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We got excited - perhaps even a little too excited - when Nissan pulled the covers off what could be the world's first production electric hot hatch - the Leaf Nismo - at the 2017 Tokyo motor show. What looked suspiciously like a production-ready, slightly beefier Leaf was only set to be a concept until today, when the Japanese manufacturer announced today it would go on sale on July 31 2018.
With more aggressive bodywork including deeper bumpers and side skirts featuring the signature splash of Nismo red trim, the Leaf Nismo sets itself apart from it's more pedestrian sibling in terms of visual cues. With Nissan entering the ABB FIA Formula E Championship later this year at the start of Season 5, the Leaf Nismo is the road-going cousin of the Japanese marque's Gen2 challenger.
Making a difference in the corners is the uprated suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels, all wrapped up in grippier tyres while the electric power steering receives a unique, more sporty tune. Despite the Nismo badging, this Leaf has no more power than the standard version, with the same 40kWh battery and equivalent 148bhp. Instead, tweaks to the throttle promise a sharper response and improved acceleration.
On the inside, yep, you guessed it, there's more red trim, a flat-bottomed Alcantara steering wheel and carbon-effect trim on the dash. With sales starting at the end of the month and no word on price, the only downside is that it's only been confirmed for the Japanese market, so don't go storming into the dealership just yet.
With Nissan lining up on the gird on December 15 2018 for the first race of Season 5 in Ad Diriyah, expect the tech tested on the city street tracks to make it into more road going Nissans in the not so distant future. Until then, consider moving to Japan.