Salon Nissan Note This is a rare case where a compact hatchback offers space and functionality comparable to cars in the class above. Japanese engineers managed to squeeze into modest dimensions (length 4.1 m) a salon that surprises with its ergonomics and practicality. But is it as perfect as it seems at first glance?

In this article we will look at all Note generations (from E11 2004 to modern E13), we will analyze the finishing materials, reveal the secrets of interior transformation and give exclusive recommendations for caring for plastic and fabric that will extend the life of the interior by 30-40%. And let’s compare Note with the main competitors on 5 key parameters, which are silent in the showrooms.

Evolution of the Nissan Note interior: from E11 to E13 - what has changed?

First generation Nissan Note (E11, 2004-2012) became revolutionary for the class subcompact hatchbacks. Designers abandoned “box-shaped” shapes in favor of smooth lines and an asymmetrical instrument panel. The main feature is «Floating Centre Console» (suspended center console), which visually increased the space. However, early versions suffered from cheap plastic, which creaked after 20,000 km.

Second generation (E12, 2012-2020) received better materials, but lost some of its originality. The Japanese paid attention to sound insulation (15% quieter than E11), but the design has become too “universal”. But now there are options that were previously available only in the class above:

  • 🔹 Heated steering wheel (since 2015 in top trim levels)
  • 🔹 Head-up display (optional for Japanese market)
  • 🔹 Seats with memory function (only for Note Autech)

Third generation (E13, from 2020) returned some of the “highlights” of the first Note, but with modern technologies. Here and 10.8" touch screen (at the top), and digital dashboard, and even wireless charging for smartphones. However, the European versions have lost some “goodies” - for example, «Magic Seats» (folding seats with 18 transformation variations) remained only for the Japanese market.

📊 Which generation of Nissan Note do you like best?
  • First (E11, 2004-2012)
  • Second (E12, 2012-2020)
  • Third (E13, from 2020)
  • I don’t care, the main thing is reliability

Finishing materials: where did you save and where did you overpay?

One of the main questions when choosing Nissan Note — what materials were used in the cabin? There are nuances here that dealers are silent about. For example, in basic versions E12 (2012-2016) the plastic on the dashboard was so hard that in cold weather -20°C could crack from a light blow. But in E13 even in the base they use soft soft-touch plastic on the top of the panel.

Let's take a closer look:

  • 🪑 Seats: B E11 - cheap fabric that took 3 years to dry. B E12 there is an option «Premium Fabric» with antibacterial impregnation. B E13 top versions received combined finishing (fabric + artificial leather).
  • 🚗 Steering wheel: Until 2018 - plastic, slippery in winter. Since 2020, even in the database - leather braid (even if not premium quality).
  • 📱 Center console: B E13 appeared soft pads, but the glossy plastic around the screen quickly becomes scratched.

Generation Panel material Seats (base) Steering wheel Time until the first squeaks
E11 (2004-2012) Hard plastic Fabric (low quality) Plastic 15,000–20,000 km
E12 (2012-2020) Soft-touch (top only) Fabric «Premium» Plastic/leather (optional) 30,000–40,000 km
E13 (from 2020) Soft-touch (even in the base) Fabric + PU leather Leather (all versions) 50,000+ km
⚠️ Attention: If you are considering Nissan Note E12 2012-2014, be sure to check the condition plastic clips under the dashboard. They often break when dismantled to install an alarm system, and they can only be replaced by disassembling half of the interior.

Ergonomics and practicality: why is the Note called a “Tardis on wheels”?

Salon Nissan Note famous for its practical magic - despite its external compactness, inside it feels more spacious than Toyota Yaris or Honda Jazz. The secret lies in three things:

  1. Ceiling height — 1 550 mm (50 mm higher than Volkswagen Polo). This allows even tall passengers to sit comfortably 190+ cm.
  2. «Magic Seats» (in Japanese versions) - the rear row folds into 18 configurations, including the “bed” mode (length 1.8 m).
  3. Raised landing — the driver sits higher than in most hatchbacks, which improves visibility.

However, there are also pitfalls:

  • 🚫 B E11 And E12 no armrest even in top versions.
  • 🚫Trunk volume 355 l (in E13) seems big, but irregular shape interferes with loading bulky items.
  • 🚫 In versions with panoramic roof gets lost 30 mm height above head.

How to fold the seats into bed mode?

1. Fold the back of the front passenger seat forward.

2. Lift the rear row cushion up (it is fixed in a vertical position).

3. Fold the back row back to create a flat surface 1.8 m long.

⚠️ In European versions of the E13, this mode is not available due to a different seat belt fastening.

For comparison, the table below shows key ergonomic parameters Note E13 vs competitors:

Parameter Nissan Note E13 Toyota Yaris (XP210) Honda Jazz (GE)
Ceiling height (front) 1,050 mm 980 mm 1,020 mm
Trunk volume (min/max) 355 / 1 190 l 286 / 768 l 304 / 1,205 l
Cabin length (to the back of the rear row) 1,780 mm 1,710 mm 1,750 mm
Seat transformation modes 5 (in Europe) 3 7 (Magic Seats)

Hidden interior features you didn't know about

Nissan Note - a car with surprises. Even experienced owners are often unaware of some features. Here are the most useful ones:

  • 🔌 Hidden compartment under the trunk floor (in E12 And E13). Lift the rug - there is a niche deep 15 cm, where the spare tire or tools are placed.
  • 📦 Box under the driver's seat (Japanese versions only). In European Note it was replaced with a foot shelf.
  • 🔄 Easy Entry mode — when folding the front passenger seat, the rear row automatically moves forward by 10 cm for a comfortable fit.
  • 🎵 Hidden tweeter in the A-pillars (in audio systems Bose). Many people think that this is a decorative overlay.

And also in Note E13 There is secret diagnostic menu, which allows you to check the operation of all sensors. To get there:

  1. Turn off the ignition.
  2. Press and hold the button «Trip Reset» (mileage reset).
  3. Turn on the ignition without releasing the button.
  4. Via 5 seconds release - the service menu will appear.

💡

If in your Note E12 The plastic on the dashboard creaks, try lubricating the joints silicone grease (not WD-40!). Apply it to a cotton swab and work on the seams - the squeaks will disappear for 6-12 months.

How to care for the interior of a Nissan Note: tips from Japanese masters

Japanese owners Note They treat the salon like a shrine - and for good reason. With proper care, the interior retains its original appearance even after 200,000 km. Here 5 ruleswhich are used in Tokyo:

Clean plastic once every 2 weeks with damp microfiber|Apply UV protection on the dashboard every 3 months|Vacuum the seats using a cloth attachment|Lubricate the seat rails graphite lubricant once a year|Check the drainage holes under your feet (they get clogged with leaves)-->

Pay special attention to:

  • 🧴 Fabric seats: Use «Kangaroo Fabric Cleaner» (Japanese product) - it does not leave streaks and does not spoil the antibacterial impregnation.
  • ☀️ Dashboard plastic: B E11 And E12 it fades in the sun. Apply 303 Aerospace Protectant (slows down aging by 40%).
  • 🔊 Speakers: Dust clogs the screens. Clean them up vacuum cleaner at minimum power (do not use wet wipes!).

⚠️ Attention: Never wash the interior Note using steam generator! B E12 And E13 Under the dashboard there is a climate control unit that is afraid of condensation. After such cleaning it may catch fire. «Check Engine».

If you bought Note with mileage, be sure to check:

  • 🔋 Condition battery - in E11 it is located under the driver's seat, and if it leaks, the electrolyte corrodes the metal.
  • 🚪 Door hinges - in E12 they often rust from the inside (check by opening the door and shining a flashlight).
  • 🌡️ Performance of climate dampers - in E13 they are driven by electric motors, which can jam.

Interior tuning: what can be improved without losing the warranty?

Even in the top-end configuration, the interior Nissan Note leaves room for improvement. The main thing is not to overdo it, so as not to lose the warranty. Here 5 safe upgrades:

  • 🎧 Soundproofing: Extra layer "StopNoise" on the doors and wheel arches will reduce noise by 20%. Don't touch the ceiling - that's where the air ducts go.
  • 💡 Interior lighting: LED strips under the seats (color 6000K) do not blind and are connected to the standard wiring through a fuse.
  • 🪑 Armrest: For E11/E12 fits armrest from Nissan Micra K13 (set for 1.5 hours).
  • 📱 Android Auto / Apple CarPlay: B E13 can be installed via firmware update (cost ~15 000 ₽).
  • 🔌 Additional USB ports: B E12 they can be easily integrated into cup holders (use modules from Pioneer).

Here's what it's not worth doing:

  • 🚫 Install xenon fog lights - this violates certification and leads to problems with the traffic police.
  • 🚫 Change sports steering wheel - in E13 this will disable the airbag.
  • 🚫 Glue tint on windshield - in Note it has a special coating to reflect UV rays.

💡

The most useful upgrade for Nissan Note - installation rear view cameras with dynamic lines. B E12 And E13 there is already a regular place for it in the rear bumper, and the wiring is routed through existing harnesses.

Comparison with competitors: why does Note win (and where does it lose)?

To understand the real benefits Nissan Note, compare it with its main competitors in terms of 5 key salon parameters:

Parameter Nissan Note E13 Toyota Yaris (XP210) Honda Jazz (GE) Kia Rio X-Line
Leg room (rear row) 820 mm 780 mm 850 mm 800 mm
Quality of materials (base) Soft-touch + fabric Hard plastic Soft-touch (partially) Hard plastic
Noise insulation (noise level at 100 km/h) 62 dB 65 dB 60 dB 64 dB
Trunk functionality 5 modes (in Europe) 3 modes 7 modes (Magic Seats) 4 modes
Cost of ownership (spare parts, repairs) Average High Low Low

Where Note definitely wins:

  • 🏆 Interior space - according to the ceiling height and width at the level Dacia Duster.
  • 🏆 Build quality - Japanese assembly (E13) is superior to its Korean counterparts.
  • 🏆 Salon transformation - even the stripped-down European version offers more options than Yaris.

Where it loses:

  • 🥈 Noise insulation — Honda Jazz quieter on 2 dB.
  • 🥈 Multimedia - in the basic version Note E13 no even Apple CarPlay (in Kia Rio it goes in the database).
  • 🥈 Design - seems to many to be too “utilitarian” compared to Toyota Yaris.

FAQ: Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Nissan Note interior

Is it possible to install a heated steering wheel in the Note E12?

Yes, but only if your version was initially equipped with preparation for this option (check for a button on the climate panel under the plug). The heating system itself costs ~8 000 ₽, and the installation will take 3-4 hours. B E13 heated steering wheel comes standard «Tekna» and above.

Why does the plastic on the Note E11 squeak on bumps?

The problem is dashboard mounts — over time, rubber dampers become tanned. Solution:

  1. Remove the dashboard (you need to unscrew 6 bolts and disconnect 3 connectors).
  2. Replace the dampers with new ones (part number 28511-4M00A).
  3. Process the joints silicone grease.

If you don’t want to take it apart, it will help temporarily felt pad between the panel and the body.

What is the trunk volume of the Note E13 with the seats folded down?

Officially - 1,190 l, but the actual useful volume is less due to irregular shape. For example, in Honda Jazz with the same 1,205 l fits more things thanks to the flat floor. B Note high trunk threshold (75 cm) makes loading heavy items more difficult.

What kind of oil should I fill in the Note E12 manual transmission?

For manual transmission Nissan Note E12 (code RS6F92R) recommended Nissan MT-XZ Gear Oil 75W-80 (article KE916-99932). Volume - 2.3 l. Change every 90,000 km or once every 5 years (whichever comes first). In automatic transmission (RE0F10D) is used Nissan Matic S.

Where is the cigarette lighter fuse on Note E13?

B Nissan Note E13 cigarette lighter fuse (15A) is located in mounting block under the steering wheel (on the left side). Socket number - F37. To get to it:

  1. Open the unit cover (turn the 2 latches).
  2. Use tweezers to remove (safety yellow).

If the cigarette lighter does not work after replacement, check relay R12 (it is responsible for the circuit 12V).