Nissan has revealed a sporty Nismo-badged version of the new Note hatchback, for the international markets. Nismo is the performance wing on the Japanese carmaker. Set to go on sale in Japan this year, the Note Nismo comes with an upgraded powertrain package. However, no performance details have been revealed so far.

The car's tyres, suspension and bodywork are also upgraded, with a new grille alongside special front and rear bumpers, side sills and a roof spoiler. The Note Nismo also comes with custom sports seats inside, while Recaro sports seats are optional. Two grades of the car will be available, the standard Note Nismo and the Nismo S.

Describing the two models, Nissan says the Note Nismo "caters to customers who enjoy spirited driving, but who also regard fuel efficiency as an important motoring factor," while the Nismo S "is to appease the pure high-performance needs of the sports driver, the person who wants to experience the fruits of Nismo's motorsports heritage."

Nismo product specialist Hiroshi Tamura said: "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."