-Power drivetrain. A 1.2-liter (HRDE) serves as a power generator to the EM47 electric motor which drives the front wheels. Still, NISMO did include three drive mode settings here, and according to Nissan’s in-house tuner, all have been tweaked for better response and increased acceleration.

Optimized aero aside, Nissan says the Aura NISMO also benefits from a revamped steering setup, unique suspension calibration, and improved body rigidity. In short, the Aura NISMO promises more agile responses that “live up to the expectations of NISMO fans and genuine lowers of driving.”

Like the Aura on which it’s based on, the Aura NISMO will remain a Japanese market exclusive where it will retail for 2.869 million yen or around P 1.327 million.