The new model is a performance-focused version of the standard Aura hatchback.
The Aura Nismo RS is a hotter, more aggressive take on the regular Nissan Aura hatchback, which itself is a more upscale and advanced version of the Note. The third-generation Aura debuted in 2020 and received a facelift in 2024. Now, Nissan has added a sportier variant to the lineup.
Unlike the standard Aura, the Nismo RS comes with all-wheel drive. Ride height has been lowered by about 0.8 inches, while the body has been widened by roughly 5.7 inches. Overall length has grown by 5.6 inches as well. Curb weight is up by around 220 pounds, bringing the total to about 3,285 pounds. The suspension layout remains unchanged, with a simple torsion-beam setup at the rear, although the brakes have been upgraded to handle the added performance.
Under the hood, the internal combustion engine is still present, but its role is different. In the Aura Nismo RS, the 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine is not mechanically connected to the wheels. Instead, it acts solely as a generator, supplying power to recharge the battery.
The engine produces 142 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The front wheels are driven by an electric motor rated at 201 horsepower and 243 lb-ft, while the rear axle has its own electric motor delivering 134 horsepower and 144 lb-ft of torque. This drivetrain setup is borrowed from the much larger Nissan X-Trail that was introduced last year.
With its wider stance, lower ride height, and dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, the Aura Nismo RS positions itself as the most performance-oriented version of Nissan’s compact hybrid hatchback to date.