2014 Nissan Note Review
We love the Nissan Note for being one of the most spacious hatchbacks in the market offering excellent legroom that is far much better than most station wagons in the market. It is also an efficient car that ranks highly in fuel economy which makes it an excellent car to buy for people on a tight budget. It competes with the Toyota Ractis, Subaru Trezia, Honda Fit and Mazda Demio.
Detailed Review
minor change: Addition of Emergency Brake Package
The Nissan Note entered production in 2005 and was initially sold in Japan and other select markets. The first generation known as the E11 was in production from 2005 to 2013. The second generation known as the E12 has been in production from 2012 to Present. It’s marketed alternatively as the Nissan Versa and locally competes with the Honda Fit, Toyota Ractis and Mazda Demio.
The 2014 Nissan Note is offered with 2 engine options. These are; the 1.2L HR12DDR supercharged engine and the 1.2L HR12DE normally aspirated engine. These are linked to an XTRONIC CVT transmission and available in both 2WD and 4WD. For a detailed analysis of these engines and the right one to buy, Refer to the Nissan Note Buyer’s Guide
2014 Nissan Note Grades
- Nissan Note S – This is the base grade that comes with the 1.2L HR12DE engine, Key start, manual AC, Radio/CD player, and 14-Inch steel rims.
- Nissan Note X – This grade comes with the 1.2L HR12DE engine, smart start, manual AC, Radio/CD player and 14-Inch steel rims
- Nissan Note X Emergency Brake Package – This grade comes with the same features as X and adds the Emergency Brake Package.
- Nissan Note X FOUR – This grade comes with the 1.2L HR12DE engine, 4WD, smart start, manual AC, Navigation/Infotainment and 15-Inch alloy rims
- Nissan Note X FOUR Emergency Brake Package – This grade comes with the same features as X FOUR and adds the Emergency Brake Package.
- Nissan Note S DIG-S – This grade comes with the 1.2L HR12DDR supercharged engine, smart start, automatic AC, Navigation/Infotainment and 14-Inch steel rims
- Nissan Note S DIG-S Emergency Brake Package – This grade comes with the same features as DIG-S and adds the Emergency Brake Package.
- Nissan Note X DIG-S – This grade comes with the 1.2L HR12DDR supercharged engine, smart start, automatic AC, Navigation/Infotainment and 14-Inch steel rims and fog lights.
- Nissan Note MEDALIST – This is the luxury grade that comes with the 1.2L HR12DDR supercharged engine, smart start, automatic AC, Navigation/Infotainment and 15-Inch alloy rims and fog lights.
- Nissan Note MEDALIST Emergency Brake Package – This grade comes with the same features as MEDALIST and adds the Emergency Brake Package.
Emergency Brake Package – This is a Fault Collision Prevention Assist that detects the distance between an obstacle and the vehicle using front and rear sonar. When moving forward or backward at a low speed of less than 15 km/h, such as when parking or in traffic, if the accelerator pedal is mistaken for the brake pedal and pressed, the system will prevent excessive acceleration thereby preventing collisions with obstacles.
2014 Nissan Note Interior
Legroom & Space
On the inside, the fascia is given a total overhaul with new buttons and LED displays. But it still maintains the minimalist and functional design from the previous generation. The most significant improvement is on the seating space. The fuel tank and bumper have been redesigned to free up space at the rear. At the front, the size of the engine bay has been reduced and the accelerator pedal shortened. These changes have greatly improved on the seating space that was already good in the previous generation. The legroom is sufficient for both rows and even tall people will be comfortable.
Cabin Storage
There are several storage compartments in the cabin that are useful for storing items such as smartphones, beverages, goggles, handbags etc. At the first row there are 4 cup-holders, door panel storage, a glovebox and center-box. For the second row, there’s a storage bin on the center-box
2014 Nissan Note Boot Space
The boot is fairly spacious and is comparable in size to that of the Toyota Ractis. When extra space is required, the rear seats can fold flat in a split configuration.
Other Extras: Navigation, AUX Power, USB charging port
2014 Nissan Note Safety Features: SRS Airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Emergency Brake Package
2014 Nissan Note Exterior
The exterior remains largely the same as the previous generation except for some tweaks to give it a sleeker and modern look.
2014 Nissan Note Fuel Consumption
2014 Nissan Note 1.2L naturally aspirated engine Consumes 18.0 Km/L
2014 Nissan Note 1.2L supercharged engine Consumes 25.2 Km/L
2014 Nissan Note Acceleration
2014 Supercharged 1.2L Nissan Note accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 11.8 sec.
2014 Normally Aspirated 1.2L Nissan Note accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 13.8 sec.
2014 Nissan Note Fuel Tank Capacity: 41 Litres
2014 Nissan Note Ground Clearance
The 2014 Nissan Note has a ground clearance of 5.9 Inches(150mm). This is below the minimum recommended clearance of 6.5 Inches for Kenyan roads and it will not clear some speed bumps. It may be necessary to modify the ground clearance to adjust the car to Kenyan roads. Read our guidelines here on how to safely increase a vehicle’s ground clearance.
2014 Nissan Note Stability and Handling
When compared to its rivals such as Toyota Ractis and Honda Fit, the Nissan Note holds up pretty well. The 1.2L HR12DDR supercharged engine is sufficiently powered and its acceleration is smooth. The XTRONIC CVT marries well with the engine and gear shifts are timely. On the other hand, the naturally aspirated 1.2L HR12DE feels underpowered and it struggles to gain speed when pushed hard. Around corners, the Nissan Note handles itself well and body roll is minimal.
Service Intervals
Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil
Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil
Spare Parts Availability, Cost & Where to buy
Service parts for Nissan Note are very affordable and widely available in Kenya. Body parts are not easily available as the car is still new in this market. This is likely to change in the coming months as the car gets shipped into this market. You can get listings for Nissan Spare Part shops in this link
2014 Nissan Note Reliability
For a full reliability report, refer to the Nissan Note Buyer’s Guide
Resale Value: Average
Nissan Note Competitors: Honda Fit, Toyota Ractis, Mazda Demio
Cost of Ownership
See Latest Nissan Note Prices in Kenya
What we like about the 2014 Nissan Note
1. Spacious Interior
2. Excellent fuel economy
3. Affordable to buy and maintain
What we don’t
The 1.2L naturally aspirated engine is underpowered. Opt for the 1.2L supercharged engine instead
Conclusion
The Nissan Note is a car that does so much with so little. With a 1.2L engine it can accelerate from 0 to 100 Km/h in 11.8 seconds and with a small frame it can carry five adults comfortably. And to top it up, it sniffs a litre of petrol for every 25.2 Kilometers traveled. This makes it a good choice for people on a tight budget – an excellent economy car that costs less to own and drive.
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