Nissan Note is a compact hatchback that has remained one of the most practical cars in its class for more than 15 years. Its main advantage is its unexpectedly spacious trunk, which often becomes the decisive argument when choosing. But how much does it actually fit in the trunk? Note? How to download it correctly? And what tricks will help increase usable space? In this article you will find not only official figures, but also real tests, comparisons with competitors, as well as advice from owners with many years of experience.
We analyzed all generations Nissan Note (from E11 2004 to modern E13), studied the technical specifications and carried out our own measurements. You will learn how trunk volume has changed over the years, what accessories will help optimize space, and why Note often outperforms larger competitors. We’ll also look at typical loading errors that reduce the usable volume by 20-30%!
Official data: trunk volume by generation
The manufacturer always indicates trunk volume in the technical specifications, but these figures do not always reflect real practicality. Let's figure out what the official data means for each generation Nissan Note:
- 📦 Nissan Note E11 (2004–2012): 251 liters (up to shelf) / 1332 liters (with seats folded). The first generation was revolutionary for the class - with a length of 3.78 m, it offered a trunk comparable to cars a class higher.
- 📦 Nissan Note E12 (2012–2020): 320 liters (up to shelf) / 1486 liters (with seats folded). An increase of 69 liters was made possible thanks to a modified body shape and a rear axle shifted rearward.
- 📦 Nissan Note E13 (2020–present): 335 liters (up to shelf) / 1541 liters (with seats folded). The modern version has not only a larger volume, but also a more convenient trunk shape with fewer “dead spots”.
It is important to understand that official figures are measured according to the standard VDA (German: Verband der Automobilindustrie), which takes into account the volume up to the upper edge of the seat backs. In practice, this means that when loading tall items (for example, boxes), the actual usable volume may be 10-15% less. It is also worth considering that in Note E13 The trunk has become deeper, but a little narrower - this affects the placement of wide loads.
| Generation | Years of production | Volume to shelf (l) | Volume with seats folded (l) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E11 | 2004–2012 | 251 | 1332 | High seating position, square trunk shape |
| E12 | 2012–2020 | 320 | 1486 | System Divide-N-Hide for flexible transformation |
| E13 | 2020–present | 335 | 1541 | Flatter floor, power tailgate |
Critical feature: in the Nissan Note E13, when the seats are folded, an almost flat floor 1.6 m long is formed - this allows you to transport cargo up to 2.4 m long (for example, boards or skis) if you open the hatch between the cabin and the trunk.
- E11 (2004–2012)
- E12 (2012–2020)
- E13 (2020–present)
- Not decided yet
Real tests: what fits in the trunk of a Nissan Note?
Numbers are great, but how do they translate into practice? We conducted a series of tests with typical loads to show the real capabilities of the rack. All measurements were carried out on Nissan Note E13 (the most current model), but adjusted for the characteristics of other generations.
- 🛒 Groceries for a week for a family of 4 people: 2 large bags from the supermarket (50 liters each) + 2 boxes of drinks (24 bottles of 1.5 liters each) - fits without folded seats, leaving room for small bags.
- 🧳 Vacation luggage: 2 large suitcases (size
L, 70-80 l each) + 2 backpacks - you need to fold one rear seat (left or right). At the same time, the front passenger can maintain a comfortable position. - 🚴 Bicycle: A mountain bike with 27.5" wheels fits without removing the front wheel when the right rear seat is folded down. Note E11/E12 To do this you will have to remove the wheel.
- 🛠️ Construction materials: 10 bags of dry mixture, 25 kg each - only with the seats folded and the load evenly distributed (maximum load on the rear axle - 300 kg).
Interesting fact: thanks to the high ceiling (1.5 m in the trunk) Note you can transport even large plants in pots up to 1.2 m high. But the width of the load is more difficult - the maximum width between the wheel arches is only 98 cm (in E13 - 102 cm). This means that the standard European pallet (120×80 cm) will not fit without diagonal placement.
⚠️ Attention: When transporting long cargo (for example, furniture) through the open hatch between the passenger compartment and trunk, be sure to secure them with belts. B Nissan Note E12/E13 For this purpose, 4 fastening rings are provided, but their load is limited to 50 kg each.
Secrets to increasing space: Divide-N-Hide system and accessories
One of the key features Nissan Note (since generation E12) became a system Divide-N-Hide - a unique solution for flexible transformation of the luggage compartment. It allows you not only to fold the seats, but also to adjust the height of the floor, creating additional storage compartments.
How it works:
- 🔧 Two-level floor: the lower level (10 cm deeper) allows you to hide small objects, and the upper level allows you to create a flat surface for cargo.
- 🔄 Folding seats: in E12/E13 the rear sofa is divided in a ratio of 60:40, and the backrests can be folded independently (in E11 - only in its entirety).
- 📦 Storage compartments: under the trunk floor there is a niche for tools or dirty things (volume 20 liters per E13).
In addition to standard solutions, owners Note Additional accessories are often used:
| Accessory | Purpose | Compatibility | Approximate price (₽) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trunk organizer | Division of space into compartments | All generations | 2 500–4 000 |
| Separator mesh | Fixation of loads, prevention of displacement | E12, E13 | 1 800–3 000 |
| Rubber mat with sides | Protection from dirt, increased side height by 5 cm | All generations | 3 500–5 500 |
| Bicycle racks | Transporting 1-2 bicycles without removing wheels | E13 (requires adapter) | 6 000–12 000 |
Practical advice: If you often have to transport long loads (such as skis or boards), Nissan Note E13 You can install an additional hatch in the back of the front passenger seat. This will allow you to store items up to 2.7 m in length (with the front seat folded down). The service will cost 8,000–12,000 rubles at official service centers.
Fold down one rear seat instead of both (saves space for passengers)
Use a two-level floor to store small items
Secure the load with straps or a net separator
Place heavy objects closer to the seat backs (for even loading)
Make sure that the weight does not block the ventilation holes (in E13 they are located on the sides) -->
Comparison with competitors: who is more practical?
To objectively evaluate the trunk Nissan Note, let's compare it with the main competitors in the compact hatchback class. We took models with similar dimensions and price positioning:
| Model | Trunk volume (l) | Volume with seats folded (l) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Note E13 | 335 | 1541 | Highest ceiling in class, Divide-N-Hide system |
| Toyota Yaris | 286 | 737 | 15-20% less, but lower loading threshold |
| Honda Jazz | 304 | 1314 | Unique folding seats Magic Seat, but less depth |
| Hyundai i20 | 351 | 1165 | Larger in volume, but less convenient in shape |
| Volkswagen Polo | 351 | 1125 | The trunk is narrower and less deep, high loading threshold |
As can be seen from the table, Nissan Note E13 Leads in volume with the seats folded down, making it one of the most practical cars in the class. This is especially noticeable when transporting large cargo - thanks to the high ceiling and large trunk depth (95 cm in E13 versus 70-80 cm for competitors).
However, Honda Jazz has its advantage - the system Magic Seat, which allows the seats to be folded vertically, creating space for high loads (up to 1.3 m). B Note The maximum load height is limited to 1 m (due to the shape of the roof). But Nissan wins in terms of trunk opening width (1.02 m versus 0.9 m for Jazz), making it easier to load wide items.
⚠️ Attention: When choosing between Nissan Note And Honda Jazz Pay attention to the shape of the loads you most often transport. If these are tall objects (for example, plants or boxes) - Jazz might be more practical. If overall capacity and ease of loading are important to you, Note out of competition.
Why does the Note's trunk seem smaller in some tests?
In real conditions, the volume may decrease due to:
1. **Load Shapes** - Round or irregular items take up more space than cubic items.
2. **Spare wheel** - in Note E11 it takes up part of the trunk (in E12/E13 a dokatka or repair kit is used).
3. **Accessories** - for example, a subwoofer or compressor can reduce usable space by 10-15%.
4. **Ceiling heights** - in Note E13 The headliner is higher but tapers towards the rear, limiting cargo height closer to the tailgate.
Typical mistakes when loading the trunk: how not to lose 30% of space
Many owners Nissan Note complain that the trunk seems smaller than indicated in the specifications. Most often this is due to improper loading. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:
- 🚫 Ignoring a two-level floor: in Note E12/E13 the lower level allows you to hide small items, freeing up space above. Many people forget to use it, losing up to 50 liters of useful volume.
- 🚫 Uneven load distribution: If all the weight is concentrated on one side, it not only affects handling, but also reduces usable space (you have to leave room for balance).
- 🚫 Using inappropriate bags: Soft supermarket bags take up 20-30% more space than hard containers. For example, 3 bags from the store = 2 plastic boxes of the same volume.
- 🚫 They forget about the hatch between the passenger compartment and trunk: in Note E13 it allows you to transport loads up to 2.4 m in length, but many owners do not even know about its existence.
Another common problem is improper securing of the load. B Nissan Note The center of gravity is high enough that unstable loads (such as boxes placed vertically) can tip over under heavy braking. The solution is to use standard fastening rings or a separator mesh.
Case study: Owner Note E12 complained that the trunk did not fit 2 suitcases and a stroller. It turned out that he tried to load them vertically, whereas when placed horizontally (the stroller was disassembled, the suitcases were laid flat), everything fit easily, and there was even room for a bag of groceries.
If you often have to transport a stroller, Nissan Note E13 You can install a special hook for hanging it on the back door. This will free up 15-20% of the space in the trunk.
How to prepare the trunk for a long trip: step-by-step instructions
If you are planning a long trip to Nissan Note, proper preparation of the trunk will help save space and avoid unpleasant surprises. Here is a step-by-step algorithm:
- Clean the trunk: Remove all unnecessary items (tools, spare parts, trash). B Note E11/E12 Dirt often accumulates under the floor - check the drainage holes.
- Check out the Divide-N-Hide system: in E12/E13 make sure that the two-level floor works properly (sometimes the guides become clogged with sand).
- Distribute the load by weight:
- Heavy objects (tools, water bottles) are closer to the backs of the seats.
- Medium weight (suitcases, groceries) - in the middle.
- Light items (blankets, pillows) - closer to the back door.
If you are transporting fragile items (such as electronics), Nissan Note E13 You can use special shock-absorbing mats (article no. K01-NOTE-E13). They will reduce vibration and protect the load from damage. Cost - about 4,000 ₽.
B Nissan Note E13 when the trunk is fully loaded (more than 300 kg), the function is automatically turned off Auto Stop/Startto avoid overheating the rear axle. This is normal and not a malfunction.
Questions and answers: what else is important to know about the trunk of the Nissan Note?
Is it possible to increase the trunk volume in the Nissan Note E11?
Yes, but with reservations. There is no system in the first generation Divide-N-Hide, but you can install:
- Additional organizer (for example,
ThuleorKamei), which will add 10-15% of usable space. - Rubber mat with sides (will increase the height of the trunk by 5 cm).
- Mounts for a roof rack (if you need to transport large loads).
However, it will not be possible to radically increase the volume - the maximum volume with the seats folded remains 1332 liters.
How much weight can you carry in the trunk of a Nissan Note?
Maximum rear axle load:
- Note E11: 320 kg.
- Note E12: 350 kg.
- Note E13: 370 kg (thanks to reinforced suspension).
Exceeding these values leads to sagging of the rear end, poor handling and the risk of damage to the shock absorbers. The operating instructions also state that the total weight of cargo and passengers should not exceed 450 kg (for all generations).
Will a baby stroller fit in the trunk of a Nissan Note?
Yes, but you need to take into account the stroller model:
- 👶 Strollers (For example, Chicco Bravo) fit without folded seats in Note E12/E13.
- 👶 Transformers (For example, Cybex Priam) require one rear seat to be folded.
- 👶 3-in-1 strollers (For example, Peg-Perego Book) will only fit with the seats folded and the bumper removed (in E11).
B Note E13 there is an advantage - a wider trunk opening (102 cm versus 95 cm in E11), which simplifies loading.
How to protect the trunk from scratches and dirt?
We recommend the following solutions:
- 🛡️ Rubber mat (original
Nissan K01-NOTE-E13or analogues from WeatherTech). - 🛡️ Plastic tray (For example, Hatchbag) - protects the sides and floor.
- 🛡️ Removable trim (in Note E13 can be ordered from an authorized dealer).
- 🛡️ Silicone spray for treating plastic surfaces (facilitates cleaning).
B Note E11 Pay special attention to protecting plastic moldings - they fade over time from the sun.
Is it possible to carry pets in the trunk of a Nissan Note?
Yes, but subject to the rules:
- 🐕 Suitable for dogs weighing up to 20 kg transport box (For example, PetEgo), which will fit in the trunk Note E12/E13 without folded seats.
- 🐕 Large dogs (weighing 20-30 kg) can only be transported with a folded seat and a special partition (for example, Nissan Pet Divider).
- 🐱 It is recommended to transport cats in a carrier in the back seat (the trunk is too noisy and stuffy).
Important: in Note E11 the trunk is less ventilated, so in hot weather the temperature there can rise to +50°C. Use heat-protective blankets!