When it comes to compact hatchbacks for the city, Nissan Note often finds itself at the top of choice due to its practicality and cost-effectiveness. But one of the key parameters that worries potential owners is ground clearance (or clearance). It determines how confident the car will feel on uneven roads, curbs and winter snowdrifts. In this article we will figure out what ground clearance it has Nissan Note different generations, how to measure it correctly and whether it can be increased without compromising driving performance.
It is worth noting that manufacturers often indicate the ground clearance for a car in a “pure” form - without taking into account the load, suspension wear or installed non-standard wheels. Actual numbers may differ by 1-2 cm, and in some cases more. We collected data for all generations Note (including restylings), compared them with their main competitors and prepared practical advice for owners.
Nissan Note ground clearance by generation: official data and real measurements
Car Nissan Note Over its history, it has gone through three generations, each of which had its own characteristics in terms of ground clearance. Let's look at them in detail, taking into account not only the factory characteristics, but also reviews from the owners.
1st generation (E11, 2004–2012) - debut version, which was offered with 1.4 and 1.6 liter petrol engines. The official clearance was 150 mm, but in practice for used cars it often decreased to 140–145 mm due to sagging springs. This was especially true for versions with heavy equipment (for example, with air conditioning and power accessories).
2nd generation (E12, 2012–2020) - engineers are here Nissan increased ground clearance to 155 mm for most modifications. However, in 2016, after restyling, a version with the system appeared Around View Monitor, where the clearance was slightly reduced (to 150 mm) due to the location of the cameras.
3rd generation (E13, from 2020) - the most modern, with ground clearance 160 mm as standard. But there is a nuance here: the hybrid version Note e-Power the clearance is 155 mm due to the location of the battery under the floor.
- 📏 E11 (2004–2012): 150 mm (actually 140–145 mm)
- 🔄 E12 (2012–2020): 155 mm (150 mm with Around View Monitor)
- ⚡ E13 (from 2020): 160 mm (155 mm for e-Power)
- ⚠️ Important: Ground clearance is measured under
engine protection, and not at the bottom point of the bumper!
- Less than 145 mm
- 145–150 mm
- 150–155 mm
- 155–160 mm
- More than 160 mm
How to correctly measure the ground clearance of a Nissan Note: step-by-step instructions
If you want to know the exact ground clearance of your car, do not rely only on the data from the technical data sheet. Actual figures may vary due to suspension wear, tire replacement or additional load. Here's how to measure ground clearance yourself:
- Prepare the car: place it on a flat surface (no slope), remove cargo from the trunk and interior, check the tire pressure (there should be
2.2–2.4 barfor Note). - Define measuring points:
- 🔧Under
engine protection(main point). - 🔧Under
front subframe(if any). - 🔧Under
rear axle(for all-wheel drive versions).
- 🔧Under
laser range finder or special ground clearance meter (sold in auto stores).Place the car on a flat surface|Check the tire pressure|Remove excess cargo from the passenger compartment and trunk|Use an accurate ruler or clearance meter|Measure at 3–4 points (front, rear, center)-->
Please note: if your Note equipped air suspension (rare, but found on tuned versions), ground clearance may vary depending on the mode. In this case, measure the clearance in standard mode (without raising or lowering the body).
⚠️ Attention: Do not measure the ground clearance after a long stay - the springs could sag. It is better to do this after 10–15 minutes of driving, when the suspension is in working condition.
Comparison of Nissan Note ground clearance with competitors: who is higher?
To understand how good the ground clearance is Nissan Note, let's compare it with the main rivals in the subcompact hatchback class. For objectivity, let’s take models of similar size and price.
| Model | Ground clearance (mm) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan Note E13 (2020–present) | 160 | 155 mm for e-Power hybrid |
| Toyota Yaris (4th generation) | 150 | The Cross version has 160 mm |
| Honda Jazz (3rd generation) | 155 | Hybrid - 150 mm |
| Kia Rio X-Line | 170 | Due to the plastic body kit |
| Hyundai i20 (3rd generation) | 150 | The Active version has 155 mm |
As can be seen from the table, Nissan Note The latest generation is at the top of the ground clearance ranking among urban hatchbacks. However, some competitors have "upgraded" versions (for example, Kia Rio X-Line or Toyota Yaris Cross), where the clearance reaches 170 mm. But it is worth remembering that such cars are usually more expensive and have increased bumper overhang, which can create problems when parking.
If maximum ground clearance is critical for you, pay attention to Note complete with 15-inch wheels - they have 5-10 mm more clearance than versions with 16-inch wheels (due to a higher rubber profile).
When choosing between Nissan Note And Toyota Yaris Please note that the Japanese has less ground clearance, but the suspension is softer. If you drive on bad roads, it is better to test drive both models and measure the ground clearance under load.
Is it possible to increase the ground clearance of a Nissan Note: legal and illegal methods
Many owners Nissan Note want to increase ground clearance, especially if they often drive on dirt roads or on unclean roads in winter. Let's consider all possible methods - from the simplest to the radical.
1. Replacing wheels with a larger diameter
The safest way to add 5–15 mm of ground clearance is to install larger diameter wheels. For example:
- 🔄 C
14"on15"with tires195/60→ +10 mm. - 🔄 C
15"on16"with tires205/55→ +5 mm.
But here it is important not to go beyond the dimensions recommended by the manufacturer, otherwise the speed on the speedometer will be shown incorrectly, and the suspension will wear out faster.
2. Installing spacers for springs
Spacers made of polyurethane or aluminum allow you to raise the body by 20–30 mm. However, this method has disadvantages:
- ⚠️ Controllability deteriorates (the center of gravity shifts upward).
- ⚠️ They wear out faster
stabilizer linksAndCV joints. - ⚠️ Wheel alignment may need to be adjusted.
3. Replacing springs with reinforced ones or from a different model
Some owners install springs from Nissan Juke or Renault Captur, which gives an increase of up to 20 mm. But this requires modifications to the shock absorbers and may void the warranty.
4. Air suspension (for enthusiasts)
The most expensive, but also the most versatile option. Allows you to change the ground clearance on the fly - from 140 to 200 mm. However, installation will cost 150–200 thousand rubles, plus regular maintenance will be required.
⚠️ Attention: Any change in ground clearance by more than 30 mm from the factory value requires changes to PTS! Otherwise, there may be problems when passing the technical inspection.
What happens if you increase the clearance too much?
When the body is raised by more than 50 mm from the standard value, aerodynamics deteriorate, fuel consumption increases, and the load on the transmission increases. In addition, problems may arise with the operation of parking sensors and all-round cameras (if any), since their viewing angle is designed for standard clearance.
The influence of ground clearance on handling and comfort: what you need to know
Many people mistakenly believe that the higher the clearance, the better. However, increasing ground clearance also has a downside:
- 🚗 Deterioration in handling: A high center of gravity makes the car less stable when cornering.
- 💨 Increased fuel consumption: worse aerodynamics, especially at speeds above 90 km/h.
- 🔧 Rapid wear of the suspension: shock absorbers and silent blocks operate at large angles.
- 🚦 Parking problems: Parking sensors may give false alarms.
Optimal ground clearance for Nissan Note — it's a balance between cross-country ability and comfort. If you drive mainly around the city, the factory 150-160 mm will be enough. For country trips on dirt roads, it is better to consider alternatives like Nissan Juke or Dacia Sandero Stepway, where the clearance is 180–200 mm.
Interesting fact: in Japan, where the roads are perfectly smooth, Nissan Note sold with a ground clearance of only 140 mm. European and Russian versions are specially adapted to our realities.
An increase in ground clearance by more than 20 mm from the standard value requires a mandatory check of the wheel alignment angles and, possibly, replacement of the shock absorbers with stiffer ones.
Frequent problems with clearance in Nissan Note: what breaks and how to prevent
Even at standard ground clearance Nissan Note Over time, problems related to the suspension and body may arise. Here are the most common ones:
- Spring sagging — after 80–100 thousand km they lose their elasticity, and the ground clearance decreases by 10–15 mm. Solution: replacement of springs (original ones cost ~15 thousand rubles per pair).
- Shock absorber wear - if they “leak”, the car begins to “squat” on bumps. Solution: replacement of racks (from 20 thousand rubles per set).
- Engine protection deformation — when hitting an obstacle, it may bend and reduce clearance. Solution: leveling or replacement (from 5 thousand rubles).
- Bumper damage — plastic cracks when hitting curbs. Solution: installation of protection (from 3 thousand rubles) or repair of the bumper.
To extend the life of the suspension and maintain ground clearance, keep an eye on:
- 🔧 Condition of anthers shock absorbers and CV joints.
- 🔧 Tire pressure (underinflated wheels reduce clearance).
- 🔧 Regular washing pendants in winter (salt corrodes metal).
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing springs or shock absorbers the car begins to “fall” in corners, check stabilizer links — they could fail due to changed suspension geometry.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about Nissan Note ground clearance
Is it possible to drive a Nissan Note off-road?
Nissan Note - This is a city hatchback, not an SUV. Its ground clearance of 150–160 mm allows it to overcome small bumps and snowdrifts, but deep mud or large stones can damage the engine protection or sump. For light off-road use, it is better to choose a model with all-wheel drive (for example, Nissan Juke) or install additional protection.
What is the ground clearance of a Nissan Note with all-wheel drive?
All-wheel drive version Nissan Note (available only in Japan and some Asian countries) has a ground clearance of 155 mm - 5 mm less than the front-wheel drive due to the location of the driveshaft. Such cars were not officially sold in Russia.
Will the ground clearance decrease if I install low-profile tires?
Yes. For example, if you replace the tires 185/65 R15 on 205/50 R16, the ground clearance will decrease by 10–15 mm. In addition, low-profile tires absorb impacts less well, which can lead to damage to the wheels or suspension.
What to do if after replacing the shock absorbers the car became lower?
This is normal if you installed shock absorbers of a different brand or with different characteristics. Some manufacturers (for example, Kayaba or Monroe) make racks with a slightly shorter length than the original ones. If the difference is more than 10mm, it's worth checking if they fit your model.
Is it possible to set the ground clearance to 180 mm on a Nissan Note?
Technically yes, but this will require a complete rework of the suspension: replacing springs, shock absorbers, possibly levers and steering rods. Such changes must be consistent with the traffic police and may affect safety. We recommend considering purchasing a crossover if you need high ground clearance.