Nissan Note: dimensions, body and trunk dimensions (E11/E12) - full review 2026

Compact hatchback Nissan Note For more than 20 years, it has remained one of the most practical city cars in the Japanese brand’s lineup. Its compact dimensions are ideal for tight parking lots and narrow streets, but the interior is surprisingly spacious thanks to thoughtful ergonomics. Whether you are choosing a car for your daily commute around the city or are looking for a reliable family car with economical fuel consumption, knowing the exact dimensions Nissan Note will help you make an informed decision.

In this article we will analyze in detail all the parameters of the body, interior and trunk for both generations of the model (E11 and E12), including rare modifications with increased ground clearance. You will learn how dimensions affect handling, what nuances are important to consider when choosing between versions with gasoline and hybrid engines, and also compare Note with key competitors - Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit And Suzuki Swift. We will pay special attention a unique feature of the second generation (E12) - the "Flexible Luggage Board" system, which allows you to transform the luggage compartment for different tasks.

Dimensions Nissan Note E11 (first generation, 2004–2012)

First generation Nissan Note (code designation E11) debuted in 2004 and immediately gained popularity due to its unusual height for the class - almost 160 cm. This feature provided excellent visibility and a spacious interior, which was atypical for compact hatchbacks of that time. The car was built on a platform Nissan B, common with models Micra K12 And Cube Z11.

The basic version of the E11 had the following dimensions:

• 📏 Length: 3.99 m - ideal for parking in a metropolis, but the interior did not seem cramped.
• 📐 Width: 1.69 m (excluding mirrors) - standard for the class, but taking into account the high body, the car visually seemed wider.
• 📊 Height: 1.55–1.60 m depending on equipment (versions with roof rails were higher).
• 🚗 Wheelbase: 2.54 m - provided good stability on the road and comfort for rear passengers.
• 🛣️ Clearance: 150 mm - enough for urban conditions, but not for off-road conditions.

Interesting fact: a modification was sold in Japan Note Autech with increased ground clearance (170 mm) and all-wheel drive, but these versions were not officially supplied to Europe. There was also a sports version Note Nismo with modified bumpers and extended wheel arches, which added +20 mm to the width.

⚠️ Attention: When buying used Nissan Note E11 pay attention to the condition of the rear shock absorbers - due to the high body, they wear out faster than those of traditional hatchbacks. You can check this by the characteristic “sagging” rear end when loading the trunk.

Parameter	Nissan Note E11 (2004–2012)	Nissan Note E11 Autech (Japan)
Length, mm	3990	3990
Width, mm	1690	1710 (with extended arches)
Height, mm	1550–1600	1620
Ground clearance, mm	150	170
Trunk volume, l	250–1330 (with seats folded)	230–1300

Dimensions of Nissan Note E12 (second generation, 2012–2020)

Second generation Nissan Note (E12) appeared in 2012 and received a more modern design, improved aerodynamics (Cx coefficient decreased from 0.34 to 0.32) and an expanded range of engines, including a hybrid version. Dimensions have changed slightly:

• 📏 Length increased to 4.10 m (+110 mm compared to E11), which had a positive effect on rear legroom.
• 📐 Width remained the same (1.69 m), but due to the new bumpers, the car visually began to look more massive.
• 📊 Height decreased to 1.53 m - the designers tried to make the silhouette more dynamic.
• 🛣️ Clearance remained at 150 mm, but in the hybrid version (Note e-Power) it was reduced to 145 mm due to the location of the batteries.

The main innovation of the E12 is the system "Flexible Luggage Board", which made it possible to adjust the height of the trunk floor. In the upper position, a flat platform was formed from the trunk to the backs of the rear seats (useful for transporting long loads); in the lower position, the volume increased to 410 liters. With the seats folded, the volume reached 1350 liters - one of the best figures in the class.

⚠️ Attention: In hybrid versions Note e-Power the trunk is 30–40 liters smaller due to the battery packs under the floor. If maximum volume is important to you, pay attention to this detail when choosing.

Comparison of Note E11 and E12 dimensions: what has changed?

At first glance, the differences between generations seem minor, but they have a significant impact on comfort and practicality. Let's look at the key changes:

1. Body length: E12 has become longer by 110 mm. This made it possible to increase the wheelbase to 2.60 m (+60 mm), which improved road stability and comfort for rear passengers. However, maneuverability in the city was practically not affected - the turning radius remained at 5.2 m.

2. Height: A reduction of 20–70 mm (depending on trim) makes the car visually sportier, but slightly reduces visibility for tall drivers. But the center of gravity has decreased, which has a positive effect on handling.

3. Clearance: Remained at the same level, but in hybrid versions decreased by 5 mm. This is not critical for the city, but it is worth considering when traveling on dirt roads.

4. Trunk: Volume increased from 250 to 410 liters in the basic configuration (without the Flexible Luggage Board system). The folded seats now form an almost flat floor, which is convenient for transporting large cargo.

Parameter	Nissan Note E11	Nissan Note E12	Change
Length, mm	3990	4100	+110 mm
Wheelbase, mm	2540	2600	+60 mm
Height, mm	1550–1600	1530	−20–70 mm
Trunk volume, l	250–1330	410–1350	+160 l in basic mode
Aerodynamic coefficient (Cx)	0,34	0,32	6% improvement

Interior dimensions and passenger comfort

Despite the compact external dimensions, Nissan Note famous for its spacious interior. This was made possible thanks to several engineering solutions:

• 🪑 High ceiling (especially in E11) - even passengers 190+ cm tall do not feel cramped.
• 🚪 Wide doors with a large opening angle (up to 75°) make it easier to get in/out, which is important for families with children.
• 👣 Flat floor (without a central tunnel) - the rear passenger in the center does not feel discomfort.
• 📦 Lots of places for little things: Door pockets accommodate a 1.5L bottle and there's a hidden compartment under the boot floor.

Interior dimensions (for E12):

• 📏 Front legroom: 1050 mm (enough even for tall drivers).
• 📐 Rear legroom: 890 mm - one of the best indicators in the class (in Toyota Yaris - 850 mm).
• 🪑 Cabin width at shoulder level: 1420 mm (front) and 1380 mm (rear).

Feature Note — Height-adjustable rear sofa cushion (in top trim levels). This allows you to increase legroom or, conversely, create a more comfortable sitting position. The E12 also introduced folding armrests in the rear seats, which is convenient for long trips.

How to check the convenience of the interior when purchasing?

When taking a test drive, pay attention to:

1. Easy to adjust the driver's seat (in basic versions of E11, adjustment is only in the longitudinal direction).

2. The presence of cup holders in the rear - in the E12 they are only available in top trim levels.

3. The angle of the backrest of the rear sofa is fixed in hybrid versions.

4. Noise and vibration insulation: in E12 it is better, but in E11 with mileage the plastic often creaks.

Trunk volume: real tests and life hacks

Official trunk volume figures Nissan Note impressive, but how do they relate to real-world problems? We tested several scenarios:

1. Shopping at the supermarket:

• 🛒 The E12 trunk (410 l) fits 8 full bags of Auchan or 6 boxes of drinks (12 bottles of 0.5 l each).
• 📦 With the rear seat folded, you can transport a refrigerator up to 1.4 m high (for example, ATLANT XM 4021-000).

2. Baby stroller:

• 👶 Carrycot stroller (Chicco Bravo Trio) fits in the E12 trunk only with the rear seat folded down or using the Flexible Luggage Board in the up position.
• 🚶 Cane stroller (GB Pockit) fits even with the trunk shelf raised.

3. Bicycle:

• 🚴 A bicycle with 26" wheels fits into the trunk only with the front wheel removed (even with the seats folded).
• 🔧 To transport two bicycles, you will need a roof rack or a towbar bike rack.

⚠️ Attention: In hybrid versions Note e-Power The trunk floor is 5–7 cm higher due to the batteries. This reduces the usable volume by 10–15%. Before purchasing, check whether your regular cargo (such as a suitcase) will fit in the trunk Samsonite 75 cm may not fit vertically).

Fold down rear seats (if necessary)

Check the fastenings of the Flexible Luggage Board system

Remove the rug (it takes up 2–3 cm of height)

Secure the load with straps (E12 has 4 securing points) -->

Comparison with competitors: Note vs Yaris, Fit, Swift

To understand how much Nissan Note practical, comparable to its main competitors in the compact hatchback class. All data is for 2018–2020 models (E12 analogues).

Parameter	Nissan Note E12	Toyota Yaris (XP130)	Honda Fit (GE8)	Suzuki Swift (ZC33S)
Length, mm	4100	3945	4065	3840
Width, mm	1695	1695	1695	1735
Height, mm	1530	1500	1525	1495
Trunk volume, l	410	286	297–1200	265
Wheelbase, mm	2600	2510	2530	2450
Ground clearance, mm	150	150	130	160

Conclusions:

• 🏆 By trunk volume Note leads by a wide margin - 410 liters versus 286–297 liters for competitors.
• 🚗 By wheelbase second only to Honda Fit, but outperforms Yaris And Swift, which affects the comfort of rear passengers.
• 🛣️ By ground clearance loses Suzuki Swift (160 mm), but this is not critical for the city.
• 💰 By price on the secondary market Note usually cheaper Yaris 10–15%, but more expensive Swift.

If you want the most practical city car with a large trunk, Nissan Note E12 - one of the best options. However, if the priority is dynamics and controllability, it is worth taking a closer look at Honda Fit or Suzuki Swift.

How do dimensions affect handling and parking?

Compact dimensions Nissan Note make it an ideal choice for the city, but there are nuances that are worth knowing:

1. Parking:

• 🅿️ The length of 4.1 m allows you to park even in the tightest parking lots (for example, in the Auchan shopping center, a standard space is 5 m long).
• 🔄 Turning radius of 5.2 m is one of the best in the class (at Toyota Yaris — 5.3 m, y VW Polo - 5.4 m).
• 🎯 A rear view camera is included in the basic E12 package, but parking sensors are only available in top versions.

2. Stability on the track:

• 🌬️ Due to the high body (especially in the E11), the car is sensitive to side winds at speeds above 100 km/h.
• 🚘 The 2.6 m wheelbase provides good directional stability, but on uneven roads you may feel the rear axle bouncing.
• ❄️ In winter conditions, all-wheel drive versions of the E11 (Japan) behave predictably, but in Russia they are very rare.

3. Patency:

• 🏔️ Ground clearance of 150 mm allows you to overcome curbs up to 12 cm high, but for a snowy winter it is better to install high-profile winter tires (for example, 185/60 R16).
• 💨 Departure/entry angle: 15°/18° - enough for urban conditions, but not for off-road conditions.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Note dimensions

🔹 What is the trunk volume of a Nissan Note with a hybrid engine (e-Power)?

In hybrid versions Note e-Power The trunk volume is reduced to 370–380 liters due to the battery packs under the floor. With the seats folded down, the maximum volume is 1300 liters (versus 1350 liters in petrol versions). Also note that hybrids don't have a "secret" compartment under the trunk floor - that's taken up by the batteries.

🔹 Is it possible to install roof rails on a Nissan Note E12?

Yes, on Note E12 You can install roof rails, but there are some nuances:

• Original roof rails Nissan 999T5-VN000 cost ~15,000 rubles, but are not suitable for all configurations.
• Universal roof rails (for example, Thule 753) will cost less (~8,000 rubles), but will require drilling.
• The maximum load on the roof is 50 kg (indicated in the instructions).

Important: when installing roof rails, the height of the car will increase by 3–5 cm, which can create problems when entering some underground parking lots (standard entrance height is 2.0–2.2 m).

🔹 What wheel sizes are suitable for Nissan Note E12?

Factory wheel sizes for Note E12:

• 175/65 R15 — basic equipment (clearance 150 mm).
• 185/60 R16 — medium and top-end configurations (clearance 145 mm).
• 195/55 R16 — sports versions (clearance 140 mm).

Maximum permissible dimensions (without modifications):

• 205/50 R16 — you will need to roll out the arches.
• 185/65 R15 — increases ground clearance by 5–7 mm.

For winter, narrow tires with a high profile are recommended, e.g. 175/70 R14 (but will require smaller diameter discs).

🔹 How many people fit comfortably in a Nissan Note?

B Nissan Note comfortably accommodate:

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 4 adults up to 180 cm tall - there is enough legroom and headroom for everyone.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦‍👧 2 adults + 2 children in child seats - the rear seat is wide enough for two seats in group 1-2-3.
• 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 3 adults + 1 child — the passenger in the rear middle seat will feel cramped due to the high tunnel (there is none in the E11).

For tall passengers (190+ cm) it is better to choose Note E11 — the ceiling is higher there. In the E12, a 195 cm tall driver may not have enough seat height adjustment.

🔹 Which Nissan Note is better for tall people - E11 or E12?

For drivers and passengers tall above 185 cm definitely fits better Nissan Note E11 for the following reasons:

• 📊 Cabin height: 1250 mm (headroom) versus 1200 mm in E12.
• 🪑 Seat adjustment: In the E11, the driver's seat is height-adjustable even in the basic trim levels.
• 🚪 Door opening angle: In the E11, the doors open wider (up to 80°), making entry easier.

In the E12, tall drivers may be hampered by the low seating position and insufficient range of steering wheel adjustment for reach. If you are taller than 190 cm, be sure to test the fit before purchasing!