Following the unveiling of the Nissan Invitation concept at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, the production version made its world premiere at a special event in Yokohama as the all new Nissan Note.
The second generation of the Nissan Note that you see here takes the shape of a hatchback, ditching the 'MPV' roots of its predecessor. As a result, it features a stylish and sporty exterior that creates a sense of dynamism and sophistication. A revamped body structure also allows interior space to be maximised.
The new Note is available in either a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated or supercharged engine. Built with spaciousness and fuel efficiency in mind, the Note is ideal for young buyers who are looking for a compact hatchback that combines style and performance but is also easy to maintain.
Exterior
Compared with the outgoing model, which unfortunately did not make it here on our shores, the new Note features a stylish exterior that sports a unique grille coupled with swept-back headlights that exude a powerful stance. Also coming in as standard on the supercharged Note is a full body kit which completes the sporty outlook.
The second generation of the Nissan Note that you see here takes the shape of a hatchback, ditching the 'MPV' roots of its predecessor. As a result, it features a stylish and sporty exterior that creates a sense of dynamism and sophistication. A revamped body structure also allows interior space to be maximised.
The new Note is available in either a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated or supercharged engine. Built with spaciousness and fuel efficiency in mind, the Note is ideal for young buyers who are looking for a compact hatchback that combines style and performance but is also easy to maintain.
Exterior
Compared with the outgoing model, which unfortunately did not make it here on our shores, the new Note features a stylish exterior that sports a unique grille coupled with swept-back headlights that exude a powerful stance. Also coming in as standard on the supercharged Note is a full body kit which completes the sporty outlook.
The sporty silhouette of the Note is enhanced via a dynamic roof line that stretches from the front grille as well as a distinctive design on its side, known as the 'Squash Line', which gives a feeling of the car being in motion even at standstill.
On the new Note, improvisation of original features can be found, like the boomerang styled taillights found on its predecessor.
Though the Note does have its own symbolic front facet to distinguish itself in its segment, coincidentally, the rear of the car mildly resembles the Ford Focus.
On the new Note, improvisation of original features can be found, like the boomerang styled taillights found on its predecessor.
Though the Note does have its own symbolic front facet to distinguish itself in its segment, coincidentally, the rear of the car mildly resembles the Ford Focus.
Interior
While the interior design of the Note may be rather simple with hard plastics on all surfaces, the Note makes this up with a decent level of equipment.
The car we drove was fitted with a HD navigation system which doubled up as the car's entertainment system, offering a DVD player and a reverse camera that come as standard.
The centre console is decked out in glossy piano-black, adding a luxurious feel rarely seen in its class. Complementing this is a well illuminated instrument panel known as the Fine Vision Combimeter that provides easy legibility, adding to the sense of sophistication.
In addition, while driving in ECO mode, the Nissan ECO-meter frames the outline of the dials in blue. Together with the ECO-drive Indicator in turquoise green LED, they provide a visual treat for the driver.
Cabin insulation is satisfactory with slight engine noise being noticeable from inside and outside the car. Interestingly, ticking sounds can be heard whenever certain functions, such as the rear defroster or the fog lights, are activated .
While the interior design of the Note may be rather simple with hard plastics on all surfaces, the Note makes this up with a decent level of equipment.
The car we drove was fitted with a HD navigation system which doubled up as the car's entertainment system, offering a DVD player and a reverse camera that come as standard.
The centre console is decked out in glossy piano-black, adding a luxurious feel rarely seen in its class. Complementing this is a well illuminated instrument panel known as the Fine Vision Combimeter that provides easy legibility, adding to the sense of sophistication.
In addition, while driving in ECO mode, the Nissan ECO-meter frames the outline of the dials in blue. Together with the ECO-drive Indicator in turquoise green LED, they provide a visual treat for the driver.
Cabin insulation is satisfactory with slight engine noise being noticeable from inside and outside the car. Interestingly, ticking sounds can be heard whenever certain functions, such as the rear defroster or the fog lights, are activated .
Unlike its peers, the Note features a revamped body structure with a taller roof. Interior space is therefore maximised, providing drivers and passengers - especially those at the rear - with lots of room and comfort.
Comfort is reinforced with soft and supple leather seats that provide adequate lumbar support. Also feeling good to the touch is the leather wrapped steering wheel, with white contrast stitching, that adds a dash of sportiness to the overall feel.
Intelligently designed ergonomics puts the driver in a good driving position, although we felt that the centre console could do with an armrest. Car doors can open up to an angle of 85 degrees, providing for easy ingress/egress as well as loading/unloading.
Comfort is reinforced with soft and supple leather seats that provide adequate lumbar support. Also feeling good to the touch is the leather wrapped steering wheel, with white contrast stitching, that adds a dash of sportiness to the overall feel.
Intelligently designed ergonomics puts the driver in a good driving position, although we felt that the centre console could do with an armrest. Car doors can open up to an angle of 85 degrees, providing for easy ingress/egress as well as loading/unloading.
The Drive
Under the hood, this supermini is propelled by Nissan's newly developed 1.2-litre supercharged direct-injection lump that gives a maximum power of 97bhp and 142Nm of torque - that's 7bhp more than the VW Polo 1.2 TSI.
Putting performance figures aside, pick up is a tad sluggish in the Note. Nonetheless, coming from a 1.2-litre car built with space and fuel efficiency in mind, it's as good as it gets.
We managed to clock a fuel economy of only 9km/L with a heavy right foot so we reckon the 19.6km/L figure may be a little farfetched, unless extreme frugal driving habits are put in place.
On the move, while the Note is fairly swift around bends, there is a fair bit of bodyroll when pushed hard. Still, its ride is adequately pliant over bumps and ruts - a characteristic that has always been present in Nissan's vehicles.
Under the hood, this supermini is propelled by Nissan's newly developed 1.2-litre supercharged direct-injection lump that gives a maximum power of 97bhp and 142Nm of torque - that's 7bhp more than the VW Polo 1.2 TSI.
Putting performance figures aside, pick up is a tad sluggish in the Note. Nonetheless, coming from a 1.2-litre car built with space and fuel efficiency in mind, it's as good as it gets.
We managed to clock a fuel economy of only 9km/L with a heavy right foot so we reckon the 19.6km/L figure may be a little farfetched, unless extreme frugal driving habits are put in place.
On the move, while the Note is fairly swift around bends, there is a fair bit of bodyroll when pushed hard. Still, its ride is adequately pliant over bumps and ruts - a characteristic that has always been present in Nissan's vehicles.
The electric powered steering on the Note isn't the most communicative and gets a little nervous at higher speeds, with minor judders felt. Thus, the car is most suited for around town driving - something that's relevant to a small country such as ours.
More notably, the Automatic Stop/Start function is truly impressive on the Note. Being the first Nissan to feature this energy management feature, it functions seamlessly without any fuss and jerks, putting some of the continental carmakers to shame.
Conclusion
The Nissan Note is not a car developed with luxury in mind, nor is it a car built for speed. Well designed, though not exactly engaging, many of the features on the Nissan Note are unique items.
Wrapped in an attractive and handsome package with excellent interior space, the Note keeps simplicity at its best.
More notably, the Automatic Stop/Start function is truly impressive on the Note. Being the first Nissan to feature this energy management feature, it functions seamlessly without any fuss and jerks, putting some of the continental carmakers to shame.
Conclusion
The Nissan Note is not a car developed with luxury in mind, nor is it a car built for speed. Well designed, though not exactly engaging, many of the features on the Nissan Note are unique items.
Wrapped in an attractive and handsome package with excellent interior space, the Note keeps simplicity at its best.
