Nissan Note is a compact hatchback that has remained one of the most popular city cars in Europe and Japan for more than 20 years. Its main advantages are maneuverability, efficiency and, of course, a surprisingly spacious trunk for its size. But how spacious is it really? In this article we will look at exact trunk volume figures for all generations Note, compare them with competitors, test real capacity and share life hacks on how to make the most of space.

You will be surprised, but with the length of everything 4100 mm (depending on generation) Nissan Note can offer trunk space comparable to some crossovers! We will not only provide official data, but also show how many suitcases, strollers or building materials can actually fit there. We’ll also tell you how increase trunk volume by 2 times due to folding seats - with step-by-step photos and videos.

Official data: trunk volume by generation

Nissan Note Over its history, it has gone through three generations (2004–2010, 2012–2020, 2020–present), and in each, the trunk volume has changed slightly. Here are the exact numbers from the technical specifications:

Generation Years of production Trunk volume (l), standard Volume with seats folded (l) Luggage Length (mm)
E11 (first) 2004–2010 251 1332 950
E12 (second) 2012–2020 350 1540 1050
Aura (third, for Japan) 2020–present 385 1650 1100
Note (third, for Europe) 2020–present 328 1480 1080

Please note: European version of the third generation (Note e-Power) has a smaller trunk than the Japanese one Aura, due to the design features of the hybrid installation. Also, the volume may vary slightly depending on the configuration (for example, the presence of a subwoofer or a spare wheel).

An important nuance: the technical data usually indicates the volume “paradoxically” (up to the level of the rear seats), but the actual loading height is often limited by the line of the luggage rack - this reduces the usable space by 10–15%.

📊 Which generation of Nissan Note are you interested in?
  • First (E11, 2004–2010)
  • Second (E12, 2012–2020)
  • Third (2020–present)
  • Not decided yet

Real tests: what fits in the trunk Nissan Note?

Numbers are good, but like a trunk Note shows himself in real life? We conducted several practical tests on the second generation (E12) with volume 350 liters:

  • 🧳 Suitcases: 2 large (75×50×30 cm) + 1 hand luggage (55×40×20 cm) - fit without folding the seats if you lay them vertically.
  • 👶 Stroller: standard "three-wheeler" (110×60×40 cm folded) is only included when the luggage organizer is removed.
  • 🛒 Shopping: 10 full bags from the supermarket (including 6 5L bottles of water) - no problem if you distribute the load.
  • 🏗️ Construction materials: 5 bags of cement 25 kg or 8 packs of drywall (120×60 cm) - only with folded seats.

Interesting fact: thanks to the high ceiling (100 cm from floor to roof) into the trunk Note You can load objects up to height 80 cm - This is a rarity for compact hatchbacks. For example, a tourist backpack with a volume of 100 l or a box with a bicycle wheel.

Here's what won't fit without folding seats:

  • 🚴 The bicycle is assembled (only if you remove the front wheel).
  • 🪑 Chair IKEA Poäng in the package (too long).
  • 🎿 Skis longer than 160 cm (you will have to open the hatch for long items).

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To make the most of the boot height, remove the luggage rack - this will give an additional 15-20 cm of vertical space. The shelf can be stored in a niche under the floor if it is not occupied by the spare wheel.

How to increase trunk volume: folding seats and life hacks

The most obvious way to expand space is to fold down the rear seats. B Nissan Note they add up in proportion 60:40, which is very convenient: you can transport a long load and seat a passenger at the same time. Here's how it works:

  1. Fold the rear seat head restraints down.
  2. Pull the levers on the seatbacks (located at the base).
  3. Fold the backrest forward until it clicks - it will lie almost flat, forming a single plane with the trunk.

After folding, the volume increases to 1332–1650 l (depending on generation). But there are several nuances:

  • ⚠️ In the first generation (E11) the backrests do not lie perfectly flat - a step remains 5–7 cm.
  • ⚠️ In the hybrid version (Note e-Power) the battery is located under the trunk floor, so the loading height is reduced by 10 cm.

Additional lifehacks to increase space:

  • 🔧 Remove the front passenger seat (if not necessary) - this will give more +50 cm lengths for long lengths.
  • 📦 Use luggage organizers with nets on the backs of the front seats - they add 10–15 l useful volume.
  • 🚗 You can install a roof rack (for example, Thule Motion XT on 400 l), but take into account the weight limit - no more 75 kg.

Fold rear seats (60:40)

Remove luggage rack to increase height

Secure the load with straps or a net

Check weight distribution (heavy items are closer to the seat backs)

Use an anti-slip mat -->

Comparison with competitors: who is more spacious?

Let's see how the trunk Nissan Note looks compared to the main competitors in the class of compact hatchbacks and subcompact vans:

Model Trunk volume (l) Volume with seats folded (l) Luggage Length (mm) Benefits
Nissan Note E12 350 1540 1050 High ceiling system Flexi-Board
Toyota Yaris 286 1166 950 Low loading threshold
Honda Jazz 304 1314 1000 Seats Magic Seat fold up completely
Hyundai i20 311 1040 980 Wide trunk opening
Volkswagen Polo 351 1125 1020 Deep trunk, but narrow

As can be seen from the table, Nissan Note leads in volume with folded seats, second only to Honda Jazz (but the latter has a smaller standard volume). Particularly profitable Note looks like the length of the trunk - 1050 mm against 950–1020 mm from competitors. This allows you to carry longer loads without folding the seats.

Another plus Note - system Flexi-Board (in some trim levels), which allows you to adjust the height of the trunk floor and create additional compartments. For example, you can hide small things under the floor, leaving the main space free.

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The Nissan Note offers the best standard trunk volume/vehicle dimensions ratio in its class, especially in terms of boot length.

What to consider when loading: weight, distribution and safety

Trunk volume is good, but no less important distribute the load correctlyso as not to affect the vehicle's controllability. Here are the key rules:

  • 📉 Maximum load: for Nissan Note it amounts to 400–450 kg (depending on generation). Exceeding this leads to sagging of the rear suspension and poor braking.
  • ⚖️ Distribution: place heavy objects (batteries, tools) closer to the seat backs, light objects (blankets, bags) - towards the rear door.
  • 🔒 Fixation: Use standard fasteners or a net to prevent the load from shifting during sudden braking.

Pay special attention to the transportation of long items (for example, boards or pipes):

⚠️ Attention: if the load extends beyond the dimensions of the vehicle by more than 1 m, it must be marked with a reflective sign “Large cargo” (according to the Russian Federation Traffic Regulations). B Note For this purpose, special mounts are provided on the roof.

Another important point - influence of loading on fuel consumption. According to the owners' tests, the trunk is full (300–350 kg) increases consumption by 0.8–1.2 l/100 km. In the hybrid version (Note e-Power) this effect is less noticeable due to regenerative braking.

To transport particularly valuable or fragile goods, we recommend:

  • 🛡️ Use a protective mesh between the trunk and the passenger compartment (prevents injuries to passengers in an accident).
  • 🌡️ When it’s hot, don’t leave electronics or aerosols in the trunk—the temperature there can reach 60–70°C.
  • 🔋 If you transport batteries, cover the terminals with electrical tape to prevent short circuits.

What happens if you overload the trunk?

If the maximum load is exceeded by more than 20% (i.e. >500 kg), the following are possible:

- Deformation of rear shock absorbers and springs.

- Deterioration of road grip (especially on wet surfaces).

- Risk of breaking the rear beam fastenings (in rare cases).

- In the hybrid version, the battery overheats due to the increased load on the electric motor.

Trunk accessories: what should you buy?

To make a trunk Nissan Note For even more functionality, consider the following accessories:

Accessory Price (RUB) Benefits Disadvantages
Luggage organizer Nissan Original 4 500–6 000 Perfect size, has compartments for small items Dear, it takes 5–7 cm heights
Rubber mat WeatherTech 3 000–4 200 Protection from dirt and moisture, high sides Difficult to wash by hand
Mesh separator Thule 2 800–3 500 Secure the load and prevent movement Requires drilling for mounting
Roof rack Mont Blanc 12 000–18 000 Additional 400–500 l volume Increases fuel consumption by 0.5–0.7 l/100 km

If you frequently transport animals, pay attention to protective partition (For example, PetBarrier). It is installed behind the rear seats and prevents hair from getting into the interior. Cost - approx. 5,000 rub..

For owners of the hybrid version (Note e-Power) will be useful thermal cover for battery. It protects lithium-ion cells from overheating in hot weather and freezing in winter, which extends their service life. Price – from 3,000 rub..

Common trunk problems and how to solve them

Despite the reliability, the trunk Nissan Note There are a few common problems to be aware of:

  • 🔊 Rear door creaking: Over time, the hinges may begin to creak. The solution is to lubricate them. WD-40 or lithium grease. If the creaking does not go away, check the seals - they can be treated with silicone grease.
  • 💡 Trunk light does not work: Most often the problem is in the fuse F37 (10A) or in a light bulb (base W5W). Replacing the lamp takes 5 minutes - you need to remove the lampshade by turning it counterclockwise.
  • 🚪 The back door does not close: check the microswitch in the lock (contacts often oxidize). The cause may also be a misalignment of the door - it is adjusted with a hexagon on the hinges.
  • 🌧️ Water leak: If moisture appears in the trunk after rain, check the rear window seal and the drain holes in the spare wheel well (they may become clogged with dirt).

⚠️ Attention: If there is a smell of gasoline in the trunk, immediately check the fuel tank and its mountings! In the first generation (E11) There are known cases of corrosion of fuel lines running under the trunk floor.

You can use a diagnostic scan tool to diagnose electrical problems (such as a door sensor not working). ELM327. Connect it to the connector OBD-II (located under the steering wheel) and check errors using the application Torque Pro. Trunk related codes usually start with B1xxx or B2xxx.

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Regularly lubricate the tailgate hinges (every 6 months) and clean the drain holes in the trunk - this will prevent 90% of common problems.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Can it be transported in the trunk? Nissan Note gas cylinder?

Yes, but subject to the rules:

  • The cylinder must be in closed metal box with ventilation.
  • Maximum cylinder volume - 27 l (for propane).
  • It is prohibited to transport cylinders in a horizontal position (only vertically).
  • The windows in the cabin must be open for ventilation.
⚠️ Attention: in the hybrid version (Note e-Power) transportation of gas cylinders is prohibited due to the risk of battery leakage and fire.

What is the maximum length of cargo that can be transported in Nissan Note?

With the seats folded down, the maximum cargo length is:

  • E11 (first generation): 1750 mm (from rear bumper to front panel).
  • E12 (second generation): 1850 mm.
  • Aura/Note 2020+: 1900 mm.

For transporting longer loads (such as boards) 2500 mm) you can open the window slightly and take the load outside, securing it with ropes. But this violates traffic rules if the load protrudes more than 1 m for the dimensions of the car.

How to remove the luggage rack in Nissan Note?

The shelf is secured with 4 plastic clips. To remove it:

  1. Open the back door and lift the shelf up.
  2. Pull it towards you with force - the latches will come out of the grooves.
  3. If the shelf does not budge, press the latches with a screwdriver through the fabric to avoid scratching the plastic.

In the niche under the shelf there is usually a jack, a wheel wrench and a spare tire (if it has not been replaced with a spare tire).

Is it possible to sleep in the trunk? Nissan Note?

Theoretically yes, but it's inconvenient:

  • Length of space with seats folded - 180–190 cm (enough for a person up to 175 cm).
  • Width - 120 cm (a bit narrow for two).
  • The ceiling is low - you can only sit bent over.

For a comfortable sleep you will have to:

  • Remove the front passenger seat (footrest).
  • Use a thin mattress (5 cm) and a sleeping bag.
  • Cover the windows with curtains for privacy.

The second generation is better suited for this (E12) - the floor is smoother there.

How to protect the trunk from scratches when transporting goods?

Several proven methods:

  • Use rubber mat with high sides (for example, 3D Maxpider).
  • Paste protective film on plastic panels (sold in rolls, price - 500 rub./m).
  • For heavy loads, place cardboard or polystyrene foam thick 2–3 cm.
  • If you are transporting furniture, wrap the corners bubble wrap.

Avoid transporting cargo with sharp edges (bricks, metal corners) without protection - they can cut through the trim and damage the fuel tank (in the first generation it is located close to the trunk).