Owners of compact hatchbacks are often faced with a dilemma: choose maneuverability in the city or roominess for family trips. Nissan Note The E12 generation, produced from 2013 to 2020, offers an interesting compromise, especially with its V-shaped platform and high ceiling. Understanding the actual dimensions of the luggage compartment is critical for those who plan to use the car not only for commuting, but also for traveling or transporting large cargo.
Many buyers mistakenly believe that a small external body size guarantees a small internal volume. However, engineers Nissan We tried to make the most of every centimeter of space, creating one of the most spacious trunks in the B-segment class. In this article we will analyze in detail the numbers, real transformation possibilities and practical aspects of using the space behind the seat backs.
Basic volume indicators and space geometry
Standard trunk volume Nissan Note E12 is **325 liters** with the rear seats up. This is an excellent result for a car less than 4.2 meters long, allowing you to fit several large suitcases or a baby stroller without having to fold the seats. However, the number on the passport is just the beginning, since the actual usable area depends on exactly how you load the goods.
It is important to consider that the shape of the trunk floor is not perfectly rectangular due to the wheel arches, which create certain width restrictions at the bottom. However, the height of the opening allows objects to be installed vertically, which is a strong advantage of the model. Opening dimensions Allows you to load tall boxes or packages that won't fit in low sedans.
The trunk floor has an adjustable height, which allows you to optimize the space for different types of cargo. If you need to transport a low but wide object, the floor can be raised, hiding the wheel arches and creating a flat surface. For tall items, the floor lowers, increasing the available height to the ceiling but reducing volume along the length.
Attention ⚠️ Do not attempt to load the trunk with items that exceed the load capacity of the floor, especially if it is in the up position. The access panel design can become deformed under heavy pressure, resulting in costly repairs.
Transformation of the interior and increase in useful volume
The main feature Nissan Note — this is an opportunity to almost completely transform the interior into a cargo compartment. When the rear row of seats is folded, the trunk volume increases to **1004 liters**. This allows you to transport large items such as bicycles without removing the wheels, furniture or building materials.
The process of folding the seats is intuitive: just pull the levers located on the sides of the trunk or on the backs of the seats (depending on the configuration), and the backrests will fold almost flush with the floor. However, it is worth noting that it is difficult to achieve an ideal level platform, since there is a small ledge between the back and the floor.
For those who need to transport long items, only one half of the rear bench can be folded down, leaving room for one passenger. This flexible solution makes the vehicle versatile for different use cases. Folding options allow you to place cargo up to 1.7 meters long from the rear door.
Attention ⚠️ When transporting long loads, make sure they do not rest against the rear window. In the event of sudden braking, the fragile glass may not withstand the load from a heavy object, which will lead to its breaking.
- Products and small packages
- Baby stroller and stroller
- Bicycles and sports equipment
- Furniture and building materials
Key opening dimensions and loading dimensions
For practical calculations, it is important to know not only the volume in liters, but also the linear dimensions of the opening. The width of the luggage opening at its narrowest point (between the arches) is approximately **980 mm**, which allows standard cargo pallets or wide boxes to pass through without any problems. The height of the floor to ceiling opening varies depending on the position of the shelf, but the maximum height is approximately **750mm**.
The length of the trunk to the backs of the rear seats is **850 mm**. This is enough to fit two large suitcases side by side or one long drawer. By folding the seats, the useful length increases to **1650 mm**, which opens up the possibility of transporting long items such as pipes or boards for construction.
The angle of the tailgate also plays a role: it's shallow enough to comfortably load heavy items without lifting them too high. However, because of this, loading height can be critical for very tall items if they cannot tilt when entering the cabin.
Below is a table with the main dimensions for clarity:
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Volume (seat up) | 325 liters | Standard configuration |
| Volume (seats down) | 1004 liters | Maximum capacity |
| Opening width | 980 mm | Between the wheel arches |
| Length to backs | 850 mm | With seats folded |
| Opening height | 750 mm | Maximum height |
Practical loading tests and real examples
Theoretical figures often diverge from practice, so let's look at real scenarios for using the trunk Nissan Note E12. For example, a standard hooded stroller takes up almost a third of the space with the seats up, but leaves plenty of room for grocery bags. Larger models of convertible strollers may require folding one seat back.
If you are planning a trip to the country, two large bags of soil or fertilizer, as well as gardening tools (rakes, shovels), can easily fit in the trunk. This leaves room for a suitcase with things. To transport the bike, you will have to remove the front wheel and fold down the seats, otherwise the frame will rest against the rear window.
Particular attention should be paid to transporting furniture. A sofa-book or folding table can only fit with the seats folded and partially disassembled. Load capacity The trunk is limited not only by volume, but also by weight distribution, so it is better to place heavy objects closer to the floor and center of the car.
Attention ⚠️ When transporting animals in the trunk, be sure to use a special net or carrier. If your pet moves freely while driving, it can block access to the seat folding levers or cause injury during emergency braking.
The effect of a spare tire on trunk volume
Depending on the configuration, a full-size spare tire or a stowage unit may be located under the trunk floor. This slightly reduces the depth of the underground compartment, but does not affect the overall volume of usable space.
Space optimization and additional accessories
To make the most of the space, you can install additional accessories. For example, trunk organizers that attach to the walls or bottom help organize small items and prevent them from scattering throughout the compartment. The locking net is also an excellent solution for preventing loads from slipping.
Many owners install a sliding curtain that hides the contents of the trunk from prying eyes. This not only improves safety, but also visually makes the interior more stylish. However, it is worth remembering that the curtain reduces the available opening height by about 10-15 cm.
For those who frequently transport tall items, you may want to consider removing the curtain and using the top section of the rack. Some configurations are equipped with load securing hooks that help secure bags or boxes, preventing them from falling when turning.
Nissan provided a number of convenient elements in the design, such as trunk lighting and convenient carrying handles. These little things significantly increase the comfort of using the car in various conditions. Using hooks allows you to securely fix even light but bulky items, such as bags with pillows.
☑️ Preparation for transportation of large cargo
Comparison with competitors in class B
In the compact hatchback segment Nissan Note E12 shows decent results. If you compare it with Renault Clio or Volkswagen Polo, then the Note wins in terms of trunk volume in the standard configuration. For competitors, this figure is often around 300 liters, while for Nissan it is 325 liters.
However, with the seats folded, some competitors offer slightly more cargo space. For example, Ford Fiesta has a more elongated floor, which is convenient for transporting long pipes. However, the Note's overall cargo capacity remains among the best in class thanks to its high ceiling and upright body style.
It's important to note that transformability Nissan's cabin is more flexible than many competitors. On some models, the seat backs fold only in parts, which limits the ability to transport oversized cargo. On the Note, the seats can be folded down completely, creating a single space.
As a result, if the priority is maximum capacity with minimum external dimensions, Nissan Note E12 is one of the best choices in its class. Its design and engineering make it possible to transform a compact city car into a true cargo van.
Before purchasing a car, be sure to measure the dimensions of the largest items you plan to transport and compare them with the trunk dimensions indicated in the technical documentation.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Is it possible to transport long construction materials in the trunk of the Nissan Note E12?
Yes, with the rear seats folded down, the trunk length allows you to transport materials up to 1.7 meters long. However, you need to make sure that they do not rest against the rear window and do not block the view of the rear view mirrors.
How does having a full-size spare tire affect trunk volume?
The presence of a full-size spare wheel under the trunk floor does not affect the overall volume of usable space, but may reduce the depth of the underground compartment itself. This is not critical for most tasks, but is worth considering when storing small tools.
Is it possible to install a child seat in the rear seat with the trunk folded?
No, a child seat cannot be installed with the rear seats folded down. The chair must be installed in a separate place that will not be subject to movement and deformation when transporting goods.
What is the maximum weight that can be loaded into the trunk of a Nissan Note E12?
The maximum load capacity of the trunk is limited by the total load capacity of the vehicle, which is approximately 450-500 kg (depending on the configuration). It is not recommended to overload the trunk beyond this value, so as not to damage the suspension and body.
The trunk of the Nissan Note E12 combines a compact exterior with amazing interior space, making it an ideal choice for city life and travel.