{"id":2197,"date":"2024-10-28T11:38:59","date_gmt":"2024-10-28T08:38:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.magaripoa.com\/?p=2197"},"modified":"2024-10-28T11:38:59","modified_gmt":"2024-10-28T08:38:59","slug":"nissan-note-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.magaripoa.com\/gari\/nissan-note-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Nissan Note Review"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n
PROS<\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
\n
Superb interior space, advanced infotainment and safety tech, good value for money<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
CONS<\/strong><\/span>
\nRide is a bit firm, interior is rather drab full of plastic<\/span><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n

The new Nissan Note is a modern-looking, well-built small car that\u2019s a little larger than a conventional supermini but the benefits of this come in the exceptional space efficiency and flexibility of its well planned interior. It\u2019s a match for many larger family hatchbacks for passenger space and luggage space, making it a front-runner for those seeking maximum practicality for the money.<\/span><\/p>\n

It has other attributes too, though. The engine range is small but all the motors are modern and very fuel efficient. The DIG-S 98 petrol and dCi 90 diesel(mainly for the EU market) both pull well in combination with that excellent fuel economy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another Note positive is its high-tech infotainment system, which includes sat nav, clever apps and even internet radio. The fact it\u2019s included in the list price of many models is a real bonus \u2013 and almost makes up for the Note\u2019s slightly drab interior and cheap-feeling interior plastics.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Overall, the Note offers great value for money and tremendous practicality that the car should be on the shortlist of anyone seeking maximum space and value for money.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
The Nissan Note appeared on the market as a rival for the\u00a0Honda Fit<\/a>\u00a0in 2005. While the Toyota Vitz<\/a> is the most obvious longstanding rival, it\u2019s priced to compete with popular superminis such as the Mazda Demio,\u00a0Toyota Porte<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Volkswagen Polo<\/a>\u00a0too. Nissan is targeting car buyers after supermini size and value, but with added headroom and practicality \u2013 hence the mini MPV shape. Other rivals include the Toyota Ractis and\u00a0Toyota sienta<\/a>\u00a0loved by Uber and popularly used as PSV in many areas upcountry.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

Engines, performance and drive<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n
\n
Not the most exciting car to drive, but it’s safe and secure, and engines are well proven.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n

The Nissan Note is based on a well-proven platform used by the Renault-Nissan Alliance: dubbed V-platform.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s not as fun to drive but\u00a0of course, but it still handles tidily enough, with good body control for a small car that\u2019s slightly taller than the norm. Body lean in corners is kept under control and we also found the steering was well weighted.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The ride can be a little firm as a result though, particularly over uneven surfaces. But it does improve with more than one person in the car, and the integrity of the suspension means it shakes off rough roads better than you might expect.<\/span><\/p>\n

Engines<\/span><\/h3>\n

Nissan offers just three engines with the Note, two petrol engines and a single 1.5-litre diesel that\u2019s shared with many other models in the Renault-Nissan Alliance. The entry-level 79bhp 1.2-litre is a three-cylinder unit that performs well enough, with a reasonably torquey nature and smooth, free-revving manners.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n

The petrol engine you really want is the 1.2 DiG-S, a 97bhp supercharged version of the base three-cylinder motor. Introducing tech normally associated with high-performance Jaguars, the supercharger boosts power and, in particular, torque: instead of producing 110Nm, the high-power DiG-S 98 produces 147Nm, which has a significant effect on in-gear flexibility, cutting back on downshifts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Naturally, the supercharged 1.2-litre engine is the fastest Note on sale, although it\u2019s perhaps not as fast as its high-tech nature sounds: it does 0-62mph in 11.8 seconds, instead of the regular car\u2019s 13.7 seconds. An Xtronic CVT automatic version of the DiG-S is also available, which does 0-62mph in 12.6 seconds.<\/span><\/p>\n

The sole diesel engine is the 1.5 dCi 90, an 89bhp version of the familiar Renault-Nissan four-cylinder turbo diesel motor. This has a big hike in torque again, with 200Nm meaning it produces almost twice the pulling power of the base 1.2-litre petrol, at just 1,750rpm instead of 4,000rpm. For this reason, it\u2019s worth going for diesel if you regularly drive a fully-laden Note.<\/span><\/p>\n

Performance of the diesel isn\u2019t far behind the DiG-S, either: it does 0-62mph in 11.9 seconds and is just 1mph slower all-out with a top speed of 111mph. It\u2019s worth noting that the diesel is a bit clattery and vocal compared to the petrol engines, though.<\/span><\/p>\n

Manual gearbox choice is restricted to a five-speed unit. It\u2019s snappy enough and the clutch is reasonably light too \u2013 both important considerations in city-based cars. The alternative is that automatic Xtronic CVT gearbox, which is a lot less favourable. In common to all CVT units, its single gear nature doesn\u2019t feel natural and, if you drive quickly, the engine will often be revving loudly. Unless you have to, stick with the manual.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Fuel Economy and running costs<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n
\n
Very good fuel economy across the range; Nissan reliability helps keep running costs in check.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n

All Nissan Notes are economical, fuel-efficient cars. Even the base 1.2-litre 80 engine averages 60.1mpg \u2013 it\u2019s no low-tech alternative, despite its entry-level price. Sub-110g\/km, it\u2019s a good choice if your demands are low.<\/span><\/p>\n

Do note, however, pairing it with the supposedly efficient automatic Xtronic gearbox inflicts a significant fuel economy hit.<\/span> Also note, all current Nissan Note models come with engine idle stop-start as standard, boosting city centre fuel economy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Interior, design and technology\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n
\n
The Note boasts an easy to use interior design and some impressive technology for the sector, although drab colour schemes and cheap plastics let it down.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n

The Nissan\u2019s very practical interior doesn\u2019t look all that spacious at first glance, due to Nissan\u2019s use of drab colour schemes that make it feel more claustrophobic than it actually is. The fact there are quite a few cheap-feeling, flimsy plastics doesn\u2019t help: actual build quality is pretty good but the choice of materials lets it down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n

Nissan does spice it up a little with some aluminium styling trims for the centre console and doorhandles, but it\u2019s not quite enough. Perhaps the fanciest part of the interior are the clear, high-tech looking dials, including a colour-changing econometer that delivers feedback on your driving efficiency in real time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Otherwise, the interior design of the Nissan Note is nothing to write home about \u2013 in contrast to the infotainment technology that\u2019s included as standard with Acenta Premium models and above. This is based around the NissanConnect touchscreen system and packs in a lot of technology for the money that helps the Note stand out alongside many of its rivals.<\/span><\/p>\n

Acenta Premium features the NissanConnect as standard, along with climate control, automatic lights and auto wipers. The Comfort pack includes a glass roof and keyless i-Key; this can be combined with the Safety pack, which is well worth specifying.<\/span><\/p>\n

The best-looking Note of all is the n-tec, which has satin silver door mirrors and handles, aerodynamic front bumper, rear view camera and special blue stitching on the inside: it\u2019s just a pity you can only have the basic 1.2-litre engine with this trim line, rather than the DiG-S or dCi motors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment<\/span><\/h3>\n

The Note fares well here. All models get a four-speaker CD stereo with AUX and USB sockets. Trade up to Acenta Premium and above and the NissanConnect 5.8-inch touchscreen system is standard \u2013 this brings DAB and internet radio, plus improved six-speaker sound.<\/span><\/p>\n

The NissanConnect system also includes standard navigation, which is a strong reason for trading up the range to this model. Factor in the array of infotainment apps and functionality and you have a surprisingly tech-packed car for this sector.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Practicality, comfort and boot space<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n
\n
The Nissan Note is an extremely practical and space-efficient car: its usability and Tardis-like room is one of its key selling points<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n

Practicality is a real strong point of the Nissan Note. As we\u2019ll see, its boot is extremely flexible, while rear-seat passenger space is very flexible if you choose mid-range models and above.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We found the seats a little flat and unsupportive for longer-distance journeys, but they\u2019re OK for shorter-journey in-town use \u2013 and really wide door openings front and rear make it extremely easy to step in and out of. The rear doors open almost 90 degrees and the extra height off the ground further aids ease of stepping in and out.<\/span><\/p>\n

The driving position is OK and clear controls make it easy to use. It\u2019s a pity steering reach adjustment isn\u2019t available on any Note variant though: saying that, the driving position is decent enough so its omission isn\u2019t too painful.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Bluetooth connectivity does, however, feature on all current Notes as standard. Some models also get a handy \u2018around view\u2019 parking monitor that gives an uncanny \u2018bird\u2019s eye\u2019 view around you on the central screen \u2013 a really cool yet handy gadget.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Size<\/span><\/h3>\n

The Note is a little larger than the supermini norm but, as we\u2019ll see, it puts this to good use. Overall length is 4,100mm long, which stretches a little to 4,135mm if you take the Style pack (that\u2019s because these models have an alternative aerodynamic front bumper design and a carbon-look rear bumper).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Note is 1,695mm wide, making it a little narrower than many other cars offering this much interior space: city centre dwellers may find this advantageous. It\u2019s a tall small car too, 1,530mm high or 1,535mm if you choose the glass roof option.<\/span><\/p>\n

Leg room, head room & passenger space<\/span><\/h3>\n

Here is where the Note excels \u2013 it\u2019s an extremely spacious supermini-sized car all round, for both front and rear seat passengers. Those in the front sit high, albeit on slightly flat and undernourished seats; the Note feels confident from behind the wheel as a result, with more big-car character than most superminis and supermini MPVs.<\/span><\/p>\n

The real story is in the rear though. The rear bench seat of all Notes is comfortable and offers loads of headroom and legroom to passengers \u2013 but choose an Acenta Premium model or above and you get a full sliding rear bench that transforms the Note\u2019s flexibility and space efficiency.<\/span><\/p>\n

The boot size alters as you slide the seat back and forth, but the benefit is exceptional rear legroom if luggage space isn\u2019t so important. The Note offers more rear legroom than some large executive cars almost a metre longer in overall length. The seat slides a full 160mm and the flexibility it offers is a real USP for Nissan\u2019s supermini-sized MPV. Big, deep side windows add to the feeling of spaciousness for rear passengers.<\/span><\/p>\n

The cabin is pretty practical, with a double-decker glovebox and numerous cupholders being the standouts: there are even dual cupholders in the rear seat armrest. It\u2019s a pity the door pockets are so thin though \u2013 this is where the Note\u2019s narrower dimensions over larger cars shows through.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Boot<\/span><\/h3>\n

The Note puts its square, tall dimensions to good use with a practical and user-friendly boot. Because it\u2019s so practical, Nissan lists a number of dimensions for buyers to understand \u2013 and the key dimensions are for the ultra-practical sliding rear seat option, fitted to Acenta Premium models and above.<\/span><\/p>\n

With the seats in their rearmost position, giving rear-seat passengers the maximum legroom, it offers 325 litres of space. Trade that rear passenger space and slide the seat fully forward, and luggage space extends to 411 litres \u2013 and that\u2019s 30 litres larger than a\u00a0Volkswagen Golf<\/a>!<\/span><\/p>\n

With the rear seats folded fully flat, a massive 1,495 litres of luggage space is available, way above what\u2019s normal for a supermini-sized car (and significantly larger than the\u00a0Nissan Juke<\/a>\u00a0crossover). With the seats down, a length of 1.7 metres is opened up. If you choose a \u2018T-space-saver\u2019 wheel instead of the puncture repair kit, luggage space drops by 30 litres; worth bearing in mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nissan also has a super Flexiboard solution for the boot: this allows you to tailor the layout to numerous different compartments. You can even split it in two, creating dual load compartments that are ideal for securing fragile items (and it has a waterproof side too, enabling you to split muddy football kits). With the seats fully back and with the Flexiboard in its upper position, 195 litres of boot space is available \u2013 still and impressive amount given the all-round practicality.<\/span><\/p>\n

We also like the fact Nissan\u2019s even included several shopping hooks and a 12v socket in the boot \u2013 small additions that show the firm\u2019s attention to detail here.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Reliability and Safety<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n
\n
A strong safety score, aided by some standout safety technology, is pegged back by more average reliability results<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n

Buyers generally expect front-running reliability from Japanese cars like Nissans, but the Note can\u2019t quite deliver these high expectations in practice. Reliability is so-so and build quality is very poor compared to Nissan\u2019s usual high standards\u00a0This result is undoubtedly due to the car\u2019s cheap plastics and shiny finish.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Note was tested by Euro NCAP in 2013 and scored a four-star safety rating \u2013 not a full five stars but it is to the safety testing body\u2019s stricter standards. Adult and child protection were strong, with 86% and 82% respectively awarded, while safety assist was also good at 70%. The Note\u2019s weakness was pedestrian protection, where it scored a mediocre 58%.<\/span><\/p>\n

An alarm isn\u2019t standard on any Note from the factory. Nissan also offers various protection packs that improve the durability of the car in real-world use.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

PROS Superb interior space, advanced infotainment and safety tech, good value for money CONS Ride is a bit firm, interior is rather drab full of plastic The new Nissan Note is a modern-looking, well-built small car that\u2019s a little larger than a conventional supermini but the benefits of this come in the exceptional space efficiency…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2198,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_seo_schema_type":"","cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[3,1913],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2197","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-carmakers","category-review"],"jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pej6K6-zr","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.magaripoa.com\/gari\/wp-content\/uploads\/nissan-note-rear-MAGARIPOA.jpg?fit=1013%2C675&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.magaripoa.com\/gari\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2197","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.magaripoa.com\/gari\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.magaripoa.com\/gari\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.magaripoa.com\/gari\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.magaripoa.com\/gari\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2197"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.magaripoa.com\/gari\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2197\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.magaripoa.com\/gari\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2198"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.magaripoa.com\/gari\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2197"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.magaripoa.com\/gari\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2197"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.magaripoa.com\/gari\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2197"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}