Nissan Note

We drive the Nissan Note for 6 months, 6000 kms. Overall a very nice car for SG city driving, easy to drive and to park, sufficient amount of power.

Owned and drove this for almost 2 years before i change to my new ride. Overall to be realistic, for the money paid, would say this car is worth it. A simple point A to B car. Even drove it to KL over chinese new year hitting around 130. Drove it like its meant to be, in Singapore, seldom overtaking, quite nice drive if you are not expecting it to perform like its a race car (keeping my average speed around 90). Interior space is nice. Good legroom space. Relatives also commented that despite the small exterior look, the interior room is actually quite big. Quite good FC. During CB period, only pump petrol once in around 6 weeks. (of course, limited travelling)

First time gotten a hatchback in 20 years of driving, getting to like the smaller size. Bought a used DIG-S model with a small 1.2L supercharged engine which can deliver 72kW of power, so driving up the steep slope of Benjamin Sheares Bridge poses no issue at all. Speeding and overtaking is effortless on expressways as the Note produces the power when needed.

Cornering is not so stable, maybe attributed to a smaller base and higher centre of gravity. ECO mode does save on petrol per fill but each time the engine restarts, the "Shivering" Can be felt. Also, I wonder if too many start/stop over the years will damage the starter component...After all, such electrical/mechanical parts do wear out more over time with increased usage and if the money from petrol saved justify the component replacement, if that were to happen (maybe a Nissan Rep can re-assure customers on this aspect).

Nissan scored many positive points with the Note. Overall, it is a good car to own/drive.

I have driven a Note# (2019 facelift version) for 3 months after my previous car retires. I don't understand why people say it is not good, it is affordable and it is hassle-free.

When I test drive, this 1.2 car picks up faster than the Jazz 1.3 after traffic light. The steering wheel is lighter too. Some may say that it feels like a toy, but as a lady driver, I am ok with that.

One may ask is it worth it to pay another 5K for a Note# compared to the basic model? I say it is totally worth it, it looks so much better internally and externally!

Nissan no te.

Dozo yoroshiku onegai.

The hand of Nissan says something. Its affordable, fuel economical as well as environmentally friendly.

Simple powerful hand of Nissan.

Tan Chong used to bring in the 1.2 Supercharged version which had just about enough power for daily driving. However, now only the 1.2 naturally aspirated version is available with a paltry 78bhp. The engine is lacking in power for expressway overtaking and is sluggish off the line paired with the CVT gearbox.

Apart from that, I think the Note is a pretty nice looking car especially in facelift guise. The refreshed interior is also attractive and the cabin space rivals the Honda Jazz. Overall perceived quality probably loses a few points to the Jazz though.

Keep in mind that this model has been out in the market since 2013 and is likely to be replaced soon.

Test drive tc version in 2016 and was pretty satisfied with the car and pricing. However, 2 years later when I come back for another look, was surprised that they no longer carry tc version. The default note looks very cheap (I can't comment on note # as it was not out then). The dials, control switches, dash board etc... Makes the whole car feel very low end. The negative point about tc is that it can be quite loud - can hear engine clearly.

However note is still one of the most affordable car available in the market and tan chong motors is quite reliable from my family's past experiences.

The facelifted Note is probably one of the most stylish and beautiful hatch on the market. Spacious rear leg and head room makes the car feels much larger than even an SUV. The cabin size of competitor models such as the Jazz and the Mazda 2 hatch are way lesser than that of the Note. The variety of colours, which I got a sonic blue, makes the car a fun and less serious ride in the midst of dull and boring colours on our local road.

My Nissan note has the same engine break problem at low speed even after 2 times of re-calibration. Even though the last servicing, the engine break has become less but still has it intermittently during low speed. Besides that the car also has some intermittently jerking when accelerate at low speed.

The fuel consumption is only able to get 13km/L in city

The compact hatch segment has always been dominated by the likes of Honda Jazz, Suzuki Swift, VW Golf and the-not-so-popular-but-cute Nissan March. So when the all new hatch Note which was introduced locally a couple of years back, it is a big add-on to the Nissan family range of cars.

Looks are deceiving, the first impression I had when I set my eyes on it is that it looks small. However, the minute you step into the cabin, it completely changed my perception. The driver's seat sits comfortable and the rear cabin is huge, so much so that it will easily fit a big person easily with still ample of leg room space.

The fittings of the Note is pretty standard, all round plastic feel - nothing to shout about. But the instrument cluster is surprisingly modern with white optitron meters. The DIG-S version also comes with a full suite of features with the likes of GPS navigation, reverse camera, micro SD and USB support - sweet.

Now for the 1.2 super charged (SC) engine. It's nimble but the 1.2SC is not well justified compare to it's poorer cousin, the 1.2NA. When I test drove both versions, the difference is really minor albeit the SC version has slight better pick up after a complete stop. The inline 3 cylinder engine doesn't feel at all smooth with intermittent "Shivering" And can be felt especially when the aircon is turned on and the start-stop is turned off although the CVT gearbox feels seamless.

All in all, the Nissan Note is a surprise hit and with it's competitive price, it'll definitely knock a few sales out from Honda and VW.

The only advise I have? Keep your expectations in check.

Test drive the Nissan Note 1.2DIG-S during the Breakfast with Torque event with my son. Was surprise by the torque generated by the 1.2 engine. Smooth pickup and responsive. Gear shift for the auto is smooth without the lagging feelings as found in Latio Sport. Legs room and head rooms are generous especially surprise for the rear leg rooms too.

Boot space is sufficient for a small family but yet to match my current ride.