| Nissan Note | |
| Manufacturer: | Nissan |
| Production: | 2004–present |
| Class: | Mini MPV (B) |
| Body Style: | 5-door hatchback |
| Layout: | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (Japan only) |
| Predecessor: | Nissan Almera Tino |
| Aka: | Nissan Versa Note (2013–2019) |
The is a supermini/subcompact hatchback or a mini MPV[1] manufactured and marketed globally by Nissan. Introduced in 2004, the first-generation Note was primarily marketed in Japan and Europe, and was produced in Japan and the United Kingdom. The second-generation model was sold in other regions, including North America where it was manufactured in Mexico and marketed as the Versa Note, and Thailand, where it serves as one of the B-segment hatchback offered by the brand alongside the smaller March/Micra under the Eco Car tax scheme.[2]
In 2017, the second-generation Note was replaced by the French-built K14 Micra for the European market.[3] The Versa Note was discontinued in North America in 2019 due to the decreasing demand for subcompact hatchbacks in the region.[4] It continued to be produced and sold in Japan up to the introduction of the third-generation Note in late 2020.
The Note was introduced with a series hybrid drivetrain in late 2016 as the Note e-Power.[5] Due to its popularity and the push of electrification, the third-generation Note is only available with the e-Power drivetrain, which consumes 29.5km/l (69m/USg).[6]
| First generation | |
| Model Code: | E11 |
| Production: | December 2004 – 2013 |
| Assembly: | Japan: Yokosuka, Kanagawa (Oppama Plant) United Kingdom: Sunderland (NMUK) |
| Designer: | Taiji Toyota[7] |
| Platform: | Nissan B platform |
| Transmission: | 5-speed manual 4-speed Jatco RE4F03A automatic (Europe) Jatco RE0F08A/JF009E CVT (Japan) |
| Wheelbase: | 26001NaN1 |
| Length: | 40831NaN1 |
| Width: | 16901NaN1 |
| Height: | 1545– |
| Weight: | 1150– |
Nissan Note was developed to replace the unpopular Almera Tino which has proved to be a failure in Europe, with only 200,000 cars sold in 7 years.[8] The main rival of Almera Tino, Renault Scénic, had 1,400,000 cars sold just in two years after the introduction of the second-generation model.[9] Renault will later also introduce their mini-MPV named Modus, which will also become best-seller by late 2005.[10] The development of what would become Note started around summer 2002.[11] As a result, the Nissan Tone concept was created. It was unveiled at the 2004 Paris Motor Show.[12] [13] While similar to production model in general, the concept has some unique features such as U-shaped panoramic roof,[14] and a large dashboard screen inside.[15] The concept was equipped with automatic gearbox[16] and always had its rear doors locked. Chris Lee, Nissan's product manager, says that many millions of dollars were invested in development and that Note was meant to be sold with pricetag under €13,000.[17]
The production version was unveiled and went on sale on 20 January 2005 in Japan.[18] [19] The European model was unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show, followed by the 2006 Geneva Motor Show.[20] [21] Retail models went on sale in Europe in early 2006. The United Kingdom was the first market to have the Note launch, being released on 1 March 2006. The car shares some of its underpinnings with the Renault Modus, and manufactured at Nissan's plant in Washington, England.[22] Early models included a choice of four engines, which are 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol; and two options of 1.5-litre diesel.[23] It is an indirect successor to the conventional medium-sized Almera hatchback for the region.
The trim levels for the European market were the S, SE and SVE, while later it is replaced by Visia, Visia+, Acenta, Acenta R and Tekna. In Russia/CIS region, Nissan sold Note with Comfort, Luxury and Tekna trim levels. Cars made for this market before 2009 have standard OBDII diagnostics especially software disabled by Nissan.
The 2006 Nissan Note, 1.4 Acenta (SE), five-door hatchback passed, July 2006, passed the Euro NCAP car safety tests with these ratings:
Production of European model of Nissan Note began in January 2006 at Sunderland plant in the UK.[24]
Nissan Note was produced in Nissan's Oppama Plant.[25] [26]
A CD single called 'C'mon Everybody Note&Pencils' was released by Pony Canyon on 9 August 2006, which included Eddie Cochran's C'mon Everybody (original, DJ UTO remix, instrumental) used in the Nissan Note commercial premiered on 12 May 2006. The CD cover shows a Marine Blue Note 15S V package drawing on a 50m x 40m notebook with blue tire tracks.[27] [28] The Note commercial was performed by Toshihiro Yashiba of JFCT INC.[29]
In 2007, Nissan slightly facelifted Note. Both bumpers become fully painted. Radio antenna moved to the rear of the roof. Headlamp washer lost its dedicated button and become fully automatic which lead to excessive cleaner fluid consumption. New radio models were offered and some less significant and invisible changes were made.
Changes to Nissan Note include:
Japanese models went on sale on 16 January 2008. Early models include 15X F package, 15X, 15G, 15RS, 15RX, 15X FOUR F package, 15X FOUR, 15G FOUR.[30] [31]
European model was unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. The 1.5-litre dCi engine models went on sale in September 2008, followed by 1.4-litre petrol engine models in October 2008.[31]
European second facelift/restyle models went on sale in the late 2010 as 2011 model year vehicles. As for early models Nissan provided choice of 3 engines (1.5-litre dCi turbo diesel engine (N/A in CIS/Russia), 1.4-litre with 65 kW (88 hp) and a 1.6-litre with 81 kW (110 hp) petrol), choice of 10 body colours (a metallic red and a metallic grey - added to replace three outgoing colours; two solid colours and 8 metallics).[32] On second facelift many changes were made in exterior and interior. Lights, bumpers, grille and dashboard were significantly changed. Nissan Connect Radio/Navi offered as option for high trim levels. AT software was tuned to stay on the safe side while ATF is not warm enough. There are variety of less significant changes.
There are versions of Nissan Note 15X SV and 15X FOUR SV for the Japanese market, with intelligent air conditioning system with 1-touch clean switch.
The vehicles went on sale on 30 June 2011.[33]
It is a version of the Nissan Note Rider 15X SV (2WD 1.5L) and 15X FOUR SV (e･4WD 1.5L) for the Japanese market, with exclusive dark chrome front grille, dark chrome bumper grille, exclusive dark emblem (Rider/AUTECH), intelligent air conditioning system, exclusive sports muffler (by FUJITSUBO) and exclusive pumper finisher (from Note Rider Autech option), choice of 2 body colors (white pearl (3 coat pearl), super black (pearl)).
The vehicles went on sale on 19 October 2011.[34]
As part of the 2008 Nissan Note launch in Japan, a series of television commercials based on The World of GOLDEN EGGS characters was produced. The corresponding web site <http://note-notte.com/ > opened on 21 December 2007, followed by the 1st television commercial premiere in January 2008, and the opening of a special Nissan Note web site with The World of GOLDEN EGGS characters.[35]
As part of the 2009 Nissan Note market launch in Japan, a series of animated commercials were premiered on 20 May 2009. The commercial was inspired by the Heidi, Girl of the Alps animated series, featuring Junichi Koumoto and Tomochika (as Heidi).[36] The series was produced by studio crocodile inc.
UK models included:
UK models went on sale in February 2012.[37] Since beginning of 2012 and till the end of E11 production in 2013 at least in Russian marketed models/trims Nissan silently excluded seat belt pretensioners without any prior notes. Furthermore, seat belt pretensioners was listed in all the dealer offers and contracts while some people found no installed pretensioners on their places upon seat dismount. Later NM Russia acknowledged the lack of pretensioners in Nissan Note 2012–2013.
Nissan Connect is an auto entertainment system offered with many Nissan cars. There are a few different models of NC for different cars. It is an inexpensive CD/USB audio player with a built-in 4-channel amplifier, 5" LCD, resistive touchscreen and GPS receiver. The only navigation software is built into the firmware. No user apps could be installed on the device. Maps could only be updated using Nissan DRM protected SD cards ($150+). Cellular communications are not supported by hardware. Audio/amplifier quality can be assumed as acceptable. System was developed by Bosch Portugal as stated on stickers and is Linux based. Sources of firmware were not published which does definitely violate Linux open source license.
, Nissan has sold 940,000 units of Nissan Note.[38]
It is a version of the Nissan Note inspired by multi-sports brand adidas, with user-changeable treatment on the front/rear bumpers; fabrics and rubber materials used on dashboard, door trim, etc.
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show.[39] [40]
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2006 Tokyo Auto Salon.[41]
| Second generation | |
| Aka: | Nissan Versa Note (North America) |
| Model Code: | E12 |
| Platform: | Nissan V platform |
| Related: | Nissan Micra/March (K13) Nissan Almera/Latio/Sunny/Versa (N17) |
| Motor: | 2× EM57 High Power 96abbr=onNaNabbr=on, 254Nm AC synchronous (e-Power) |
| Transmission: | Xtronic CVT 5-speed manual Single speed constant ratio (e-Power) |
| Drivetrain: | Series hybrid (e-Power) |
| Wheelbase: | 26001NaN1 |
| Length: | 41001NaN1 |
| Width: | 16951NaN1 |
| Height: | NaN1NaN1 |
| Predecessor: | Nissan Tiida (Japan) Nissan Versa hatchback (North America) Nissan Livina (Asia) Nissan Almera (Europe) |
| Successor: | Nissan Micra (K14) (Europe) Nissan Versa (N18) (Americas) |
| Designer: | Atsushi Maeda[42] |
| Model Years: | 2014–2019 (North America) |
Showcased in 2012 at the 82nd Geneva Motor Show, the Invitation Concept is a hatchback concept built on the V platform, designed to be sold alongside Nissan Micra and Nissan Juke. It featured a swage line at the side body panel, independent front MacPherson struts with coil springs, torsion beam rear axle, Around View Monitor (AVM) safety technology, Nissan Safety Shield System.[43] [44]
The second generation Nissan Note was based on the Nissan INVITATION concept.
The vehicle was unveiled at the Osanbashi venue in Yokohama,[38] [45] followed by Nissan Gallery on 28 August 2012.[46]
The European model was unveiled at the 83rd Geneva Motor Show.[47]
The Latin American model was unveiled at the Port of Cartagena de Indias in Colombia.
It would replace the Nissan Livina for other countries' markets (except China and parts of Asia) within 2013.
Japanese models went on sale on 3 September 2012. Early Note models include a choice of HR12DE (S, X, X FOUR) and HR12DDR (S DIG-S, X DIG-S, MEDALIST) engines, Xtronic CVT transmission. Early Note Rider models include a choice of HR12DE (X, X FOUR) and HR12DDR (X DIG-S) engines, Xtronic CVT transmission.[48] [49] The width dimension is kept under 1700mm on all international models so that versions in Japan will be in compliance with Japanese Government dimension regulations with engine displacement kept under 2000cc so that Japanese versions will offer Japanese buyers annual road tax savings for smaller engines.
Hong Kong models went on sale on 21 September 2012. Early models included DIG-S with HR12DDR engine, XTRONIC CVT transmission, ISS idle mode.[50]
Latin American models went on sale in July 2013. Early models included Sense (manual and CVT) and Advance (manual and CVT).[51]
European models went on sale in summer 2013, with deliveries beginning in autumn 2013. Early models include a choice of 3 engines (1.2-litre 80PS petrol, 1.2-litre 98PS DIG-S petrol, 1.5-litre 90PS turbo diesel), manual or CVT transmission, 3 trim levels (Visia, Acenta and Tekna).[32]
Nissan said the drag coefficient is 0.298.[52] The frontal area is 2.13 m2, making the drag area CdA to be at 0.639 m2.[53]
It is a version of the Nissan Note for the Japanese market, with plated door handles, exclusive Beatnic Gold body color, suede-like cloth seats and artificial leather, piano-like center cluster finisher and genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel. The highest grade "MEDALIST" is also a model that inherits the concept of Tidus and comes from Laurel's grade of the same name.
The Versa Note is a version of the Note for the US market, as a replacement of the outgoing Versa hatchback.
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2013 North American International Auto Show.[54]
US model went on sale in mid-2013 as 2014 model year vehicle. Early models include 1.6-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine with dual fuel injection and Twin CVTC (Continuously Variable Timing Control), 5-speed manual or Xtronic CVT transmission, 5 grade levels (S, S Plus, SV, SL). A sporty SR model has been added to the 2015 lineup. New for 2017 a facelift with a new front bumper cover as well as rear (previously only available on the SR model), wheels and color choices.[55] [56]
Nissan discontinued the Versa Note in late 2019, while the Versa sedan continued to be offered for the 2020 model year onwards.[57]
| Engine Type | code | Power, torque@rpm | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1198NaN I3 (79PS) | HR12DE | 790NaN0@6000, 10.8kgm@4400 | |
| 1198NaN I3 supercharged (98PS) | HR12DDR | 980NaN0@5600, 14.5kgm@4400 | |
| 1598NaN I4 (111PS) | HR16DE | 1110NaN0@6000, 14.8kgm@4400 |
The Japanese model of Nissan Note is manufactured at Nissan Motor Kyushu, while European models of Nissan Note were developed at Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE) in both the UK and Spain and produced in Nissan Manufacturing UK in Sunderland.
Both the North American Nissan Versa Note and Latin American models of the Nissan Note are built in Nissan Mexicana SA de CV in Aguascalientes, Mexico.
, Japanese dealers have received 21,880 market orders of Nissan Note.[58] [59]
As part of Nissan Note's market launch in Japan, Nissan Note's Japan website featured a flip book animation.[60] [61]
Nissan Note uses PS19W DRLs in Argentine and European models.
Changes include:
The vehicle was unveiled at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show in 2013.[62] [63]
Japanese model went on sale on 25 December 2013.[64]
| Engine Type | code | Power, torque@rpm | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1198NaN I3 (79PS) | HR12DE | 790NaN0@6000, 10.8kgm@4400 | |
| 1198NaN I3 supercharged (98PS) | HR12DDR | 980NaN0@5600, 14.5kgm@4400 |
On 24 October 2016, Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn revealed at the Nissan Note factory in Japan the facelifted MY2017 Note model, with a special powertrain called e-Power. It uses only an electric motor to move the car, while a petrol engine is used as a generator producing electricity that goes directly into propelling the electric motor or, when electricity is in excess, to charge the batteries (similar to BMW's REX).
Nissan unveiled a new hybrid powertrain in Note e-Power on 2 November 2016 in Japan.
The company's new e-Power series hybrid system consists of a small 1.2-liter, three-cylinder gasoline engine (HR12DE) and an electric traction motor (EM57), which is shared with the Nissan Leaf, pairs with a much smaller battery (1.5 kWh) than the Leaf's.[65] Unlike typical power-split parallel hybrid vehicles, in the series hybrid scheme, the small engine only charges the battery, and the electric motor is the sole source of traction with no plug-in capability.[66] The motor power output rating is 80kW and 240Nm torque.
As of 2017, the Nissan Note is being sold only in Asia and Americas.[67] UK production for European and Argentine markets ended in March that year to increase capacity for Qashqai.[68] [69]
| Third generation | |
| Model Code: | E13 |
| Production: | December 2020 – present |
| Assembly: | Japan: Yokosuka, Kanagawa (Oppama Plant)[70] |
| Designer: | Giovanny Arroba and Kazunori Murabayashi[71] [72] |
| Platform: | Renault–Nissan CMF-B HS platform |
| Motor: | EM47 85–, 280– AC3 synchronous MM48 50abbr=onNaNabbr=on, 100Nm AC3 synchronous |
| Transmission: | Single speed constant ratio |
| Drivetrain: | Series hybrid |
| Wheelbase: | 25801NaN1 |
| Length: | 40451NaN1 |
| Width: | 16951NaN1 17351NaN1 (Note Aura) |
| Height: | 1505– |
| Weight: | 1190– |
The third-generation Note was revealed in Japan on 24 November 2020 and went on sale on 23 December 2020. It is based on the CMF-B platform. For this generation, the Note is only available with an e-Power series hybrid 2WD or 4WD drivetrain (introduced later in 2021), in which one electric motor powering the front axle and another motor powering the rear axle.[73] [74] [75]
Japanese models went on sale in December 2020. Initial models included the e-Power, followed by e-Power AWD in 2021.[76] [77] [78] [79]
An upmarket version called the Note Aura was introduced and went on sale in June 2021.[80] It features a redesigned front and rear fascia, wider body, and a 1000NaN0 and 300Nm torque electric motor.[81] Initial models include G, G leather edition, G Four, G Four leather edition.[82] [83] The Note Aura received a facelift on 13 June 2024.
The Note Autech Crossover went on sale in October 2021 in Japan. It is a version of the Note with crossover body, with exclusive blue signature LEDs, metal-finish door mirrors, 25 mm of increased ground clearance via retuned suspension and larger diameter tyres.[84] Initial grades include X and X Four.[85] [86]
The facelifted Note was revealed on 11 December 2023.[87]
| Model | Powertrain type[88] [89] [90] | Power, torque @ rpm |
|---|---|---|
| Note e-Power (6AA-E13) Note e-Power AWD (6AA-SNE13) | 1198NaN I3 (HR12DE, generator only) | 60kW @ 6000 rpm, 103abbr=onNaNabbr=on @ 4800 rpm |
| Front: electric AC motor (EM47) | 85kW @ 2900–10,341 rpm, 280abbr=onNaNabbr=on @ 0–2900 rpm | |
| Rear: electric AC motor (MM48, AWD only) | 50kW @ 4775–10,024 rpm, 100abbr=onNaNabbr=on @ 0–4775 rpm | |
| Note e-Power Aura (6AA-FE13) Note e-Power Aura AWD (6AA-FNE13) | 1198NaN I3 (HR12DE, generator only) | 60kW @ 6000 rpm, 103abbr=onNaNabbr=on @ 4800 rpm |
| Front: electric AC motor (EM47) | 100kW @ 3183–8500 rpm, 300abbr=onNaNabbr=on @ 0–3183 rpm | |
| Rear: electric AC motor (MM48, AWD only) | 50kW @ 4775–10,024 rpm, 100abbr=onNaNabbr=on @ 0–4775 rpm |
In 2013, the Note won the RJC Car of the Year award, beating out the Suzuki Wagon R and the Mazda CX-5.[91] Five years later, it became the top-selling compact car in Japan for 2018 and won the Japanese environmental award on the same year.[92]
| 2005 | 93,925 | ||
| 2006 | 69,863 | 71,659 | |
| 2007 | 55,659 | 65,945 | |
| 2008 | 62,704 | 59,339 | |
| 2009 | 65,745 | 51,742 | |
| 2010 | 66,347 | 45,412 | |
| 2011 | 46,475 | 35,448 | |
| 2012 | 85,330 | 31,386 | |
| 2013 | 147,634 | 33,087 | |
| 2014 | 106,765 | 65,579 | |
| 2015 | 97,995 | 46,267 | |
| 2016 | 102,402 | 35,884 | |
| 2017 | 138,905 | 12,546 | |
| 2018 | 136,324 | 145 | |
| 2019 | 118,472 | 9 | |
| 2020 | 72,205 | ||
| 2021 | 90,177 | ||
| 2022 | 110,113 | ||
| 2023 | 102,508 |