The Big Picture
The 2021 Nissan Aura is what happens when Nissan decides to turn the humble Note into a luxury car. Launched in 2021 as a standalone premium model, it is wider, quieter, and more powerful than the standard Note E13. It targets the buyer who wants the fuel efficiency of e-Power but demands the interior quality of a Teana or Skyline. It is effectively a "Mini-Ariya."
Quick Specs
Clearance
130mm
Tank Size
36 Litres
Power
134 HP (e-Power)
Seating
5 Seats
Engine Options & Model Codes
The Aura is exclusively e-Power (Series Hybrid):
-
2nd Gen e-Power (HR12DE + EM47): STANDARD This is an upgraded system compared to the old Note. It produces 134 HP and a massive 300 Nm of torque (more than a 2.5L petrol engine!). The engine runs quieter and less frequently, enhancing the premium feel.
Interior & Practicality
- Zero Gravity Seats: The seats are designed to reduce fatigue and are covered in a tweed-like fabric or leather with wood-grain accents.
- Bose Personal Plus: High-spec models feature speakers built into the front headrests. The sound quality is immersive and rare for a hatchback of this size.
Fuel Efficiency & Ownership Costs
- Consumption: 23–27 km/l. It is slightly thirstier than the standard Note due to the extra power and weight, but still exceptional.
- Service: Similar to the Note e-Power. You maintain the 1.2L generator engine. The electric motor is maintenance-free.
- Body Parts: WARNING The Aura is wider (1735mm) than the Note (1695mm). Its bumpers, lights, and fenders are unique. Do not assume Note parts will fit. Parts availability in Nairobi is currently low.
Suitability for Kenyan Roads
Low Rider: At 130mm, it is low. The sporty bumper lips are prone to scraping. It is strictly a tarmac car. The suspension is tuned for comfort, soaking up manhole covers much better than the stiffer Note Nismo.
Safety & Reliability
It features the full ProPILOT suite (on high grades), including Navi-link which slows the car down for curves on the highway. Reliability of the 2nd Gen e-Power system is excellent so far.
💰 2021 Nissan Aura Price in Kenya
The following are average showroom prices for fresh imports in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret.
| Trim Level |
Import Cost |
Showroom Price |
Difference |
| G e-Power |
Ksh 1.9M |
Ksh 2.3M |
Ksh 400,000 |
| G Leather Edition |
Ksh 2.1M |
Ksh 2.5M |
Ksh 400,000 |
The Ci Verdict
Who is this for? The buyer who wants the silence and tech of a luxury EV but lives in an apartment with no charger. Who is it NOT for? Bargain hunters—it is significantly pricier than a standard Note for mostly cosmetic gains.
Meet the Rivals
Nissan Note (E13)
The standard version. Cheaper, narrower, less plush.
Check Specs »
Honda Fit Luxe
The luxury trim of the Fit. Great visibility.
Check Specs »
