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Nissan’s Quirky, Affordable Commuter Car Just Got Even More Compelling

The automaker’s performance tuning division has bestowed its talents on a highly unlikely candidate.

Close-up of a blue electric car's front left side showing the wheel, charging port, and side mirror.Nissan
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By Gray Van Dyke

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With the debut of the third-generation Leaf last year, Nissan made its quirky, affordable BEV a much more compelling option.

That’s because the changes went more than skin-deep. Beyond the striking new looks, the electric economy car also brought some big improvements in battery tech and range.

Blue Nissan Leaf Nismo electric car driving on a city road with modern glass buildings in the background.
The Leaf NISMO ups the cool factor in tuning and looks.
Nissan

Still, even that kind of dramatic overhaul can’t compare to the latest proposition Nissan has for the Leaf. It gives the commuter a kind of appeal that it hasn’t offered to the public before.

A tempting tune

That’s because Nissan just added a new NISMO variant for the Japanese market. With the first- and second-generation Leaf, the automaker left any associations to its professional efforts.

Glossy black car dashboard panel with "nismo" logo, air vent, and buttons labeled "e-Pedal" and "D-MODE.
As usual, NISMO hasn’t been shy about its branding efforts.
Nissan

While the treatment doesn’t bring any gains in output, it’s nevertheless more than a sticker package. For instance, Nissan claims the Leaf NISMO brings unique motor and regenerative brake tuning for a punchier response and a lighter feel.

Towards that end, it also comes with some upgraded suspension to allow for a more responsive ride. Along with NISMO-exclusive springs and stabilizers, it rides on improved bushings and swing valve-equipped shocks.

Blue Nissan Leaf electric hatchback with black roof and red accents driving on a highway.
That rear ducktail spoiler proves that even EVs can benefit from some aero looks.
Nissan

In combination with some grippier Michelin Pilot Sport 5 rubber and lightweight Enkei wheels, it’s a setup that delivers some impactful tweaks in the name of improved handling. Even if it doesn’t make the Leaf a lap time slayer, that’s bound to have an effect on something that’s typically relaxed in its mannerisms.

More visual presence

Cool as those additions are, the biggest boons for the Leaf NISMO come in the form of its visual alterations.

Interior of a Nissan car featuring a black and red leather seat, digital dashboard, and touchscreen display.
The interior is loud for such a quiet vehicle.
Nissan

Around the outside, these take shape as touches like front corner and lower door finishers, a dedicated rear bumper and an eye-catching ducktail spoiler. Along with their aesthetic impact, Nissan does say that they make for added downforce and reduced aerodynamic resistance.

Of course, you’ll also find signature NISMO cues like Arterial Magma red accents in mirror and spoiler stripes. With the NISMO-exclusive Stealth Gray, it gives the Leaf a racy look.

Blue Nissan Leaf Nismo electric hatchback with black roof and red accents viewed from rear side.
The exclusive Stealth Gray is the color to have if you’re looking to maximize the NISMO appeal.
Nissan

Complemented by an interior that carries the spirit forward through corresponding red accents, exclusive Recaro seats and a TailorFit steering wheel, it naturally sports NISMO logos aplenty.

It’s a good look on a car that already brought interesting touches through distinctive features like its wheels and taillights. While the NISMO name won’t win Japanese buyers any races, it does make the Leaf cooler in my book.

Availability and pricing

At this stage, Nissan has only announced the Leaf NISMO for Japan, where it will start from 6,601,100 yen (~$40,000). It’s possible that the automaker could extend the treatment stateside, but only time will tell.

About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he’s not chasing the latest industry news, he’s probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.

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