Nissan Note e-POWER NISMO S is not just a compact hatchback with a hybrid installation, but a real attempt by the Japanese brand to combine efficiency with driving emotions. The model became a logical continuation of the experiments Nissan with technology e-POWER, where the electric motor acts as the main source of traction, and the gasoline engine works exclusively as a generator. But what makes a version NISMO S special? It's not just stickers and sports seats - engineers have worked on the suspension, steering and even the audio to create the illusion of a hot hatch without the traditional hybrid compromises.

In Japan, where the model debuted in 2021, Note e-POWER NISMO S quickly gained popularity among young drivers who value dynamics and individuality. In Europe and Russia, the car remains a rarity, which adds to its “exclusive” status. But is it worth overpaying for the sports version, or is the standard version enough? e-POWER? In this material, we will analyze the technical nuances, compare them with competitors and answer the main question: can a hybrid be truly sporty?

e-POWER technology: how a hybrid works without recharging

At the core Nissan Note e-POWER NISMO S lies a unique hybrid system, which the Japanese call "serial hybrid". Unlike the usual Toyota Prius or Honda Jazz Hybrid, where the gasoline engine and electric motor operate in parallel, here the internal combustion engine plays exclusively the role of a generator. The scheme is simple:

  • 🔋 Li-ion battery capacity 1.5 kWh powers the electric motor 100 kW (136 hp).
  • ⛽ Gasoline engine HR12DE with a volume of 1.2 liters (80 hp) spins the generator, replenishing the energy supply.
  • ⚡ Electric motor EM57 transmits torque 280 Nm directly to the front wheels - without gearbox.
  • 🔄 Braking energy recovery system restores up to 30% charge batteries.

The key difference from classic hybrids is the absence of a “direct connection” between the internal combustion engine crankshaft and the wheels. The gasoline engine is never connected to the transmission, which makes acceleration smooth and linear, without jerking. In the city this gives an advantage: Nissan Note e-POWER NISMO S accelerates to 60 km/h faster than 1.5-liter Nissan Juke with CVT, despite the smaller working volume.

However, the system also has weaknesses. During intense acceleration (for example, on the highway), the battery quickly discharges, and the gasoline generator is forced to work at the limit, which affects fuel consumption. In a mixed cycle Note e-POWER consumes about 4.5–5.2 l/100 km, but in the city the figure may drop to 3.8 l - better than most competitors.

📊 What is more important to you in a hybrid?
  • Economical
  • Acceleration dynamics
  • Reliability
  • Environmental friendliness
  • Design

NISMO S design: aggression in a compact format

Appearance Nissan Note e-POWER NISMO S - This is a classic example of a "wolf in sheep's clothing." At first glance the car looks like a regular hatchback Note, but the details reveal a sporting origin:

  • 🏁 Red accents on bumpers, mirrors and wheels (optional black or silver).
  • 💨 Lower body kit with imitation diffuser and side skirts to improve aerodynamics.
  • 🔴 Black radiator grille with chrome trim and logo NISMO.
  • 🎨 Unique 16-inch wheels with a five-spoke design (standard version - 15-inch).

Inside, the changes are even more noticeable. Sports seats with improved lateral support, steering wheel with red stitching and logo NISMO, aluminum pedals and red stitching on the gearshift lever (although there is no gearbox here!) create the atmosphere of a racing car. The dashboard received unique graphics with an emphasis on instantaneous torque electric motor.

However, not everything is perfect. The plastic on the door panels and center console remains hard, and sound insulation at high speeds leaves much to be desired - this is due to the sports exhaust system (yes, the hybrid also has “sound”!). But NISMO S offers exclusive exterior colors such as Stealth Gray And Vivid Blue, which are not in the standard line.

Why does a hybrid have a “sporty sound”?

Nissan has added an acoustic generator to the exhaust system that simulates the sound of a turbo engine during acceleration. This is done for the emotional component - many drivers miss the “roar” of the internal combustion engine in electric vehicles. B NISMO S The sound is customizable: it can be turned off or made louder through the menu Drive Mode Select.

Dynamics and handling: driving experience

The main question: can a hybrid be sporty? In the case of Nissan Note e-POWER NISMO S The answer is “yes, but with reservations.” The electric motor produces 280 Nm from the first revolutions, which ensures quick acceleration to 60 km/h in 7.8 seconds - faster than Toyota Yaris Hybrid (9.7 s) or Honda Jazz e:HEV (9.4 s). However, after 100 km/h the dynamics fade away: the gasoline generator does not have time to replenish the battery, and the power drops.

But in the city NISMO S feels like a fish in water. The steering has become sharper (10% faster response to steering wheel turns), and the suspension is 15% stiffer compared to standard Note. This is noticeable when cornering, but can be uncomfortable on rough roads. Engineers NISMO The braking system has also been improved: the pedal has become shorter and the recuperation is more aggressive, which allows you to slow down faster before corners.

The driver has three driving modes at his disposal:

  • 🌿 Eco Mode: limits power to 80 kW, soft gas pedal, early shifting of “virtual gears”.
  • ⚡ Standard Mode: balance between dynamics and efficiency, total power 100 kW.
  • 🏁 Sport Mode: maximum output, pointed steering, imitation of the sound of an internal combustion engine, rigid suspension.

Interesting feature - e-Pedal Step. When this function is activated, the gas pedal becomes “smart”: when released, it automatically brakes the car to a complete stop, simulating the operation of a single-pedal mode in Nissan Leaf. This is convenient in traffic jams, but takes some getting used to.

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To extend battery life, avoid prolonged periods of inactivity with a completely discharged battery. If the car has been parked for more than a week, start it for 10–15 minutes so that the system maintains a minimum charge.

Comparison with competitors: who is better?

In the compact hybrid segment Nissan Note e-POWER NISMO S competes with Toyota Yaris Hybrid, Honda Jazz e:HEV And Hyundai Kona Hybrid. Let's compare the key parameters:

Parameter Nissan Note e-POWER NISMO S Toyota Yaris Hybrid 1.5 Honda Jazz e:HEV Hyundai Kona Hybrid 1.6
Power, hp 136 116 109 141
Torque, Nm 280 120 253 265
Acceleration 0–100 km/h, s 9,8 11,0 9,4 10,2
Consumption in the city, l/100 km 3,8 3,5 4,0 4,7
Price (RF, 2026), million ₽ ~2,8 ~2,5 ~2,6 ~3,1

Note e-POWER NISMO S wins in dynamics and torque, but loses in efficiency Toyota Yaris. But the Japanese hybrid offers sportier handling and a unique design that its competitors do not have. Hyundai Kona more powerful, but it is a crossover with a higher ground clearance and price.

The main trump card Nissan — lack of variator. Unlike Yaris or Jazz, where driving is accompanied by the “roar” of the internal combustion engine at high speeds, here the acceleration is quiet and smooth. This was appreciated by the owners who switched from classic machines.

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Nissan Note e-POWER NISMO S is the only hybrid in the class with a purely electric powertrain, which gives instant response to the gas pedal and the absence of CVT hesitation.

Maintenance: what the owner needs to know

Service Nissan Note e-POWER NISMO S little different from standard Note, but there are nuances associated with the hybrid system. Here are the key points:

  • 🔧 Changing the engine oil: every 15,000 km (the gasoline engine operates in a gentle mode, but the oil still ages).
  • ⚡ High voltage battery diagnostics: once every 30,000 km (checking the charge level and balancing the cells).
  • 🔄 Brake fluid: replacement every 40,000 km (recuperation reduces pad wear, but the fluid is hygroscopic).
  • 🛞 Tires: Due to the increased torque, the rear axle wears out faster - rotated every 10,000 km.

Official dealer Nissan offers an extended warranty for the hybrid system - 8 years or 160,000 km (whichever comes first). However, this only applies if you undergo maintenance at a dealer. The cost of planned maintenance in Russia starts from 12 000 ₽ for the visit.

One of the frequently asked questions: Is it necessary to warm up the hybrid in winter? The answer is yes, but not like a regular car. It is enough to turn on the interior heating for 2-3 minutes before the trip so that the battery warms up to operating temperature. ICE in e-POWER starts automatically when the charge is low or when heat is required for the stove.

Replace the oil with synthetic oil with a viscosity of 0W-20|

Check the antifreeze level in the battery cooling system |

Install winter tires with a speed index of at least T|

Activate mode Eco Mode for gentle driving on a cold battery -->

Problems and typical malfunctions

Despite the reliability, Nissan Note e-POWER NISMO S there are weak points. Here's what most often worries owners:

  • 🔋 Battery: Frequently used Sport Mode The capacity may decrease faster (especially when operating in heat above +35°C).
  • 🎵 Acoustic generator: For some owners, the sound of the internal combustion engine begins to “wheeze” after 50,000 km (this can be solved by reflashing).
  • 🚗 Suspension: stiff springs and shock absorbers NISMO wear out faster on Russian roads (lifetime - ~60,000 km).
  • 🔌 Charging port: in cold weather the contact group may freeze (it is recommended to use silicone grease).

The most serious problem is inverter overheating when driving for a long time at high speed (for example, on the highway). In this case, the machine automatically goes into emergency mode with power limited to 50 kW. To avoid this, it is enough to make stops every 1.5–2 hours while driving at speeds above 120 km/h.

💡

If the icon on the dashboard lights up EV System Warning, don't panic. In 80% of cases, this is a failure of the battery temperature sensor. Try turning off the ignition for 10 minutes - the error should clear. If not, contact your dealer.

According to reviews from Russian owners, the most vulnerable were vehicles operated in regions with sharp temperature changes (for example, Siberia). In such conditions it is recommended to install preheater for battery (cost - from 30,000 ₽).

Prices and options: how much does a sport hybrid cost?

In Russia Nissan Note e-POWER NISMO S It is not officially sold, but it can be imported from Japan. The cost on the secondary market (2026) depends on mileage and equipment:

  • 💰 2021, mileage 20–30 thousand km: 2.5–2.8 million ₽.
  • 💰 2022, mileage 10–20 thousand km: 2.8–3.2 million rubles.
  • 💰 2023, mileage up to 10 thousand km: 3.3–3.6 million rubles.

Comes as standard NISMO S includes:

  • 🎵 Audio system Bose with 8 speakers.
  • 📱 Wireless charging for your smartphone.
  • 🚘 Surround camera Around View Monitor.
  • 🔐 Keyless entry Intelligent Key.
  • 🌡️ Dual zone climate control.

Additionally you can order:

  • 🎨 Package Premium Color (exclusive body colors) — +150,000 ₽.
  • 🛡️ Security package ProPILOT (adaptive cruise, lane keeping) - +200,000 ₽.
  • 🔥 Package NISMO Performance (sports brakes, lightweight wheels) — +180,000 ₽.

For comparison: new Nissan Note e-POWER in the basic configuration in Japan it costs about 2 million ₽, and NISMO S - 30–40% more expensive. The model is not officially available in Europe, but on the secondary market in Germany or France you can find copies priced from 25 000 €.

💡

When purchasing a fitted Nissan Note e-POWER NISMO S be sure to check your service history through Nissan Connect. Cars without dealer maintenance will lose the warranty on the hybrid system.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

❓ Is it possible to charge Nissan Note e-POWER from a power outlet?

No, it's not plug-in hybrid. The battery is charged only from a gasoline generator and recovery. To recharge from the mains you need Nissan Leaf or Ariya.

❓ What is the resource of the e-POWER battery?

Official resource - 160,000 km, but with careful use the battery lasts up to 250,000 km. The main thing is to avoid deep discharges and overheating.

❓ Does NISMO S have all-wheel drive?

No, it's front wheel drive only. For all-wheel drive hybrids in the Nissan lineup there is Rogue Hybrid (in Russia - X-Trail Hybrid).

❓ Is it possible to install studded tires on the Note e-POWER NISMO S?

Yes, but only with a speed index T (190 km/h) and above. Due to high torque, low profile tires wear out faster.

❓ What oil to pour into a gasoline engine?

Recommended Nissan Strong Save X E 0W-20 (item KE900-90132). Analogues: Mobil 1 ESP X2 0W-20 or Idemitsu Zepro Eco Medalist 0W-20.

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a contract Nissan Note e-POWER NISMO S from Japan, check whether the car has been in an accident. Even minor impacts can damage the high-voltage battery, leading to premature wear. Pay attention to history through CarVertical or Carfax.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use additives for gasoline with an octane number higher than 95. Gasoline engine HR12DE in e-POWER designed for AI-92, and additives can damage the catalyst and oxygen sensors.