Nissan Note dimensions: full overview of body, trunk and interior dimensions (E11, E12)

Compact hatchback Nissan Note It has long been a favorite among city cars thanks to its successful combination of compact dimensions and spacious interior. But before buying it is important to know for sure machine dimensions — maneuverability in traffic jams, ease of parking, and even the choice of parking space depend on this. In this article we will analyze in detail all the parameters: from body length to trunk volume, we will compare generations E11 (2004–2013) and E12 (2013–2020), and also give practical advice on operation.

We will pay special attention key differences between versions for the Japanese and European markets - they affect the ground clearance, width and even the ability to install winter tires. You will also find unique data on the actual volume of the trunk, taking into account the body shape, which are not indicated in the official specifications. If you plan to transport large cargo or often travel with passengers, this information will help you avoid unpleasant surprises.

1. Dimensions of Nissan Note E11 (2004–2013): first generation

Debut Nissan Note E11 became revolutionary for the class - its design with a high roof and short overhang provided extraordinary spaciousness with modest external dimensions. The length of the body was only 3.99 meters, which made the car ideal for cramped European cities. At the same time, thanks to height 1.55 m the interior seemed much larger than that of competitors like Toyota Yaris or Honda Jazz.

Key features of dimensions E11:

• 📏 Length: 3,990 mm - 10 cm shorter than VW Polo the same period.
• 🚪 Width: 1,690 mm (excluding mirrors) - standard for the class, but taking into account track 1,470 mm the car is stable on the road.
• ⚖️ Ground clearance: 150 mm in the basic version, but a version with ground clearance 165 mm (with package "4WD").
• 🧳 Trunk: 250 liters with the seats up, but thanks to the shape of the body the actual volume is closer to 280–300 l (see section about trunk).

Interesting fact: Note E11 was one of the first cars in its class to use the system "Flexible Seating System" - the rear seats could be moved back and forth by 190 mm, which allowed for varying legroom or luggage space. This solution was later copied by many competitors.

2. Dimensions of Nissan Note E12 (2013–2020): evolution or revolution?

Second generation Nissan Note E12 retained the philosophy of its predecessor, but received a more aggressive design and improved dimensions. Length increased to 4 100 mm, and the height increased to 1,530 mm (in the basic version). The main innovation was the platform V-platform, which Nissan developed jointly with Renault — it made it possible to reduce weight by 40 kg while maintaining body rigidity.

Comparison of key parameters E11 And E12:

Parameter	Nissan Note E11	Nissan Note E12	Change
Length, mm	3 990	4 100	+110 mm
Width, mm	1 690	1 695	+5 mm
Height, mm	1 550	1 530	–20 mm
Ground clearance, mm	150 (165 for 4WD)	145 (160 for "Ride Comfort")	–5 mm
Wheelbase, mm	2 525	2 600	+75 mm

Please note wheelbase — its increase by 75 mm made E12 more stable at high speeds, but made parking in tight yards a little more difficult. But the passengers in the back row received 5 cm more legroom. But the ground clearance has decreased - this should be taken into account when choosing winter tires or driving on dirt roads.

⚠️ Attention: In the version for the Japanese market ("Note e-Power") clearance is 160 mm due to a different suspension. When importing such a machine to Russia, problems with certification may arise - check this point before purchasing.

3. Trunk volume: real numbers vs official data

Official trunk volume Nissan Note stated as 250–354 liters (depending on generation and seat position). However, these numbers are often misleading - they are measured against a standard VDA, which does not take into account the shape of the body. In practice in Note E12 can be placed:

• 🛒 Products: 4 large supermarket bags + 2 boxes (eg drinks).
• 🧳 Suitcases: 2 medium suitcases (55×40×20 cm) + backpack if you fold down the rear seats.
• 🎿 Sports equipment: skis up to 1.8 m long (with seats folded) or snowboard in a case.
• 🐶 Animals: transport crate for a medium sized dog (e.g. labrador) fits without problems.

The secret to a spacious trunk is high roof and an almost vertical rear door. For example, in Note E12 can be transported refrigerator 1.4 m high, if you fold the seats. For comparison: in Toyota Yaris of the same year, the maximum load height was only 1.1 m.

How to measure the trunk correctly when purchasing?

When inspecting the car, take a tape measure with you and measure:

- The width between the wheel arches (for Note E12 - 1.05 m).

- Height from floor to ceiling with the door open (for E12 - 1.1 m at the narrowest point).

- Depth with seats folded (up to 1.6 m for E12).

This will help avoid surprises when transporting large cargo.

If you often have to transport long loads (for example, furniture), pay attention to the version Note Acenta — in it the rear seats fold in proportion 60:40, which allows you to place a load up to 2.4 meters with a partially folded row.

4. Ground clearance and geometric cross-country ability: what you need to know

Despite the urban focus, Nissan Note It is often used on country roads and even dirt roads. Here the key role is played ground clearance (ground clearance). In the basic version E12 he makes up 145 mm, but there are nuances:

• 🚗 With front wheel drive: ground clearance under the engine is 145 mm, but only under the front bumper 120 mm (risk of getting caught when leaving the curb).
• 🔄 With "Ride Comfort" package: the ground clearance was increased to 160 mm, but such vehicles were not officially delivered to Russia.
• ❄️ Winter operation: when installing chains on wheels, the ground clearance actually decreases by 10–15 mm.

For comparison: Kia Rio ground clearance is 150 mm, and Renault Sandero - 155 mm. Thus, Note loses to competitors in cross-country ability, but wins due to shorter overhangs (the risk of catching the bumper when leaving the curb is lower).

⚠️ Attention: When installing crankcase protection, the ground clearance is reduced by 15–20 mm. If you often drive on rough roads, choose a version with factory protection - it is thinner than after-market counterparts and has less impact on ground clearance.

Geometric cross-country ability Note also limited departure/approach angles:

• Entry angle: 14° (worse than Dacia Sandero with him 17°).
• Departure angle: 22° - a good indicator for a hatchback.

5. Comparison of dimensions with main competitors

To objectively evaluate Nissan Note, let's compare it with the main rivals in the class - Toyota Yaris, Honda Jazz And Kia Rio X-Line. All data is given for models 2018–2020 (analogues Note E12).

Parameter	Nissan Note E12	Toyota Yaris	Honda Jazz	Kia Rio X-Line
Length, mm	4 100	3 945	4 045	4 065
Width, mm	1 695	1 695	1 694	1 725
Height, mm	1 530	1 475	1 525	1 470
Ground clearance, mm	145	150	145	170
Trunk volume, l	354	286	304	325

From the table it is clear that Note leads in trunk volume And cabin height, but loses Kia Rio X-Line by ground clearance. If cross-country ability is important to you, pay attention to Rio or Dacia Sandero. If the priority is space and ease of seating, Note out of competition.

Another important point - cabin width. B Note E12 the distance between doorways is 1 420 mm, which is 3–5 cm more than competitors. This makes the car more comfortable for passengers with wide shoulders or for installing child seats.

6. Practical tips: how to make the most of the Note's dimensions

Knowing the dimensions is only half the battle. Here are a few practical life hacks, which will help in everyday use:

1. Parking in tight spaces: thanks to the short overhang at the front (750 mm) Note You can park almost close to the curb. Use the rear view camera - in E12 it shows the real distance to the obstacle with an accuracy of centimeter.
2. Transportation of long cargo: If you need to transport boards or pipes, remove the front passenger seat (this takes 2 minutes) - this will increase the length of the cargo compartment to 2.7 m.
3. Winter operation: When installing winter tires, choose wheels with an offset ET45 - this will maintain ground clearance and prevent tire friction on the fender liners.
4. Trips with passengers: in Note E12 the rear row of seats can be moved to 150 mm back, increasing legroom to 890 mm (as in Skoda Octavia).

If you often carry loads on the roof, please note that the maximum load on the roof rails is 50 kg (for E12). For comparison: Toyota RAV4 this indicator - 75 kg. If the limit is exceeded, not only the roof, but also the body pillars are deformed.

7. Frequently asked questions about Nissan Note dimensions

Can you fit a stroller and shopping in the Note's trunk?

Yes, but with nuances. B Note E12 When the rear row is folded, it fits:

• 👶 Carrycot stroller (for example, Cybex Cloud Z) + 2 bags of groceries.
• 🛒 Cane stroller (GB Pockit) + 3 bags + small backpack.

If the stroller is oversized (for example, Stokke Xplory), you will have to fold down one rear seat.

Which Note is better for tall drivers - E11 or E12?

Note E12 preferable thanks to:

• Longer wheelbase (2 600 mm against 2,525 mm at E11), which gives more legroom.
• Adjusting the steering wheel for reach (in E11 only by inclination angle).
• More ergonomic seats with better lateral support.

B E12 driver up to 190 cm feels comfortable in E11 this limit is 185 cm.

Is it true that the Japanese version of the Note has more ground clearance?

Yes, but not in all trim levels. Japanese versions ("Note e-Power" or with package "4WD") have ground clearance 160 mm due to:

• Different suspension spring settings.
• Using a smaller profile tire (185/60 R16 instead of 185/65 R15).

However, such cars are not officially certified for Russia - they will have to be cleared through customs as “European”, which can cause problems with the traffic police.

Is it possible to install 195/60 R16 tires on Note E12 without problems?

Technically yes, but there are risks:

• 🔧 Width 195 mm may touch the wheel arch liners when the steering wheel is turned completely.
• ⚖️ Ground clearance will decrease by 5–7 mm due to the larger wheel diameter.
• ⚡ The load on the suspension will increase by ~10%, which will reduce the life of the shock absorbers.

If you need wider tires, it is better to choose wheels with offset ET50 and use spacers.

What is the maximum length of cargo that can be carried in the Note?

With seats fully folded:

• Note E11: to 1.7 m (height limit - 1.1 m).
• Note E12: to 2.4 m (if you remove the front passenger seat).

For comparison: in Lada Largus maximum load length - 2.5 m, but at the same time Note wins in terms of luggage compartment height.