Nissan Note
The Nissan Note is a supermini/subcompact hatchback or a mini MPV manufactured and marketed globally by Nissan. Introduced in 2004, the first-generation Note was primarily marketed in Japan and Europe, and was produced in Japan and the United Kingdom. The second-generation model was sold in other regions, including North America where it was manufactured in Mexico and marketed as the Versa Note, and Thailand, where it serves as one of the B-segment hatchback offered by the brand alongside the smaller March/Micra under the Eco Car tax scheme.
In 2017, the second-generation Note was replaced by the French-built K14 Micra for the European market. The Versa Note was discontinued in North America in 2019 due to the decreasing demand for subcompact hatchbacks in the region. It continued to be produced and sold in Japan up to the introduction of the third-generation Note in late 2020.
The Note was introduced with a series hybrid drivetrain in late 2016 as the Note e-Power. Due to its popularity and the push of electrification, the third-generation Note is only available with the e-Power drivetrain, with a WLTC fuel economy of.
First generation (E11; 2004)
Development
Due to poor sales of the Almera Tino, which had sold 200,000 cars in 7 years compared to its main rival, the Renault Scénic, which had sold 1,400,000 cars after the introduction of its second-generation model, Nissan began development of what would later become the Note in summer 2002. At the 2004 Paris Motor Show, the Nissan Tone concept was unveiled. While similar to the production model, the concept has some unique features such as a U-shaped panoramic roof, large dashboard screen, automatic gearbox, and always had its rear doors locked.Chris Lee, Nissan's product manager, says that millions of dollars were invested in development and that the Note was meant to be sold under €13,000.
Production model (2005)
The production version was unveiled and went on sale on 20 January 2005 in Japan. The European model was unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show, followed by the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. Retail models went on sale in Europe in early 2006. The United Kingdom was the first market to have the Note launch, being released on 1 March 2006. The car shares some of its underpinnings with the Renault Modus, and manufactured at Nissan's plant in Washington, England. Early models included a choice of four engines, which are a 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol; and two options of a 1.5-litre diesel. It is an indirect successor to the conventional medium-sized Almera hatchback for the region.The trim levels for the European market were the S, SE and SVE, later replaced by Visia, Visia+, Acenta, Acenta R, and Tekna. In the Russia/CIS region, the Note was sold with Comfort, Luxury, and Tekna trim levels. Cars made for this market before 2009 have standard OBDII diagnostics.
;Japanese version
;European version
Production
Production of the European Note began in January 2006 at the Sunderland plant in the UK.The Note was produced in Nissan's Oppama Plant.
Marketing
A CD single called 'C'mon Everybody Note&Pencils' was released by Pony Canyon on 9 August 2006, which included Eddie Cochran's C'mon Everybody used in the Nissan Note commercial premiered on 12 May 2006. The CD cover shows a Marine Blue Note 15S V package drawing on a 50m x 40m notebook with blue tire tracks. The Note commercial was performed by Toshihiro Yashiba of JFCT INC.2007 facelift (for EU-made models)
In 2007, the Note received a mid-cycle facelift. Both bumpers are now fully painted, the radio antenna is now at the rear of the roof, and the headlamp washer lost its dedicated button and become fully automatic which lead to excessive cleaner fluid consumption. New radio models were offered and some less significant and invisible changes were made.2008 update (only Japanese-made models)
Nissan Note, +Plus navi HDD, Note Rider, Note Rider performance spec (2008–)
Changes to the Note include:- redesigned head lamp, engine hood, front grille, front bumper coloured/gun metallic front grille on G/X series models,smoke plated front grille on sporty series models,3 new colours for total of 10 body colour choices,new seat and door trim options sand beige, black, carbon black,sand beige interior includes colour scheme change,2-link meter as standard equipment,sporty series includes white meter,dimpled leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel with red stitching,rear centre arm rest with 2 cup holders water spray seats,cold terrain vehicles include 4-wheel drive as standard equipment,driver seat seat belt reminder as standard equipment,2-wheel drive models with HR15DE engine and Xtronic CVT transmission passed JC08 model fuel consumption and emission tests.
European model was unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. The 1.5-litre dCi engine models went on sale in September 2008, followed by 1.4-litre petrol engine models in October 2008.
2010 Nissan Note update (EU-made models only)
European second facelift/restyle models went on sale in the late 2010 as 2011 model year vehicles. Early models had a choice of 3 engines, 1.4-litre with 65 kW, and a 1.6-litre with 81 kW, choice of 10 body colours. Many changes were made to the interior and exterior. The lights, bumpers, grille, and dashboard were significantly changed. Nissan Connect Radio/Navi offered as option for high trim levels. AT software was tuned to stay on the safe side while ATF is not warm enough.Nissan Note 15X SV +Plasma, 15X FOUR SV +Plasma (2011-2012 Japanese-made models only)
There are versions of Nissan Note 15X SV and 15X FOUR SV for the Japanese market, with intelligent air conditioning system with 1-touch clean switch.The vehicles went on sale on 30 June 2011.
Autech Note Rider Blackline (2011-2012 Japanese made models only)
It is a version of the Nissan Note Rider 15X SV and 15X FOUR SV for the Japanese market, with exclusive dark chrome front grille, dark chrome bumper grille, exclusive dark emblem, intelligent air conditioning system, exclusive sports muffler and exclusive pumper finisher, choice of 2 body colours, super black ).The vehicles went on sale on 19 October 2011.
Marketing
As part of the 2008 Note launch in Japan, a series of television commercials based on The World of GOLDEN EGGS characters was produced. The corresponding web site opened on 21 December 2007, followed by the 1st television commercial premiere in January 2008, and the opening of a special Nissan Note web site with The World of GOLDEN EGGS characters.As part of the 2009 Note market launch in Japan, a series of animated commercials were premiered on 20 May 2009. The commercial was inspired by the Heidi, Girl of the Alps animated series, featuring Junichi Koumoto and Tomochika. The series was produced by Studio Crocodile Inc.
2012 update (EU models only)
UK models included:- Acenta model includes new 'diamond cut' two-tone 16-inch alloy wheels, replacing the original 15-inch units. Colour-coded door mirror covers, chrome front fog light surrounds, new seat fabric with blue stitching, climate control, automatic headlights, and rain-sensitive wipers became standard equipment. The N-TEC model includes darkened rear privacy glass and the touch screen 'Connect' satellite navigation system. The N-TEC+ model includes rear parking sensors, choice of 1.4, 1.6 petrol and 1.5 dCi engines.
Production
, Nissan has sold 940,000 units of the Note.Note inspired by Adidas (2005)
It is a version of the Nissan Note inspired by multi-sports brand Adidas, with user-changeable treatment on the front/rear bumpers; fabrics and rubber materials used on dashboard, door trim, etc.The vehicle was unveiled at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show.
Autech Note Rider (2006)
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2006 Tokyo Auto Salon.Second generation (E12; 2012)
Invitation Concept
Showcased in 2012 at the 82nd Geneva Motor Show, the Invitation Concept is a hatchback concept built on the V platform, designed to be sold alongside the Micra and Juke. It featured a swage line at the side body panel, independent front MacPherson struts with coil springs, torsion beam rear axle, Around View Monitor safety technology, and the Nissan Safety Shield System.Initial release
The second generation Note was based on the Nissan Invitation concept.The vehicle was unveiled at the Osanbashi venue in Yokohama, followed by the Nissan Gallery on 28 August 2012.
The European model was unveiled at the 83rd Geneva Motor Show.
The Latin American model was unveiled at the Port of Cartagena de Indias in Colombia.
It would replace the Livina for other countries' markets in 2013.
Japanese models went on sale on 3 September 2012. Early Note models include a choice of HR12DE and HR12DDR engines, and Xtronic CVT transmission. Early Note Rider models include a choice of HR12DE and HR12DDR engines, and Xtronic CVT transmission. The width dimension is kept under 1700mm on all international models so that versions in Japan would be in compliance with Japanese Government dimension regulations with engine displacement kept under 2000cc.
Hong Kong models went on sale on 21 September 2012. Early models included DIG-S with HR12DDR engine, XTRONIC CVT transmission, and ISS idle mode.
The Note was launched in Singapore on 14 January 2013. It features a 1.2L DIG-S engine that delivers driving performance equivalent to a 1.5-litre engine.
Latin American models went on sale in July 2013. Early models included Sense and Advance.
European models went on sale in summer 2013, with deliveries beginning in autumn 2013. Early models include a choice of 3 engines, manual or CVT transmission, and 3 trim levels.
Nissan said the drag coefficient is 0.298. The frontal area is 2.13 m2, making the drag area CdA 0.639 m2.
Note Medalist
It is a version of the Note for the Japanese market, with plated door handles, exclusive Beatnic Gold body colour, suede-like cloth seats and artificial leather, piano-like centre cluster finisher, and genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel. The highest grade "MEDALIST" is also a model that inherits the concept of Tidus and comes from the Laurel's grade of the same name.Versa Note (2013–2019)
The Versa Note is a version of the Note for the US market, as a replacement of the outgoing Versa hatchback.The vehicle was unveiled at the 2013 North American International Auto Show.
The US model went on sale in mid-2013 as 2014 model year vehicle. Early models include 1.6-litre DOHC 4-cylinder engine with dual fuel injection and Twin CVTC, 5-speed manual or Xtronic CVT transmission, 5 grade levels. A sporty SR model has been added to the 2015 lineup. A 2017 facelift featured a new front bumper cover and on the rear, wheels, and colour choices.
Nissan discontinued the Versa Note in late 2019, while the Versa sedan continued to be offered for the 2020 model year onwards.
Production
The Japanese Note is manufactured at Nissan Motor Kyushu, while European models of Nissan Note were developed at Nissan Technical Centre Europe in both the UK and Spain and produced at Nissan Manufacturing UK in Sunderland.Both the North American Nissan Versa Note and Latin American models of the Nissan Note are built in Nissan Mexicana SA de CV in Aguascalientes, Mexico.
, Japanese dealers have received 21,880 market orders of the Note.
Marketing
As part of the Note's market launch in Japan, the Note's Japan website featured a flip book animation.DRLs
Nissan Note uses PS19W DRLs in Argentine and European models.2014 model year update
Nissan Note, Emergency Brake Package, Note MEDALIST, Autech Note AXIS, Autech Note Rider (Black Line), Driver Seat Mighty Grip (2013-)
Changes include:- HR12DDR and HR12DE engines include emission reduction,Addition of Emergency Brake Package, VDC, Emergency Assist for Pedal Misapplication ).,Addition of Moving object detection for Around View Monitor,Super UV-blocking green glass,standard rear centre seat headrest
Japanese model went on sale on 25 December 2013.
Engines
On 24 October 2016, Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn revealed the facelifted 2017 model year Note at the Nissan Note factory in Japan, now available with a special powertrain called e-Power. It uses only an electric motor to move the car, while a petrol engine is used as a generator producing electricity that goes directly into propelling the electric motor or, when electricity is in excess, to charge the batteries.2017 model year update facelift
Nissan unveiled a hybrid powertrain for the new Note e-Power on 2 November 2016 in Japan.The company's new e-Power series hybrid system consists of a small 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine, and an electric traction motor, which is shared with the Leaf, and pairs with a much smaller battery than the Leaf's. Unlike typical power-split parallel hybrid vehicles, in the series hybrid scheme, the small engine only charges the battery, and the electric motor is the sole source of traction with no plug-in capability. The motor power output rating is and torque.
As of 2017, the Note is being sold only in Asia and the Americas. UK production for European and Argentine markets ended in March that year to increase capacity for the Qashqai.
Third generation (E13; 2020)
The third-generation Note was revealed in Japan on 24 November 2020 and went on sale on 23 December 2020. It is based on the CMF-B platform. For this generation, the Note is only available with an e-Power series hybrid 2WD or 4WD drivetrain, in which one electric motor powering the front axle and another motor powering the rear axle.Japanese models went on sale in December 2020. Initial models included the e-Power, followed by the e-Power AWD in 2021.
Facelift (2024)
The facelifted Note was revealed on 11 December 2023. The standard Note gains a revised V-Motion grille in body colour or dark metallic grey, LED headlights as standard, and 16-inch wheels with Japanese geometric patterns.Singapore
The Note was launched in Singapore on 4 March 2021, in e-Power guise. It was available in two variants, Lite and Premium, with the Lite featuring fabric upholstery, while the Premium features black nappa leather.Both variants come with 16-inch wheels, with the Lite having a steel wheels with hubcaps, and the Premium featuring alloy wheels.
It is available in a total of 11 body colour options.
The facelifted Note was launched on 22 March 2024. It is available in Premium guise and comes with a 10-year lithium-ion battery warranty and a five-year, unlimited mileage vehicle warranty.