Nissan launches updated Note and Note Aura in Japan. Regular Note and Note Aura gain new Black Editions. Nismo Black Limited swaps red trim for dark styling. Nissan has rolled out model year updates for the Note, Note Aura, and Note Aura Nismo subcompact hatchbacks in Japan. The biggest news is the stealthy special editions, leaving Nismo fans waiting for the widebody hot hatch promised by the earlier Nismo RS concept. Starting with the Note Aura Nismo Black Limited, it serves as the new flagship of the entire Note lineup. The special edition retains the same aero package as the standard Nismo with the splitter, side skirts, rear spoiler and rear diffuser, but swaps the traditional red accents for glossy black trim. More: New Nissan Leaf Nismo’s Ducktail Writes Checks Its Power Can’t Cash The Black Limited also gains sporty decals on the hood, along with special badging on the grille and the dashboard. Equipment is pretty generous including a Bose Personal Plus audio system, NissanConnect navigation, and the comprehensive ProPilot ADAS suite. Unfortunately it doesn’t get any performance upgrades, retaining the standard hybrid setup and the Nismo-tuned chassis. Nisan Note Aura Nismo Black Limited The Note and Note Aura were facelifted in mid-2024, which is why Nissan was limited to subtle model year updates for 2026. Both models gain stealthy Black Editions adding black accents on the grille, emblems and mirror caps, along with matching alloy wheels, and dark-themed cabins. More: Nissan’s 2027 Sentra Adds A Better CVT And A Midnight Edition The Note Black Edition is available in a new bi-tone shade combining Pure White Pearl and Midnight Black, and features the Intelligent Around View Monitor and Intelligent Mirror. On the other hand, the Note Aura Black Edition comes standard with the Bose Plus Sound System, connected navigation, and ProPilot just like the Nismo Black Limited. Across the broader 2027 model year range, the majority of Note and Note Aura trims switch from traditional leather to a new “TailorFit” synthetic leather for the steering wheel wrap, and gain heated front seats and steering. Finally, the Note Autech Line deletes the chrome accents on the grille, adopting a body-colored finish instead. Nisan Note Aura Black Edition The Note and the Note Aura are fitted with carry-over self-charging hybrid setups comprising a 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine which acts as a generator with single (FWD) or dual (4WD) electric motors. The ICE makes 81 hp (60 kW / 82 PS) across the lineup, but the front electric motors have different outputs generating 114 hp (85 kW / 116 PS) on the Note, and 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS) on the Note Aura with the optional rear motor contributing another 67 hp (50 kW / 68 PS). More: Japan’s Idea Of A Flagship Nissan Minivan Is Different Than Yours The Note Aura Nismo doesn’t get a bump in power but benefits from a Nismo drive mode promising a sharper accelerator response, stronger regenerative braking, and a recalibrated e-Power system. The Nismo also features more aggressive aero, Recaro buckets, sportier suspension and steering, and sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tires. Nisan Note Black Edition While there is no sign of a proper hot hatch, the Nismo RS Concept from the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon suggested that a high-performance variant might be under development. The prototype featured a wide bodykit, a lower ride height and a more potent AWD hybrid setup from the X-Trail Nismo producing a combined 211 hp (157 kW / 215 PS). Hopefully, a production Nismo RS will join the Note Aura lineup in the future. More: Nissan’s Brake Caliper Colors Aren’t For Decoration, They’re Ranking Your Car The updated Nissan Note starts at ¥2,399,100 ($15,100) in Japan, while the slightly upmarket Note Aura is priced from ¥2,849,000 ($17,900). The Note Autech Crossover starts at ¥2,891,900 ($18,200) and the Note Aura Autech at ¥3,141,600 ($19,700). Finally, the Note Aura Nismo starts at ¥3,163,600 ($19,900) and climbs to ¥4,011,700 ($25,200) for the flagship Black Limited e-Power 4WD. Nissan Aura Note Autech / Note Autech Line / Note Autech Crossover
