From EVs & Beyond.
Gavin drives the just-launched Nissan Leaf Nismo on Japanese roads, from Yokohama traffic to the mountain hairpins where Nismo’s chassis work is meant to earn its keep.
Nismo hasn’t touched the power. It’s the same 160kW and 355Nm as the standard Leaf B7, with 0-100km/h in 7.6 seconds. What’s changed is everything around it: retuned suspension with swing-valve dampers, stiffer bushes, recalibrated steering, a functional aero kit, lightweight 19-inch wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tyres and a new Nismo drive mode. The B7 Recaro edition tested here has a 75kWh battery, 604km WLTP range and is 20kg lighter than the regular B7.
As the owner of New Zealand’s oldest Leaf, Gavin went in sceptical. The verdict may surprise Nissan NZ, which has said the Nismo won’t be coming here officially.
Also covered: the three-tier Japanese line-up and pricing, ProPilot Assist, the twin 14.6-inch displays with native Google Maps, invisible hood view, the electrochromic glass roof, the 100V vehicle-to-load socket, CHAdeMO charging, e-Pedal, boot space and the mafia test, plus a stop at Up Garage, Japan’s used car parts Mecca.
Watch next: BYD Racco in Japan https://youtu.be/RfvJh4LQ0DM?si=CsZ_cLxVitYhgozz
This video is sponsored by UDC Finance. Simple, flexible car loans for dealer or private purchases, including EV chargers, with rates from 8.96% p.a. and a decision within 24 hours. Visit udc.co.nz. Approvals are subject to responsible lending inquiries. UDC’s loan eligibility criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:44 What is Nismo?
02:14 Pricing, range and NZ availability
03:46 Interior, seats and space
06:55 ProPilot and tech
11:40 UDC Finance
12:22 Nismo mode on mountain roads
16:44 Exterior walkaround
18:26 Roof, HDMI port and native menus
20:25 Rear seat and mafia test
22:10 Ride comfort
23:41 Up Garage
24:26 Verdict