Japan gets all the higher spec variants of cars they sell here and this Nissan Note e-power NISMO S is no different.
It would probably enrage new 2018 Nissan Versa Note owners in America to learn that Japan has a Versa Note with an electric powered motor capable of 134 HP and 236 lb-ft, because now Nissan Japan does. As per Nissan Japan in a press release, they dropped earlier today (Sept 25, 2018) not only does Japan have a more powerful Nissan Versa Note compared to what they sell here, now they have an even more powerful version. In Japan, it’s simply called the Note but it’s essentially the same chassis we have here with our Versa Note. Check out the little electric powered hot MPV below.
The #Nissan #Note e-POWER #NISMO S has officially launched in Japan with an increased electrical output and an improved reduction drive, resulting in a 25% increase in power and torque. #Nissan #IntelligentMobility pic.twitter.com/a4hWC2DVIx
— Nissan (@Nissan) September 25, 2018
As mentioned, the Nissan Versa Note in the United States gets by with its bog-standard HR16DE inline four cylinders good for 107 HP and 109 lb-ft, an absolute dog in other words. But, in Japan last year they introduced a special e-Power variant that runs a lot like our Chevrolet Volt does. Instead of the engine powering the wheels, an electric motor does. Yes, there’s an engine, a small 1.2L gas one, but its sole purpose is to charge the small battery which provides power to the electric motor. But unlike the Chevrolet Volt, the battery is so small that you can’t drive on battery power alone. It’s a strange configuration, for sure.
But, as the stats suggest, what results is blistering city performance with so much torque for scooting around traffic.
And now, with this Note e-Power NISMO S version, not only do you have a bit more power to push your EV around, you have the looks to pull it off. This Note e-Power NISMO S comes with quite the extensive aero kit with red accents inside and out.
Complimenting the added power are special, grippier Yokohama tires, slightly larger wheels, a custom suspension tuning, and stabilizer bars throughout.
As per TTAC, when you get around 77 MPG with all that power, it’s almost as if you’re getting the best of both worlds for electric without the range anxiety.
This is a decent stopgap until full electric vehicles, in my opinion.
It would behoove Nissan of North America to bring it over here as those MPG and power stats would look good on billboards.
