The Nissan Note suffers from a fuddy-duddy image, thanks to buyers who are mainly - how shall we put this? - of 'advanced' years. But all that could be about to change, thanks to the arrival of two Nismo variants of the car maker's diminutive MPV this autumn. No, really!
Sitting at the furthest possible end of the spectrum from the GT-R Nismo, the hot Notes will benefit from all of Nismo's motorsport know-how, with the powertrain, chassis, tyres, suspension and aerodynamics all uprated. So far, the details on motive power are fuzzy, with Nissan only prepared to say it is 'equipped with a specially-tuned engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox', which presumably rules out the 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 from the GT-R, then...
The Note Nismo and S version will both feature a subtle but effective styling kit, including a roof spoiler and badging, while even body rigidity is said to be increased over that of their humdrum brethren. Custom sports seats will be standard on the Nismo S, as well as being optional on the Nismo, while Recaro buckets can be added on the S.
Nissan claims the Nismo caters for customers who enjoy spirited driving with one eye on fuel efficiency, while the S goes in search of those 'sports drivers' who've always wanted a rapid Note. Yes, quite.
Nismo's chief product specialist, Hiroshi Tamura, added: "The development concept of this model was to build a car that makes you want to keep driving, no matter where your destination may be. Nismo is confident that the Note Nismo will enhance your driving experience; it offers top level performance in a compact package."
Anything else?
Nismo's previously revealed Juke RS will also make an appearance at the same time, offering 218hp and either two- or four-wheel drive.