Nissan Leaf Nismo review: no extra power, but it’s the most fun Leaf ever

Nismo has not added a single kilowatt to the new Nissan Leaf. It has made it the most fun Leaf ever built, and Nissan New Zealand says it is not coming here.

EVs and Beyond group EV editor Gavin Shoebridge drives the just-launched Leaf Nismo on Japanese roads in our latest video, from Yokohama traffic to the mountain hairpins where Nismo’s chassis work is meant to earn its keep.

The power is the standard Leaf B7’s 160kW and 355Nm, with 0-100km/h in 7.6 seconds. What has changed is everything around it: retuned suspension with swing-valve dampers, stiffer bushes, recalibrated steering, a functional aero kit that presses the car into the road at speed, lightweight 19-inch wheels on Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tyres, and a Nismo drive mode. The B7 Recaro edition tested carries a 75kWh battery, a claimed 604km of range, and weighs 20kg less than the regular B7. Converted, its Japanese price lands around NZ$77,000.

As the owner of New Zealand’s oldest Leaf, Gavin went in sceptical. A 1.9-tonne car with no extra power and a hot-hatch body kit had him expecting disappointment. The mountain roads changed his mind: “This is so unlike my Leaf. I wish my Leaf drove like this.”

The verdict may surprise Nissan New Zealand, which has told us the Nismo will not be coming here officially. Gavin’s view is that it will arrive regardless, given the share of New Zealand’s market that comes through used Japanese imports. “Nissan New Zealand, please reverse your decision,” he says on camera. “It’s more fun than it has any right to be.”

Also covered: the three-tier Japanese line-up and pricing, ProPilot Assist, the twin 14.6-inch displays with native Google Maps, invisible bonnet view, the electrochromic glass roof, the 100-volt 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.

The Leaf Nismo review follows Gavin’s BYD Racco road trip from the same Japan visit, and lands as Nissan works on a Twingo-based small EV for Europe.

This video is sponsored by UDC Finance. Approvals are subject to responsible lending inquiries. UDC’s loan eligibility criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply.