Nissan Note: the whole truth about the model from Wikipedia

Nissan Note is one of the most recognizable compact vans in the Japanese automaker’s lineup, which has gained popularity thanks to its combination of practicality, efficiency and custom design. This model, which debuted in 2004, was the answer Nissan to meet the growing demand for city cars with increased interior space and flexible interior configurations. Despite its modest dimensions, Note offered owners opportunities comparable to cars of a higher class - from transformable seats to advanced technologies for its time.

In this article we have collected all the relevant information about Nissan Note, including data from Wikipedia, technical specifications, features of each generation and operating tips. You will find out why this model became a cult in Europe and Japan, what engines were installed under the hood, and how Note evolved from the 2000s to the present day. And if you are considering buying a used copy, you will find it here critical nuances that sellers often keep silent.

History of creation: how Nissan Note changed the perception of compact vans

Development Nissan Note began in the early 2000s, when the company's engineers set an ambitious goal: to create a car that would combine compact external dimensions with a spacious interior and the versatility of a minivan. The prototype of the model, presented at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2003, created a sensation thanks to its unusual design with a high roof and a short overhang. Concept "Tall Boy"(high body on a compact platform) has become a key feature Note, allowing you to place full-size seats and a large trunk in the cabin.

First generation Nissan Note (E11) rolled off the assembly line in 2004 and immediately conquered the European market. The car was built on a platform Nissan B, common with models Micra And Cube, but was distinguished by an increased wheelbase and height. Interestingly, in Japan the model was sold under the name Nissan Note, and in Europe - like Nissan Note or Nissan Versa Note (depending on the market). The success was due not only to practicality, but also to an affordable price: in the basic configuration, the car was cheaper than many competitors, including Toyota Yaris Verso And Honda Jazz.

• 📅 2004 - debut of the first generation on the platform Nissan B.
• 🌍 2006 — start of sales in Europe under the brand Nissan.
• 🏆 2007 — Note receives the award "Best Compact Van" according to the magazine What Car?.
• 🔄 2012 - premiere of the second generation with a hybrid version.

Second generation (E12) appeared in 2012 and brought revolutionary changes: an updated design in the style of "V-Motion" (branded radiator grille Nissan), more fuel-efficient engines and an optional hybrid system e-Power. This version was the first where Nissan applied technology "Divide-N-Hide"—a cabin transformation system that allows you to fold the rear seats into the floor to increase the luggage compartment by up to 1,336 liters.

Technical specifications: engines, gearboxes and platform

Nissan Note was offered with a wide range of power units, from naturally aspirated gasoline engines to hybrid systems. Basic versions were equipped with an engine HR12DE volume 1.2 l (79–98 hp), which combined simplicity of design and low fuel consumption - only 5.1 l/100 km in a mixed cycle. For lovers of dynamics, a turbocharged version was available HR12DDR (98–115 hp), and in Japan even a diesel engine was offered K9K from Renault.

The hybrid version deserves special attention Note e-Power, introduced in 2016. Unlike classic hybrids, it uses serial hybrid circuit: petrol engine HR12DE works exclusively as a generator to charge the battery, and the wheels are driven by an electric motor with power 80 kW (109 hp). This solution made it possible to achieve fuel consumption at the level 2.8–3.4 l/100 km without the need to recharge from a power outlet.

Engine	Volume	Power	Gearbox type	Flow (mixed)
HR12DE	1.2 l	79–98 hp	Manual transmission-5, automatic transmission-4	5.1–5.5 l/100 km
HR12DDR	1.2 l (turbo)	98–115 hp	Automatic transmission-6 (Xtronic)	5.8–6.2 l/100 km
K9K	1.5 l (diesel)	86–110 hp	Manual transmission-6	4.2–4.7 l/100 km
e-Power	1.2 l + electric motor	109 hp	Stepless	2.8–3.4 l/100 km

All generations Note built on a platform Nissan B, but with each update it was modified. For example, the second generation received a reinforced suspension with a rear beam instead of a torsion bar, which improved handling. And the third generation (E13, from 2020) switched to a modular platform CMF-B, common with Renault Clio And Nissan Juke. This allowed the body weight to be reduced by 20–30 kg due to the use of high-strength steel.

⚠️ Attention: Owners Nissan Note with engine HR12DDR (turbo) often encounter oil burn problems after 100,000 km. The solution is to regularly check the oil level every 1,000 km and the use of synthetics 5W-30 with permission Nissan KE900-99932.

Design and interior: why the Note is called the “Japanese Tardis”

Comparison Nissan Note with "Tardis" (the Doctor Who time machine, which is larger on the inside than on the outside) is no coincidence. Thanks to the high body (1 550 mm) and short overhangs, the engineers managed to place in the cabin a space comparable to cars of the class C. For example, the trunk of the first generation could accommodate 350 liters in standard configuration and up to 1,336 liters with the seats folded down - a record for compact vans of that time.

The second generation went even further: the "Divide-N-Hide" made it possible not only to fold the back row, but also to adjust the height of the trunk floor, creating a flat area. And in the version Note Acenta seats were offered with the function "Easy Clean" - water-repellent fabric that could be wiped with a damp cloth. The interior design is minimalistic, but with bright accents: for example, aluminum-look inserts and blue instrument lighting were used in top trim levels.

• 🪑 Front seats — with increased lateral support and height adjustment (in versions Tekna).
• 📏 Back row — sliding seats with backrest tilt adjustment (230 mm progress).
• 🔦 Lighting — LED lighting for the trunk and footwells in top trim levels.
• 🎛️ Multimedia — available since 2016 NissanConnect with support Apple CarPlay.

Exterior design Note evolved from the rounded shapes of the first generation to the more aggressive appearance of the second and third. The front part with the signature grille especially stands out.V-Motion"and headlights in style"Boomerang"(in the third generation). Interestingly, in Japan a version was offered Note Aura with two-tone body paint and chrome elements, which was not officially supplied to Europe.

How to fold the seats in a Nissan Note for maximum cargo space?

1. Lift the lever under the front edge of the seat (right or left).

2. Fold the backrest forward all the way - it will lock automatically.

3. To create a level floor, lift the seat cushion up and snap it into the niche behind the backs of the front seats.

⚠️ In hybrid version e-Power The battery is located under the trunk floor, so the height of the cargo compartment is reduced by 50 mm.

Options and prices: what Nissan Note offered in different markets

Line of complete sets Nissan Note varied depending on the market, but in Europe traditionally versions were offered Visia, Acenta, N-Tec And Tekna. Basic Visia included air conditioning, electrical accessories and an audio system with 4 speakers, while the top Tekna equipped with a leather steering wheel, climate control, rear view camera and system Around View Monitor (all-round view).

Prices for new cars in Russia (until 2022) started from 890,000 rub. for Visia 1.2 MT and reached RUB 1,350,000 for Tekna e-Power. On the secondary market today you can find copies from 2015–2017 at a price 600,000–900,000 rub., but here it is important to pay attention to the mileage and service history - especially for versions with a turbo engine HR12DDR.

Equipment	Engine	Price (new, 2020)	Key options
Visia	HR12DE 1.2	from 890,000 rub.	Air conditioning, electrical accessories, ABS+EBD
Acenta	HR12DE 1.2 or HR12DDR 1.2T	from 1,050,000 rub.	Climate control, ESP, heated seats
N-Tec	HR12DDR 1.2T	from 1,180,000 rub.	Leather steering wheel, NissanConnect, light sensor
Tekna e-Power	Hybrid 1.2 + electric motor	from 1,350,000 rub.	Around View Monitor, adaptive cruise control

In the Japanese market, the model was offered in unique versions, such as Note e-Power Nismo with a sports body kit and rigid suspension, or Note e-Power X with increased to 1.3 l engine and power 136 hp. These modifications were not sold in Europe, but they can be imported through gray dealers - however, it is worth considering the difficulties with certification and warranty service.

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Nissan Note with used cars, check for the presence of original key blanks (there should be 2 of them). If lost, programming a new key will cost 15,000–20,000 rub., since immobilizer firmware is required.

Problems and weaknesses: what to look for when buying

Despite the reliability Nissan Note has a number of typical “diseases” that you should know about before purchasing. The most common problems are related to:

• 🔥 Engine HR12DDR - maslozhor after 100,000 km, turbine wear (150,000–180,000 km).
• ⚡ Electrics — oxidation of contacts in the fuse box (leads to malfunctions of headlights and power windows).
• 🔧 Suspension — rapid wear of the stabilizer struts (30,000–50,000 km) and rear beam bushings.
• 🔋 Hybrid e-Power - battery degradation after 200,000 km (replacement costs 250,000–300,000 rub.).

The gearbox deserves special attention Xtronic CVT, installed on the version with a turbo engine. When driving aggressively, it overheats, which leads to jerking and reduced service life. The solution is to change the oil in the variator every 60,000 km (official regulations - 90,000 km, but it's risky). It is also recommended to avoid towing trailers weighing more than 500 kg - this is critical for the variator.

In hybrid versions e-Power The weak point is the regenerative braking system. When the brake pads are worn (80,000–100,000 km) it may be necessary to re-flash the control unit, since the electronics do not correctly distribute the load between recuperation and mechanical brakes. Diagnostic cost - from 5,000 rub..

Oil level in the variator (should be light brown, without a burnt smell)

System operation Start/Stop (frequent crashes indicate battery problems)

Integrity of door seals (owners complain about squeaks after 100,000 km)

Presence of errors in ABS And ESP (checked with a diagnostic scanner) -->

Nissan Note vs competitors: comparison with Honda Jazz, Toyota Yaris and Kia Picanto

Nissan Note traditionally competes with other compact vans such as Honda Jazz, Toyota Yaris Verso And Kia Picanto X-Line. Main advantage Note - spacious interior and flexible seat transformation system, which distinguishes it from Yaris Verso (that one has a trunk on 100 liters less). And compared to Honda Jazz, Nissan offers more affordable aftermarket prices and lower cost of ownership.

However, competitors have their own trump cards. For example, Toyota Yaris Hybrid bypasses Note e-Power in terms of the reliability of the hybrid system (battery life is Toyota higher by 30–40%). A Kia Picanto X-Line wins against Note under warranty - 7 years against 3 years at Nissan. The table below shows the key differences:

Parameter	Nissan Note	Honda Jazz	Toyota Yaris	Kia Picanto X-Line
Trunk volume (min/max)	350 / 1,336 l	304 / 1,314 l	286 / 1,176 l	255 / 1,010 l
Minimum fuel consumption	2.8 l/100 km (e-Power)	4.2 l/100 km (1.3 i-MMD)	3.8 l/100 km (Hybrid)	4.5 l/100 km (1.0 T-GDi)
Average used price (2018, 50,000 km)	from 850,000 rub.	from 1,100,000 rub.	from 1,200,000 rub.	from 950,000 rub.

If practicality and low cost of ownership are important to you, Nissan Note - an excellent choice. But if your priority is reliability for many years, it’s worth taking a closer look at Toyota Yaris Hybrid. And for those who are looking for a stylish design and a long warranty, it’s suitable Kia Picanto X-Line.

The future of the model: will there be a new generation of Nissan Note?

In 2023 Nissan announced the end of sales Note in Europe due to the transition to electric vehicles and crossovers. The last, third generation (E13) remains in production only for the Japanese market, where it is offered exclusively as a hybrid version e-Power. However, this does not mean a complete abandonment of the model: according to insiders, the debut is expected in 2026 Electric Note on the platform CMF-EV, common with Nissan Ariya.

New electric Note presumably will receive a battery with a capacity 40–50 kWh, which will provide a power reserve of up to 300–350 km by cycle WLTP. The design will be borrowed from the concept Nissan IMk, presented in 2019: compact dimensions, short overhangs and futuristic optics. Price starts from RUB 2,500,000, which will make it one of the most affordable electric cars in the lineup Nissan.

Meanwhile, in the secondary market, demand for Note remains stable due to low maintenance costs and a large selection of spare parts. Experts predict that prices for used vehicles will rise, especially for hybrid versions. e-Power, which are already considered rare today.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about Nissan Note

❓ Is it possible to install gas equipment on a Nissan Note with an HR12DE engine?

Yes, but with reservations. Engine HR12DE adapted for operation on gas, but requires:

• Use 4th generation equipment (for example, Lovato or BRC).
• Install the gas cylinder in the trunk (under the spare tire), since there is no space in the niche.
• Every 10,000 km check the condition of the spark plugs - when running on gas they wear out faster.

Installation cost - from 50,000 rub., payback - approx. 80,000 km mileage

❓ What oil should I pour into the Xtronic CVT variator?

Officially Nissan recommends liquid NS-3 (article KE909-99932). Analogues:

• Idemitsu CVTF (Japan).
• Ravenol CVT Fluid NS-3 (Germany).

⚠️ Important: The oil change in the variator should be carried out every 60,000 km, even if the mileage is small, the liquid ages over time.

❓ Why does the Nissan Note e-Power sometimes jerk when accelerating?

This is a feature of the operation of a serial hybrid. Twitching occurs due to:

• Switching between the electric motor and the internal combustion engine (especially noticeable when the battery charge is low).
• Wear of brake pads (the recuperation system brakes the wheels unevenly).

Solution: update the control unit firmware (free under warranty) and check the condition of the brake discs.

❓ What is the resource of the hybrid battery in Note e-Power?

Official resource - 160,000 km or 10 years, but in practice the battery lasts longer:

• With careful use - up to 250,000 km.
• With frequent discharges below 20% - up to 180,000 km.

Replacement cost - from 250,000 rub., but you can restore individual modules (price from 80,000 rub.).

❓ Where was Nissan Note produced for Russia?

Cars for the European and Russian markets were assembled at the plant Nissan in Sunderland (UK) until 2021. After this, production was moved to Japan (Oppama plant). Models for the domestic Japanese market have always been assembled in Japan.