If you are looking for a compact and economical hatchback with a bright design and good dynamics, Nissan Note could be a great option. This model, presented in several generations, has gained popularity due to its combination of practicality, modern technology and affordable price. However, before purchasing, you should carefully study all the nuances - from technical characteristics to real reviews from owners.
In this article we will look at video reviews of Nissan Note, we will analyze the key features of the model, compare it with its main competitors and give practical recommendations for choosing. We will pay special attention to those aspects that are often missed in standard reviews - for example, real fuel consumption in the urban cycle when using air conditioning or the nuances of service in Russian conditions. If you haven't watched video reviews yet, after reading this article you'll know exactly what to look for.
Video reviews of Nissan Note: what to look for?
When watching video reviews Nissan Note It's easy to miss important details that could influence your purchasing decision. Most bloggers focus on the design and interior, but rarely delve into the technical nuances. Here's what to look for in the video to get the most useful information:
- 🔧 Demonstration of engine operation at idle speed - this will help assess the smoothness of operation and possible vibrations, especially relevant for models with
HR12DE(1.2 l) andHR16DE(1.6 l). - 🚗 Rough road test — Nissan Note It has a soft suspension, but in some videos you can see how the car “nods off” under hard braking.
- 🔊 Noise level in the cabin — many owners note that at speeds over 90 km/h the engine and noise from the wheels become audible.
- 💡 Operation of the multimedia system — in basic configurations the screen is small, and in top configurations there may be lags when connecting a smartphone via
Android Auto.
One of the most useful formats is long test drive video (from 20 minutes), where the blogger not only shows the car, but also shares his impressions of driving in different conditions. For example, in reviews from channels AutoTop NL or Car Throttle frequently demonstrate behavior Nissan Note on the highway and in the city, which helps to evaluate the real dynamics. But short “walking” videos (3-5 minutes) are usually superficial and do not give a complete picture.
- Brief overviews (up to 5 min)
- Detailed test drives (20+ min)
- Comparisons with competitors
- Reviews from owners
Technical specifications: what are they hiding in the reviews?
Most video reviews provide standard numbers from the technical data sheet, but there are nuances that are worth knowing before purchase. For example, the official fuel consumption for Nissan Note with engine 1.2 l (98 hp) is 5.2 l/100 km in the combined cycle. However, in real conditions in winter with warming up and short trips, this figure can increase to 7.5-8 l/100 km.
Another important point is gearbox. Many videos demonstrate smooth operation CVT Xtronic, but they rarely mention that with active acceleration it can be “stupid” for the first 1-2 seconds. This is especially noticeable when overtaking on the highway. If you plan to frequently drive on country roads, you should take a closer look at versions with manual transmission, which are more responsive but less economical.
| Characteristics | Nissan Note 1.2 (HR12DE) | Nissan Note 1.6 (HR16DE) |
|---|---|---|
| Power, hp | 98 | 117 |
| Fuel consumption (city), l/100 km | 6.5-7.2 | 7.8-8.5 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h, sec | 11.3 | 10.1 |
| Trunk volume, l | 354 (1,171 with seats folded) | 354 (1,171 with seats folded) |
| Gearbox type | CVT / manual transmission | CVT / manual transmission |
Also in the video they rarely talk about electronics reliability. Some owners have problems with parking sensors or a rear view camera after 3-4 years of use. If you buy a used model, be sure to check the operation of all electronic systems, especially if the car was operated in severe frost conditions.
When watching video reviews, pay attention to the year of manufacture of the model being tested. Nissan Note the second generation (2012-2020) had several restylings, and technical characteristics could differ even within the same engine.
Comparison with competitors: which is better based on videos and reviews?
To understand how much Nissan Note compares favorably with competitors, worth a look comparative video reviews. For example, in confrontation with Toyota Yaris And Hyundai i20 at Note There are several key benefits:
- 🚪 Larger trunk — 354 l versus 286 l Yaris and 260 l i20 (as standard).
- 💺 More spacious interior - thanks to the high seating position and wide door openings Note more convenient for passengers taller than 180 cm.
- 💰 Lower cost of service - according to reviews from owners, consumables and spare parts for Nissan cheaper than for Toyota.
However, in the video it is often noted that Yaris more reliable in the long term, and i20 has a more modern interior design. If dynamics are important to you, then Note with engine 1.6 l loses Yaris with 1.5 l (110 hp) in acceleration, but wins in suspension comfort.
Interesting point: in reviews from European bloggers Nissan Note often praised for system Around View Monitor (all-round view), which is rare in this class. However, in Russian realities, this option is available only in top trim levels, which increases the cost of the car by 150-200 thousand rubles.
Which models are most often compared to the Nissan Note?
In most video reviews Nissan Note compared with Toyota Yaris, Hyundai i20, Kia Rio And Volkswagen Polo. At the same time Note usually wins in practicality, but loses in brand prestige and the secondary market.
Owner reviews: what is not shown in the video?
Video reviews give a general idea of the car, but real operating experience can only be found out from owner reviews. This is what is most often mentioned by those who ride Nissan Note for several years now:
- ❄️ Problems starting in cold weather — models with a variator at temperatures below -25°C may experience delays at start. Some owners recommend installing a preheater.
- 🛣️ Noisy at high speeds — after 110 km/h, you can hear the hum from the wheels and wind noise, especially if non-standard tires are installed.
- 🔧 Weaknesses — most often, stabilizer struts break (after 40-50 thousand km) and tire pressure sensors.
- 💸 Insurance cost - due to high popularity among young people Note often falls into the high-risk category of insurance companies.
Many owners write in reviews that Nissan Note — This is a car “for every day”, but not for long trips. For example, when driving a distance of more than 500 km, your back begins to get tired due to soft seats with insufficient lateral support. It is also often mentioned that ground clearance 155 mm insufficient for Russian roads with potholes and speed bumps.
⚠️ Attention: If you buy Nissan Note with mileage, be sure to check the service history of the variator. Many dealers recommend changing the oil at CVT every 60 thousand km, but in reality not all owners do this, which leads to expensive repairs.
How to choose a Nissan Note from a video review: checklist
If you decide to buy Nissan Note After watching video reviews, use this checklist so as not to miss important details:
☑️ What to check before buying a Nissan Note
Pay special attention configuration. Videos often show top versions with leather interiors and advanced multimedia, but in reality, most cars on the secondary market are basic or mid-spec. For example, in the version Comfort There is no climate control, only air conditioning, which can be critical in hot climates.
It is also worth paying attention to body color. Reviews often show bright shades (e.g. Orange Metallic or Blue Pearl), but in practice such cars are more difficult to sell on the secondary market. Classic colors - gray, black or white - more versatile and better value for money.
If you are choosing between new and used Nissan Note, keep in mind that after 2020 the model was discontinued in Europe. This means that new cars on the market are either leftovers from warehouses or “gray” imported copies.
Where to watch high-quality video reviews?
Not all video reviews are created equal. Here is a list of verified channels where you can find detailed and honest reviews Nissan Note:
- 📺 AutoTop NL — detailed test drives with an emphasis on technical nuances. Minus: the video is in English, but there are Russian subtitles.
- 📺 Car Throttle — comparative reviews with other class B hatchbacks. Plus: a lot of dynamic shooting.
- 📺 AutoReview TV — Russian-language reviews with an emphasis on practicality and cost of ownership.
- 📺 Nissan Owners Club — reviews from real owners, including long-term tests.
If you are looking for reviews in Russian, pay attention to channels where cars are tested under Russian conditions. For example, in the video from AutoReview TV often show how Nissan Note behaves on bad roads or in frosts below -20°C. This is especially important if you plan to operate the machine in regions with harsh climates.
It is also useful to watch reviews with analysis of typical faults. For example, on the channel Car repair TV there is a video that demonstrates how to diagnose problems with the variator or why the light may be on Check Engine on Nissan Note after 100 thousand km.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Note
🔹 Which engine is more reliable: 1.2 or 1.6?
Engine HR12DE (1.2 l) more economical and less demanding to maintain, but weaker in dynamics. HR16DE (1.6 l) more powerful, but consumes more fuel and requires more frequent oil changes. For the city, 1.2 is better, for the highway - 1.6.
🔹 How long does the CVT on a Nissan Note last?
With proper maintenance (oil change every 60 thousand km), the variator can last 150-200 thousand km. However, if you ignore the regulations, problems with jerking or overheating may begin after 100 thousand km.
🔹 Which Nissan Note equipment is the most profitable?
Optimal price/quality ratio - Comfort+. It includes climate control, a rearview camera and heated seats, which covers the basic needs of most drivers.
🔹 Is it possible to install gas on a Nissan Note?
Technically yes, but this will reduce the reliability of the engine, especially if the installation is not done professionally. The variator does not tolerate additional loads well, so LPG is recommended only for a manual transmission.
🔹 What is the real fuel consumption of Nissan Note in winter?
In the urban cycle with warming up and short trips, consumption can reach 9-10 l/100 km for version 1.6 and 7.5-8.5 l/100 km for 1.2. On the highway, the figures are closer to the official ones - 5.5-6.5 l/100 km.