Subcompact B+ hatchbacks continue to dominate the used car market, and Nissan Note occupies a special place in this niche. Unlike many competitors, this model offers not just compact dimensions, but thoughtful ergonomics and amazing capacity, which often becomes a decisive factor when choosing.
Many car enthusiasts planning test drive, they expect to see only utilitarian city transport here, but the reality turns out to be much more interesting. Dynamic character, adaptive suspension and a wide range of engines make operation Nissan Note comfortable both in dense metropolitan traffic and on country roads.
Exterior and design: Style or utilitarianism?
Appearance Nissan Note The second generation, known as the E12, was a real breakthrough for the brand. Designers abandoned boring shapes in favor of more aggressive lines, which gave the car a sporty character. The roofline slopes smoothly towards the rear, creating a floating body effect, which visually lightens the design.
The headlights have sharp edges, and the massive radiator grille in the V-Motion corporate style immediately indicates that it belongs to the family Nissan. In profile, the car looks quite tall, which is due to the specifics of the body and its positioning as a mini-crossover or tall hatchback.
A key design element is the large wheel arches, which allow the installation of large diameter wheels without compromising ground clearance. This not only improves the appearance, but also has a positive effect on cross-country ability on light off-road or bad snow.
- 🚗 The aerodynamic body reduces air resistance and noise levels on the highway.
- 💡 LED daytime running lights provide recognizable style even in daytime.
- 🎨 A wide palette of colors allows you to choose an individual style.
Interior and ergonomics: Space inside
Inside the cabin Nissan Note The atmosphere of Japanese minimalism reigns, where every element is in its place. The driver's seat has good lateral support, although it is not sporty. The instrument panel has a two-level design, which makes it easier to read information from the instruments even in bright sunshine.
Particular attention should be paid to the system Zero Gravity in the front seats, which reduces driver fatigue during long trips. The center console is slightly inclined towards the driver, which makes multimedia and climate control controls more intuitive and convenient.
The rear row of seats also did not disappoint: despite the compact external dimensions, passengers can comfortably fit even if they are taller than average. Adjusting the rear sofa allows you to increase legroom or expand the luggage compartment, depending on the current tasks.
⚠️ Attention: The quality of plastic in the lower part of the interior may lose its appearance over time due to aggressive use, so it is recommended to use protective pads.
- 📱 Nissan Connect system provides smartphone integration and navigation.
- 🔊 There are many niches and compartments for storing small items in every corner of the salon.
- 💺 Folding rear row seats create a flat floor for transporting cargo.
Engines and transmission: The choice for your tasks
Range of power units for Nissan Note is quite wide and depends on the market into which the car was released. In Russia and the CIS countries, the most popular are 1.2 liter and 1.5 liter naturally aspirated petrol engines, as well as e-POWER hybrid versions.
The 1.2 liter engine (HR12DE) develops about 80 horsepower, which is enough for quiet city driving. In combination with the Xtronic CVT, it provides smooth acceleration and low vibration levels. However, during active driving with a full load, there may be a lack of traction at high speeds.
Hybrid system e-POWER is a unique approach: the internal combustion engine works solely as a generator, charging the battery, and only the electric motor turns the wheels. This ensures instant throttle response and a quiet interior at low speeds.
For fans of dynamic driving, it is worth considering the version with the DIG-T turbocharged engine, which accelerates to hundreds in less than 10 seconds. The transmission in this case can be either mechanical or CVT, depending on the configuration.
| Modification | Volume (l) | Power (hp) | Acceleration 0-100 km/h |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 MPI | 1.2 | 80 | 12.5 sec |
| 1.2 DIG-T | 1.2 | 115 | 9.8 sec |
| 1.5 e-POWER | 1.5 | 109 (electric motor) | 10.2 sec |
| 1.6 (old generation) | 1.6 | 110 | 10.8 sec |
- Atmospheric gasoline
- Hybrid e-POWER
- Turbocharged
- I don't know, I need advice
Suspension and Handling: Comfort vs. Sport
Suspension Nissan Note configured with an emphasis on comfort, which is typical for Japanese cars in this class. The front McPherson strut and the semi-independent beam at the rear effectively dampen road unevenness. However, when taking sharp turns at high speed, you may notice body roll.
The steering is power-assisted, which creates a light steering feel at low speeds, but becomes more responsive when accelerating. This allows you to feel confident in narrow streets and when parking without making any extra effort.
The car's ground clearance is about 160 mm, which is a decent figure for a hatchback. This allows you to overcome curbs and small holes without the risk of damaging the underbody or suspension, although a crossover Note still difficult to name.
- 🛣️ Soft suspension tuning is great for bad roads in the regions.
- 🎯 Precise control makes it easy to maneuver in heavy traffic.
- ❄️ Stability on snow and ice improves with a directional stability system.
What affects controllability?
Tire condition is a critical factor. Using summer tires in winter or worn tires can negate all the benefits of the suspension and VDC stabilization system.-->
Operation and fuel consumption
Real numbers
One of the main advantages Nissan Note is economical. In the urban cycle with a 1.2 liter engine, fuel consumption is about 6.5–7.5 liters per 100 km. On the highway, with a calm driving style, this figure drops to 5.0 liters.
The e-POWER Hybrid version performs even more impressively in the city, as it operates solely on battery power at low speeds. However, during long highway trips at high speeds, consumption may increase due to the need to constantly charge the battery with the engine.
It is important to consider the quality of the fuel. For naturally aspirated engines, the usual AI-95 is suitable, but for turbocharged versions of DIG-T it is strongly recommended to use AI-98 to preserve engine life and reduce the risk of detonation.
Oil consumption for this model is minimal if the piston group is in good condition, but it is recommended to check the level every 5000 km. The cooling system also does not require frequent intervention if original antifreeze is used.
☑️ Control before a long trip
⚠️ Attention: When operating in severe frost conditions (below -25°C), it is recommended to use winter oils and warm up the engine before driving, especially for a variator.
Safety and driver assistance systems
Safety is one of the development priorities Nissan Note. The standard kit includes airbags for the driver and passenger, as well as side curtains in richer trim levels. The ABS system and EBD brake force distribution are the basis for all modifications.
The system is available in advanced versions Intelligent Around View Monitor, which creates a panoramic image around the car. This makes parking in tight spaces much easier and helps avoid collisions with low obstacles.
Also worth noting is the Intelligent Brake Assist system, which helps reduce the risk of a collision in a critical situation. Tire pressure sensors (TPMS) provide timely warning of loss of pressure, which is critical for safety at high speed.
- 🛡️ VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) system prevents skidding and loss of control.
- 👀 Light and rain sensors automatically turn on the headlights and windshield wipers.
- 🚦 Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is useful on long trips.
The presence of the Around View Monitor system makes the Nissan Note one of the most convenient cars to park in its class, especially for beginners.
Owner Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Owners Nissan Note Questions are often asked about the reliability of the variator and maintenance features. Below are the answers to the most common ones, based on real reviews and operating experience.
What is the resource of the Xtronic CVT on Nissan Note?
With regular oil changes (every 60,000 km) and no overload, the variator can travel more than 200,000 km. It is important to avoid slipping and sudden starts, since the belt and cones are consumables.
Is it worth buying the e-POWER hybrid version?
If you mainly drive around the city, then yes. The electric motor provides excellent dynamics and silence. However, for highway trips over long distances, a classic engine can be more economical and reliable due to less load on the battery.
What is the ground clearance of the Nissan Note and can it be driven in the snow?
Ground clearance is about 160 mm. This is enough for municipal services to clear snow, but for deep off-road or untreated roads it is better to consider a crossover. Winter tires are required for safe driving.
Do electronics often break down?
The electronics in the Nissan Note are quite reliable. Problems may arise with the multimedia system when using non-original memory cards or USB drives, but this can be solved by flashing or replacing the flash drive.
How often should the timing belt be changed?
HR12DE series engines are equipped with a timing chain drive, which is designed for the entire service life of the engine. However, it is recommended to check its tension and condition after mileage of more than 150,000 km to avoid stretching.
To sum up the test drive, we can say that Nissan Note is a balanced car that offers maximum convenience in a compact package. It is suitable for those who value reliability, efficiency and ease of maintenance. The e-POWER hybrid version is the most promising for urban environments, offering a unique combination of performance and fuel economy.
When choosing between an aspirated and a turbocharged engine, you should proceed from your driving style: for a quiet ride, 1.2 liters is enough, but for an active life, DIG-T is better. In any case, this hatchback deserves attention on the secondary market as one of the best representatives of its class.