Nissan Note E11: interior review, equipment and hidden features

Compact hatchback Nissan Note E11 (2006–2013) has become one of the most popular cars in its class thanks to its practicality, reliability and thoughtful interior. The interior of this model is often highlighted for its ergonomics, space for passengers and solutions unusual for the budget segment - for example, Flexi Board rear seat transformation system, which allows you to transport large loads without folding the backrests. However, the interior Note E11 There are also controversial issues: from the quality of plastic to noise insulation.

In this article we will look at the salon Nissan Note E11 in detail: from finishing materials to hidden functions that are often overlooked even by experienced owners. You will learn which trim levels offered the best equipment, what to look for when buying a used car, and how to modernize the interior with your own hands. And also - real reviews from drivers about the pros and cons of the interior after Years of many years of use.

Interior design and ergonomics: pros and cons

Interior Nissan Note E11 designed taking into account Japanese standards of practicality: there are no frills, but every detail performs its function. The center console is designed in a minimalist style, with clearly separated zones for climate control and audio system. Steering wheel with height adjustment (in top versions - and in terms of reach) provides a comfortable fit even for tall drivers, although some complain about insufficient lumbar support in the basic seats.

One of the key advantages of the salon is ceiling height — 1520 mm, which is 50–70 mm more than competitors like Toyota Yaris or Honda Jazz. This makes boarding and disembarking passengers comfortable, and the headroom is not tight even in the back row. However, it came at a cost poor aerodynamics and increased noise levels at speeds over 100 km/h.

• ✅ Spacious salon — despite the compact external dimensions (3.9 m in length), there is enough space inside for 4 adults.
• ✅ Comfortable chairs with good lateral support (in versions with leather trim).
• ❌ Hard plastic on the door cards and dashboard, which creaks over time.
• ❌ Poor sound insulation — on the highway you can hear wind noise and suspension operation.

⚠️ Attention: In models before 2009, a problem with peeling off adhesive on ceiling trim. When purchasing, check the condition of the ceiling - repairs will cost 15–20 thousand rubles.

Finishing materials: what to choose and what to avoid

Basic versions Nissan Note E11 equipped with fabric seat trim and hard plastic on the instrument panel. In top trim levels (Tekna or Acenta) were offered combined materials: leatherette with fabric inserts, chrome inserts on the steering wheel and gearshift lever, as well as soft plastic on the dashboard. The latter, by the way, do not “tan” over time and do not become covered with cracks, unlike budget options.

The most problematic areas based on materials:

Salon element	Material	Typical problems	Recommendations
Torpedo	Hard plastic (base) / soft plastic (top)	Creaks and cracks in deflectors	Use silicone grease for joints
Door cards	Plastic with fabric insert	Fabric peeling, handles breaking	Glue with 3M double-sided tape
Seats	Fabric (base) / leatherette (top)	Rubbing fabric, cracks in leatherette	Use covers or leather conditioner
Steering wheel	Plastic/leather (optional)	Covering abrasion, pillow creaking	Steering wheel reupholstery or replacement with a sports one

If you choose used Note E11, give preference to versions with soft plastic on the dashboard - it retains its presentable appearance longer. But it’s better to avoid cars with light fabric trim: even with careful use, after 5–7 years irremovable stains appear on the seats.

Flexi Board interior transformation system: how to use

Branded feature Nissan Note E11 - system «Flexi Board», which allows you to transform the luggage compartment and rear row of seats. Unlike the classic folding of the backrests, here we use movable shelf, which can:

• 📦 rise to the level of the seats, creating a flat floor for cargo.
• 🪑 go down, increasing the trunk depth to 1.5 m (with seats folded).
• 🚼 Fixed at an angle, creating a “secret” compartment for small items.

To activate Flexi Board, you need:

1. Fold down the rear seats (the levers are on the backrests).
2. Lift the shelf up until it clicks (it is secured with latches).
3. If necessary, secure the shelf in an intermediate position using straps.

The shelf goes up and down without jamming|

Latches secure the shelf in the upper position|

No cracks or chips on plastic guides|

The fixation straps are not torn-->

⚠️ Attention: If the shelf Flexi Board does not lock in the upper position, the problem may be broken latches or deformed guides. Repairs will cost 5-8 thousand rubles, but original spare parts are difficult to find - analogues from Dacia Sandero.

How to transport a bike in Note E11 without a trunk?

Fold down the rear seats and raise the parcel shelf Flexi Board to the top position. The bicycle is placed with its wheels in the trunk, and the handlebars are secured with straps to the headrests. To protect the interior, use cardboard or a special blanket.

Options and equipment: what Nissan offered

In Russia Nissan Note E11 officially sold in three main trim levels: Visia, Acenta And Tekna. The difference between them concerned not only the interior trim, but also the equipment:

• 🚗 Visia (basic):
  • Fabric seat trim.
  • Manual windows at the front.
  • Audio system with CD player (no Bluetooth).
• 💺 Acenta (medium):
  • Electrical package (windows, mirrors).
  • Air conditioning (climate control option).
  • Heated front seats.
• 🎛️ Tekna (top):
  • Leather trim on the steering wheel and gearshift lever.
  • Cruise control and on-board computer.
  • Stabilization system ESP (since 2010).

Separately worth mentioning special versions, such as Note Nismo (sports version with red inserts in the interior) or Note Autech (with improved sound insulation and leather seats). The latter are extremely rare on the secondary market, but their interior is considered the standard of comfort for this model.

Interior tuning: what you can improve with your own hands

Even in top trim levels the interior Nissan Note E11 leaves room for modernization. Here are some proven solutions:

1. Noise insulation:
   • Laying SPLEN or Bimast on the floor, doors and wheel arches.
   • Replacement of door seals (original art. 84601-4M000).
2. Lighting:
   • Installation of LED lamps in the lampshade (base T10).
   • Additional illumination of the driver’s feet (12V LED strip).
3. Multimedia:
   • Replacing the standard radio with a 2DIN radio Android Auto (For example, Pioneer SPH-DA130DAB).
   • Installation of a rear view camera (attached under the license plate).

One of the most popular upgrades is replacing the steering wheel with sporty from Nismo or Momo. To do this you will need an airbag adapter (art. 52100-4M000) and flashing SRS-block to disable the airbag error. The cost of service work is from 10 thousand rubles.

Typical interior problems and how to avoid them

After 10+ years of use, even the most durable interior begins to “age.” U Nissan Note E11 There are several “diseases” that you should know about in advance:

1. Instrument panel squeaks:

   The reason is that the plastic fastening clips are drying out. Solution: remove the dashboard, lubricate the clips with silicone grease and install additional screws at the mounting points.

2. Heated seats don't work:

   Most often the fuse blows F30 (15A) or the contacts under the seats oxidize. Check the circuit with a multimeter.

3. Smell of dampness in the cabin:

   Water accumulates under the floor mats due to clogged drain holes under the windshield. Clean them with a wire and treat them with antibacterial spray.

Another common problem is failure of power windows. In 80% of cases the gear motor is to blame (art. 80850-4M000 for front doors). It can be repaired (replacing gears) or bought used for 3–5 thousand rubles.

⚠️ Attention: If after washing the buttons on the driver's door stop working, water most likely got into the electrical package control unit. It is necessary to remove the door trim and dry the board with a hairdryer (without heating!).

Owner reviews: real operating experience

We analyzed owner reviews Nissan Note E11 on forums (like Drive2 And NoteClub) and highlighted the most common opinions about the salon:

• 👍 Space: “For its size, the car surprises with its interior space. 4 adults with backpacks fit in without any problems" (Alexey, Moscow).
• 👍 Ease of management: “The steering wheel is thin, the pedals are located perfectly. After Toyota Ist it felt like I was in a racing kart" (Igor, St. Petersburg).
• 👎 Noisiness: “At a speed of 110+ km/h, the cabin is like in an aquarium - you can hear everything, including stones from under the wheels” (Olga, Ekaterinburg).
• 👎 Plastic quality: “After 3 years, squeaks appeared, and after 5 years, a crack appeared on the dashboard near the deflector” (Dmitry, Novosibirsk).

Interestingly, the owners Tekna They rarely complain about materials - it is clear that additional investments in soft plastic and leatherette pay off. But those who bought the basic Visia, are often spent on retrofitting already in the first year or two.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about the interior of the Nissan Note E11

Is it possible to install climate control as standard?

Technically yes, but this will require replacing the heater control unit, sensors and some wiring. The cost of work with spare parts is from 40 thousand rubles. It is much cheaper to buy a car with climate control already installed.

What is the boot capacity of the Note E11 with the Flexi Board raised?

With the parcel shelf raised and the rear seats folded down, the trunk volume reaches 1330 liters (according to the manufacturer). For comparison: Honda Jazz of the same generation - 1314 l, Toyota Yaris - 737 l.

What to do if the steering column squeaks?

The squeak is usually caused by wear of the plastic bushing where the steering wheel is attached. Solution:

1. Remove the lower steering column cover.
2. Lubricate the bushing with silicone grease (for example, Liqui Moly Silicon-Fett).
3. If the wear is critical, replace the bushing (art. 49110-4M000).

What are the best seat covers for Note E11?

We recommend cases from Covercraft (art. CF10112) or WeatherTech — they take into account the non-standard shape of the seats. For a budget option, covers from Auto blanket (about 3 thousand rubles per set).

How to turn off the seat belt beeping?

B Nissan Note E11 There are two ways to turn off the belt beep:

1. Software (via diagnostic connector OBD-II with the help Launch X431 or similar scanner).
2. Mechanically, turn off the speaker in the door pillar (but this will turn off all sound signals, including parking sensors).

⚠️ Attention: Disabling the seat belt signal may cause denial of insurance compensation in the event of an accident (clause 2.1.2 of the Russian Traffic Regulations).