2022 Nissan Note Aura is one posh hybrid hatchback

Nissan reveals a posher version of the Note e-Power hybrid called the Aura

Remember when Nissan launched the all-new Note late last year in Japan? Not only did the hatchback get a new look, but it's now only available as a hybrid e-Power model. This further cements Nissan's commitment to building more environmentally-friendly cars, as well as further reducing their carbon footprint.

All well and good, but it seems Nissan also wants to continue offering luxurious versions of their hybrids and EVs. Enter the 2022 Nissan Note Aura. It offers the same hybrid performance and creature comforts as the standard Note, with added premium elements and enhancements.

Let's start with the Aura's more stylish exterior. Unlike the standard Note, the Aura gets a sculpted front grille painted black, and a different rear bumper. Nissan claims that this gives the Note Aura a wide stance, along with a low center of gravity. It also gets a unique set of LED headlights that accentuate the hatchback's sleeker appearance. Giving the hatchback a sporty-like finish are the 17-inch lightweight aluminum alloy wheels.

Apart from sprucing up the hatchback's exterior, Nissan says the Note Aura is available with 14 different body color variations, with five two-tone combinations. These include Garnet Red with Super Black and Midnight Black with Sunrise Copper.

Nissan was also busy changing up the Note Aura's cabin, particularly the Zero Gravity seats. Customers can choose from either a Herringbone patterned tweed-like fabric with synthetic leather or high-quality leather with specially-designed pleating to provide a better seating grip.

To provide users with a premium sound experience, Nissan installed a Bose sound system which can be paired with the optional Bose Personal Plus speakers that are placed in the front headrests. To ensure outside noise is kept to a minimum, improved noise dampening on the roof, doors, and front glass help to keep cabin quietness at comfortable levels.

Other notable extras Nissan put in the Note Aura are the wood grain-like finishes on the door trims and center console, and tweed-like fabric on the front armrests plus the instrument panel.

As mentioned earlier, this Note Aura comes with an e-Power hybrid electrified powertrain. Unlike a traditional hybrid, electric motors actually drive the wheels. It has a 1.2-liter HR12DE gasoline engine, but it only serves as a generator to power the aforementioned electric motors. Power is rated at 100 kW (135 PS) along with 300 Nm of torque. 2WD comes as standard while 4WD is available as an option.

Sales of the 2022 Nissan Note Aura will start around Q4 of this year in Japan. Currently, there appear to be no plans for the Note Aura to be offered elsewhere. But should sales of EVs and hybrids pick up in the Philippines, maybe Nissan can bring the Note Aura, alongside all-electric Leaf to the country.