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Nissan Note Aura Nismo Black Limited Brings Stealth Styling, Not More Power
Nissan has updated its Note and Note Aura line-up in Japan with new Black Editions, including a flagship Note Aura Nismo Black Limited that swaps the usual red accents for dark trim. The special edition keeps the existing hybrid powertrain, leaving enthusiasts waiting for a production version of the Nismo RS concept.
By George Kensington · 4 min read
Nissan has rolled out model year updates for its Note, Note Aura, and Note Aura Nismo subcompact hatchbacks in Japan, with the headline act being a new stealth-styled flagship. The Note Aura Nismo Black Limited replaces the model’s traditional red accents with glossy black trim across the aero package, including the front splitter, side skirts, rear spoiler, and rear diffuser. The special edition also gains sporty decals on the bonnet and bespoke badging on the grille and dashboard.
Equipment levels are generous, with the Black Limited coming as standard with a Bose Personal Plus audio system, NissanConnect navigation, and the full ProPilot driver assistance suite. However, there are no performance upgrades. The car retains the standard hybrid setup and the Nismo-tuned chassis, meaning the visual changes are the main differentiator. The Black Limited is priced from ¥4,011,700 ($25,200) for the e-Power 4WD version, making it the most expensive model in the Note range.
The regular Note and Note Aura also receive new Black Editions as part of the 2026 update. Both add black accents on the grille, emblems, and mirror caps, along with matching alloy wheels and dark-themed interiors. The Note Black Edition is offered in a new bi-tone paint combination of Pure White Pearl and Midnight Black, and includes the Intelligent Around View Monitor and Intelligent Mirror. The Note Aura Black Edition comes with the Bose Plus Sound System, connected navigation, and ProPilot, mirroring the equipment of the Nismo Black Limited.
Across the wider 2027 model year range, most Note and Note Aura trims switch from traditional leather to a new synthetic material called “TailorFit” for the steering wheel wrap, and gain heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Note Autech Line also loses its chrome grille accents in favour of a body-coloured finish.
Mechanically, the Note and Note Aura carry over their self-charging hybrid systems, which pair a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine acting as a generator with either one or two electric motors. The petrol unit produces 81 hp (60 kW) across the line-up, while the front electric motors generate 114 hp (85 kW) in the Note and 134 hp (100 kW) in the Note Aura. The optional rear motor adds another 67 hp (50 kW) for all-wheel-drive versions.
The Note Aura Nismo does not receive a power increase, but it benefits from a dedicated Nismo drive mode that sharpens accelerator response, strengthens regenerative braking, and recalibrates the e-Power system. It also features more aggressive aerodynamics, Recaro bucket seats, sportier suspension and steering, and Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tyres.
Enthusiasts hoping for a true hot hatch will have to keep waiting. The Nismo RS Concept shown at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon hinted at a high-performance variant with a wide bodykit, lower ride height, and a more potent all-wheel-drive hybrid setup borrowed from the X-Trail Nismo, producing a combined 211 hp (157 kW). Nissan has not confirmed a production version, but the concept suggests such a model could eventually join the Note Aura line-up.
Pricing for the updated range in Japan starts at ¥2,399,100 ($15,100) for the standard Note, rising to ¥2,849,000 ($17,900) for the Note Aura. The Note Autech Crossover is priced from ¥2,891,900 ($18,200), while the Note Aura Autech starts at ¥3,141,600 ($19,700). The Note Aura Nismo begins at ¥3,163,600 ($19,900).
