Nissan Note


The Nissan Note is a mini MPV manufactured and marketed by Nissan since 2004.

First generation (2004–2013)

Nissan Note (2004)

The Nissan Note concept car was a five-door hatchback with Intelligent Key with proximity sensors, arched roof line from Fusion concept car, boomerang LED rear lights from Nissan Qashqai, double-deck four-slot grille from Nissan Murano, 17 inch alloy wheels, brushed aluminium interior fittings, dark grey exterior body colour, perforated 'metallic' black and silver leather upholstery, light grey headlining with predominantly black trim, sports seats, twin glass strips run the length of the roof, two deep set dials behind three spoke steering wheel, brushed aluminium display panel with satellite navigation screen and climate control system, glove box slot, brushed aluminium centre console-cum-armrest with storage area.
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2004 Paris Motor Show.

Initial release

Nissan Note (2005–2007)

The retail Nissan Note is based on the design of the Nissan Tone Concept.
The Japanese model went on sale on 20 January 2005.
The European model was unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show, followed by the 2006 Geneva Motor Show.
Retail models went on sale in Spring 2006. Early models included a choice of 4 engines.
The United Kingdom was the first market to have the Note launch there, on 1 March. The car shares some of its underpinnings with the Renault Modus, and is designed to compete with the Opel/Vauxhall Meriva and Citroën C3 Picasso as well as the Modus. It is manufactured at Nissan's plant in Washington, England, as an indirect successor to the conventional medium-sized Almera hatchback which ceased production at Washington in November 2006. The direct successor to the Almera in Europe is the Tiida; however it has not been officially imported to the United Kingdom, although it has been available since March 2009 with models sourced by the Arnold Clark dealership network from the Republic of Ireland.
The Nissan Note used to be available in three specifications, the 'S', 'SE' and 'SVE'. The base model was equipped with full electric windows, alloy wheels and front fog lights or the Flexi-Board boot system. The SE saw the introduction of 15-inch alloys, air conditioning, front fog lights and Flexi-Board boot and the SVE had climate control, rear privacy glass, 16-inch alloys and ESP. These models have been since replaced with the Visia, Acenta, Acenta R and the Tekna. The Visia is almost identical to the old 'S' model whereas the Acenta, Acenta R and Tekna now come complete with MP3 auxiliary jack and Bluetooth car stereo as no cost options. In the UK the Note comes in five specifications; Visia, Visia+, Acenta, Acenta S, and Tekna. All models are fitted with four airbags, a single CD player, remote central locking, electric front windows, electric door mirrors and a sliding rear seat. Same trim levels Visia/Accenta/Tekna used around most of EU however in Russia/CIS region Nissan sold Note with Comfort, Luxury and Tekna trim levels. They are similar to EU trims, but equipped just with two airbags in base of maximum four airbags in Luxury/Tekna. Cars made for this market before 2009 have standard OBDII diagnostics especially software disabled by Nissan.

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.

Safety

The 2006 Nissan Note, 1.4 Acenta, five-door hatchback passed, July 2006, passed the Euro NCAP car safety tests with these ratings:
Production of European model of Nissan Note began in January 2006 at Sunderland plant in the UK.
Nissan 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/restyle (only EU made models)

In 2007, Nissan slightly facelifted Note. Both bumpers become fully painted. Radio antenna moved to the rear of the roof. Headlamp washer lost its dedicated button and become fully automatic which lead to excessive cleaner fluid consumption. New radio models were offered. However they have nothing useful to bring as of 2007. 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 Nissan Note include:
Japanese models went on sale on 16 January 2008. Early models include 15X F package, 15X, 15G, 15RS, 15RX, 15X FOUR F package, 15X FOUR, 15G FOUR.
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.

Nissan Note 15 Brownie Interior, Nissan Note 15RS/16RZ aero style (2008-2012)

Nissan Note 15 Brownie Interior is a version of the 15X and 15X FOUR with brownie interior refinery seat, exclusive air conditioning switch with ivory finisher, urethane 3-spoke steering wheel in silver finisher, 2 ivory ring meter, front passenger arm rest, driver seat back table with 2 cup holders and 2 hooks, and power window finish silver decor.
Nissan Note 15RS/16RZ aero style is a version of the Nissan 15RS/16RZ for the Japanese market, with exclusive chrome plated front grille, optimal light multi-reflector halogen head lamp, front protector, side sill protector, rear under protector, dimpled leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel with red stitching, aluminium wheels, exclusive kicking plate, 2 rear speakers, choice of 4 body colours.
The vehicles went on sale on 7 October 2008.

Nissan Note aero style (2009–2012 Japanese made models only)

Nissan Note aero style is a version of the Nissan Note 15X and 15RS aero style for the Japanese market, with:
The vehicles went on sale on 17 December 2009.

Autech Note Rider +navi HDD (2010 Japanese made models only)

It is a version Nissan Note Rider with HDD navigation system.
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon.

Nissan Note aero style +navi HDD (2010–2012 Japanese made models only)

Nissan Note aero style +navi HDD is a version of the Nissan Note 15X aero style and 15RS aero style with:
Japanese models went on sale on 22 April 2010.

2010 Nissan Note update, Note aero style (2010-2012 Japanese made models only)

Changes include:
Japanese models went on sale on 1 December 2010.

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. As for early models Nissan provided choice of 3 engines, 1.4-litre with 65 kW and a 1.6-litre with 81 kW, choice of 10 body colours.
On second facelift many changes were made in exterior and interior. 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. There are variety of less significant changes.

Nissan Note 15X SV +Plasma, 15X FOUR SV +Plasma (2011-2012 Japanese made models only)

They 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 colors, super black ).
The vehicles went on sale on 19 October 2011.

Marketing

As part of the 2008 Nissan 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 Nissan 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, rain-sensitive wipers became standard equipment
  • N-TEC model includes darkened rear privacy glass, touch screen 'Connect' satellite navigation system
  • N-TEC+ model includes rear parking sensors
  • choice of 1.4, 1.6 petrol and 1.5dCi engines
UK models went on sale in February 2012.
Since beginning of 2012 and till the end of E11 production in 2013 at least in Russian marketed models/trims Nissan silently excluded seat belt pretensioners without any prior notes. Furthermore, seat belt pretensioners was listed in all the dealer offers and contracts while some people found no installed pretensioners on their places upon seat dismount. Later NM Russia acknowledged the lack of pretensioners in Nissan Note 2012–2013.

Nissan Connect related info

Nissan Connect is an auto entertainment system offered with many Nissan cars. There are a few different models of NC for different cars. It's cheap CD/USB audio player with a built-in 4-channel amplifier, 5" LCD, resistive touchscreen and GPS receiver. The only navigation software is built into the firmware. No user apps could be installed on the device. Maps could only be updated using Nissan DRM protected SD cards. Cellular communications are not supported by hardware. Audio/amplifier quality can be assumed as acceptable. System was developed by Bosch Portugal as stated on stickers and is Linux based. Sources of firmware were not published which does definitely violate Linux open source license.

Production

, Nissan has sold 940,000 units of Nissan Note.

Second generation (2012–present)

Nissan INVITATION (2012)

This concept is a hatchback concept built on the V platform, designed to be sold alongside Nissan Micra and Nissan Juke. It included Nissan's "Squash Line" at the side body panel, independent front MacPherson struts with coil springs, torsion beam rear axle, Around View Monitor safety technology, Nissan Safety Shield System.
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva International Motor Show.

Initial release

Nissan Note (DBA-E12/NE12, 2012–)

The second generation Nissan Note was based on the Nissan INVITATION concept.
The vehicle was unveiled at the Osanbashi venue in Yokohama, followed by 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 Nissan Livina for other countries' markets within 2013.
Japanese models went on sale on 3 September 2012. Early Note models include a choice of HR12DE and HR12DDR engines, Xtronic CVT transmission. Early Note Rider models include a choice of HR12DE and HR12DDR engines, Xtronic CVT transmission. The width dimension is kept under 1700mm on all international models so that versions in Japan will be in compliance with Japanese Government dimension regulations with engine displacement kept under 2000cc so that Japanese versions will offer Japanese buyers annual road tax savings for smaller engines.
Hong Kong models went on sale on 21 September 2012. Early models included DIG-S with HR12DDR engine, XTRONIC CVT transmission, ISS idle mode.
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, 3 trim grades.

Nissan Note Medalist (2012–)

It is a version of the Nissan Note for the Japanese market, with plated door handles, exclusive Beatnic Gold body color, suede-like cloth seats and artificial leather, piano-like center cluster finisher and genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel.

2013 Tokyo Auto Salon concepts (2013)

Nissan Note Personalization Concept is a version of the Nissan Note with 'digital camouflage' graphics motif.
Nissan Note Rider is a version of the Nissan Note with dark-plated front fascia, aluminum wheels.
The vehicles were unveiled in the 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon.

Nissan Note Axis (2013–)

It is a version of the Nissan Note X DIG-S with HR12DDR engine and X FOUR with HR12DE engine for the Japanese market, with Xtronic CVT transmission, exclusive leather seats, exclusive door trim, wood centre cluster finisher, leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel in silver, driver and rear seats arm rest, exclusive front grille, front bumper grill fin, make out side door handle, fog lamp, exclusive emblum, auto light system, 2 rear speakers, ozone-safe air conditioning, external thermometer, passenger seat back pocket, 15-inch aluminium wheels with 185/65R15 88S tyres, choice of 4 body colours, brilliant silver, super black, aurora mauve ).
The vehicle went on sale on 6 February 2013.

Nissan Versa Note (2013–2019)

The Nissan Versa Note is a version of the Nissan Note for the US market, as a replacement of the outgoing Nissan Versa hatchback.
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2013 North American International Auto Show.
US model went on sale in Summer 2013 as 2014 model year vehicle. Early models include 1.6-liter 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. New for 2017 a facelift with a new front bumper cover as well as rear, wheels and color choices.
In April 2019, Nissan announced that the Versa Note would be discontinued at the end of 2019, and that only the Versa sedan will be offered for the 2020 model year, despite diminishing sales for both the Versa and Versa Note models.

Engines

Production

The Japanese model of Nissan 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 in 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 Nissan Note.

Marketing

As part of Nissan Note's market launch in Japan, Nissan Note's Japan web site 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 CO2 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
The vehicle was unveiled at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show in 2013.
Japanese model went on sale on 25 December 2013.

Engines

On 24 October 2016, Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn revealed at the Nissan Note factory in Japan the facelifted MY2017 Note model, 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 – e-Power

Nissan unveiled a new hybrid powertrain in Note e-Power on 2 November 2016 in Japan.
The company's new e-Power hybrid system, consists of a small 1.2-liter, three-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric traction motor, which is shared with the Nissan Leaf, pairs with a much smaller battery than the Leaf's.
But unlike the power-split hybrids, it propels the wheels solely with the electric motor. The small engine only charges the battery. The motor power output rating is 80 kW and 240 Nm torque.
As of 2017, the Nissan Note is being sold only in Asia and Americas. UK production for European and Argentine markets ended in March that year to increase capacity for Qashqai, a month before the United Kingdom's planned withdrawal from the European Union.