The many faces of Nismo

Nissan’s in-house tuning company, Nismo is famous worldwide for applying its performance wizardry to cars such as the Skyline, GT-R and Z models.

However, the brand has applied its name to several models that aren’t sports cars. These vehicles range from hatchbacks to SUVs and even people movers, Nismo has left no stone unturned.

Here’s our list of the most unlikely Nismo modified Nissans.

Micra/March Nismo

Offered in two trim levels, the entry-level Micra (March) Nismo copped a dress-up kit inside and out, a ‘whopping’ 1.2-litre engine and a CVT auto. 

The S on the other hand got more fruit in the form of a 1.5-litre engine, a hi-po exhaust system, a five-speed manual, stiffer suspension plus bigger brakes and tyres.

Neither are exactly going to light your pants on fire like a GT-R Nismo, but no doubt the Micra beats it for fuel economy.

Patrol Nismo

Sold exclusively in the Middle East, this is one Patrol you’re unlikely to see climbing sand dunes.

The 2.8 tonne tank uses the same 5.6-litre V8 as the standard model, but Nismo has bumped power up to 319kW from 298kW.

Exterior styling is inspired by the 370Z and GT-R Nismo, there’s 22-inch alloy wheels and under the skin lies Bilstein shocks and a reinforced bodyshell.

Serena Nismo

Need a family hauler but race car is life? Don’t worry Nismo has you covered with its modified Serena people mover.

Sadly, the only performance mods are a sport-tuned muffler and a custom tuning computer, so the minivan remains sensible family transport.

Other upgrades include a bodykit, rear spoiler, Recaro front seats, and 'custom' suspension.

Juke Nismo

Possibly one of the most opinion splitting cars on the market, the Juke is ugly to some and good looking to others.

Regardless, this didn’t stop Nismo from waving its magic wand over Nissan’s small SUV.

Under the bonnet is a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo engine making 160kW/280Nm and is connected to either a six-speed manual or CVT auto.

The ugly duckling also gets the usual suspension tweaks, bodykit and interior trim.

Pulsar GTI-R Nismo

Probably the most deserving of the Nismo badge, the Pulsar GTI-R was already a potent car back in the ‘90s and was further improved by the brand.

The all-wheel drive hot hatch received a handful of Nismo rally options, such as a roll cage, underbody guards, the rear seats were removed and so was the carpet.

Only 21 of these cars were ever made.

Sentra Nismo

Nissan America's humble sedan hasn't escaped the Nismo's treatment, even though the changes are mostly cosmetic.

The exterior gets the Nismo aerodynamic bodykit along with 18-inch alloy wheels, while the inside gets carbon-fibre accents, body-hugging front seats and a leather wrapped steering wheel with a red stripe (wow!).

Performance wise, the turbocharged 1.6-litre unit is unchanged at 140kW/240Nm, but the suspension has been tuned and the Sentra also gains Nismo brake pads.

What’s your favourite 'unusual' Nismo model? Let us know in the comments.