Nissan Note E11: everything you need to know about the compact van with Japanese character

Nissan Note E11 is a compact minivan that combines the practicality of a hatchback with the interior space of a family car. Second generation model (body E11) was produced from 2012 to 2020 and became popular due to its efficiency, reliability and adaptability to urban conditions. In Russia, this car is often chosen for its cross-country ability (especially in the version with high ground clearance), a spacious trunk and low maintenance costs.

Under the hood Note E11 petrol engines were installed 1.2 And 1.5 liter, as well as a hybrid version e-Power (in some markets). The car was equipped with both a manual and a CVT transmission, which made it a universal choice for different categories of drivers. In this article we will look at technical features, typical problems, tuning tips and comparisons Note E11 with the main competitors in the class.

Technical specifications Nissan Note E11

Model range Nissan Note E11 included several modifications, differing in engines, transmissions and equipment. Basic versions were equipped with a naturally aspirated engine HR12DE volume 1.2 l (79–98 hp), and top ones - HR15DE (1.5 l, 110 hp). Hybrid version e-Power (available in the Japanese market) combined a gasoline engine with an electric motor, providing fuel consumption at the level 2.5–3.5 l/100 km.

Transmission presented 5-speed manual transmission or continuously variable transmission Xtronic. The latter is often criticized for its “rubbery” acceleration, but it provides a smooth ride and efficiency. Suspension - classic for the class: front McPherson, at the rear there is a semi-independent beam. Ground clearance in the basic version is 150 mm, and in the version Note Acenta with package Rough Road - up to 165 mm.

• 🔧 Engines: HR12DE (1.2 l, 79–98 hp), HR15DE (1.5 l, 110 hp), hybrid e-Power (Japan only).
• ⚙️ Transmission: 5-speed manual or CVT Xtronic.
• 🛣️ Drive: exclusively front (FF).
• ⛽ Fuel consumption: from 4.5 l/100 km (hybrid) up to 6.5 l/100 km (1.5 manual transmission in the city).

⚠️ Attention: CVT Xtronic in Note E11 requires regular oil changes (every 60,000 km). Neglecting this rule leads to jerking and premature wear of the belt.

Pros and cons of Nissan Note E11

Nissan Note E11 - a car with pronounced advantages, but also with a number of features that should be taken into account before purchasing. The main advantage is practicality: despite compact dimensions (3995×1695×1520 mm), the interior is more spacious than many of its classmates (for example, Toyota Yaris Verso). Trunk volume 320 l expands to 1332 l with the seats folded down, and the system Flexi-Board allows you to adjust the floor height.

Other advantages include:

• 💰 Low cost of ownership: cheap spare parts, simple design, economical engines.
• 🚗 Convenience in the city: small turning radius (4.8 m), good visibility, easy parking.
• 🛡️ Reliability: engines HR-series are known for resource 300,000+ km with proper maintenance.

However, there are also disadvantages:

• 🔊 Noise: poor sound insulation - at speeds above 90 km/h Wind and road noise can be heard.
• 🛣️ Dynamics: CVT and low-power engines make acceleration sluggish (up to 100 km/h for 12–14 sec).
• 🔧 Suspension: hard on uneven surfaces, especially in the version with ground clearance 150 mm.

Typical problems and their solutions

Despite the reliability Nissan Note E11 has a number of “diseases” characteristic of the model. One of the most common - crankshaft oil seal leak on engines HR12DE/HR15DE. It manifests itself as oil stains under the car and a decrease in oil level. The solution is to replace the oil seal and check the crankcase ventilation system. Another common problem is vibrations at idlecaused by worn engine mounts or dirty throttle valve.

CVT Xtronic also requires attention:

• 🔄 Jerks during acceleration: often associated with low oil levels or belt wear. The solution is to change the oil (NS-2 or NS-3) and filter.
• 🚨 Overheat: Occurs when towing or aggressive driving. It is necessary to check the variator cooling radiator.

⚠️ Attention: If the icon on the dashboard lights up «Check Engine» along with the variator indicator, stop immediately and check the oil level. Driving with a low oil level in the variator leads to its complete failure within 50–100 km.

Electrics in Note E11 usually does not cause any trouble, but sometimes owners encounter:

• 🔋 Battery discharge: The reason for this is stray currents from the multimedia system or alarm system. The solution is to check the leakage currents with a multimeter.
• 💡 Burnout of lamps: Brake lights and parking lights especially often fail. It is recommended to use high-quality LED lamps with canbus.

Comparison with competitors

In the compact minivan class Nissan Note E11 There are several direct competitors: Toyota Yaris Verso, Honda Freed, Suzuki Wagon R And Kia Venga. Compared to them Note stands out more spacious interior And low cost of ownership, but inferior in dynamics and sound insulation.

Benefits Note E11 before competitors:

• 💵 Cheaper to maintain than Honda Freed (especially the CVT).
• 📦 A more practical trunk compared to Suzuki Wagon R.
• 🛠️ Easier to repair than Toyota Yaris Verso (more spare parts available).

• 🔧 Racks Kayaba or KYB instead of regular ones.
• 🛞 Light wheels 15–16 inches to reduce unsprung weight.
• 🔄 Short-stroke slide (for manual transmission) for clearer shifting.

⚠️ Attention: When installing more disks 16 inches or low-profile tires, comfort on uneven roads deteriorates, and ground clearance actually decreases by 10–15 mm.

1. Включите зажигание (не запуская двигатель).
2. Нажмите и удерживайте кнопку сброса суточного пробега.
3. Поворотом ключа включите зажигание (не заводите двигатель).
4. Удерживайте кнопку 10 секунд, пока индикатор не начнёт мигать.
5. Отпустите кнопку и выключите зажигание.