2020 Nissan Note Review

Detailed Review

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 was in production from 2012 to 2020. The third-generation Nissan Note known as the E13 has been in production from 2021 to the present.

The Nissan Note is marketed alternatively as the Nissan Versa in some countries.

The 2020 Nissan Note is available in four engine options: 1.2L HR12DR Petrol engine, 1.6L HR16DE Petrol engine, 1.2L HR12DE Hybrid engine, and 1.5L K9K Diesel engine.  The powertrains are mated to either a 5-speed manual or an Xtronic CVT.

2020 Nissan Note Grades

1. S– This grade comes with 15-inch wheels, Fabric seats, Manual A/C, Power windows, Power door locks, Manually adjustable front seats, keyless entry, and Tilt steering.
2. X– This grade is equipped with a lip spoiler, 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control, fog lights, power mirrors, Power Windows, a 4-speaker audio system, AM/FM radio with CD player, Manual AC, push-button start, Dual front airbags, and electronic brake force distribution.
3. X DIG- This grade comes with Halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights (DRLs) an anti-lock braking system, power mirrors, power windows, a roof spoiler, a 7-inch touchscreen display, an adjustable steering wheel, a central locking remote control, and cruise control.
4. MEDALIST– This grade comes with power windows, a central locking remote control, power mirrors, and an adjustable steering wheel.
5. NISMO– This grade boasts daytime running lights, electronic stability control, cruise control, and anti-lock braking system.
6. e-POWER– This grade comes with a hybrid powertrain, power windows, a central locking remote control, power mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels, power mirrors, and an adjustable steering wheel.

2020 Nissan Note Interior, Legroom & Space

The 2020 Note offers a fairly spacious interior compared to most cars in its class. There is plenty of headroom and legroom in the front row, and the seats can recline to accommodate any position. The rear seats also offer plenty of head and knee room but can be a bit cramped for taller passengers. These seats are best suited for smaller adults and children.

The dashboard has well-designed controls that are easy to reach. The materials used in the 2020 Note are of good quality, with a mix of soft-touch surfaces and hard plastics.

Getting in and out of the 2020 Nissan Note is also easy, and the driver has a good view of the road ahead.

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Cabin Storage

There are several stowage compartments in the cabin, useful for storing items such as smartphones, drinks, goggles, handbags, etc. For the first row, there are 4 cup holders, door panel storage, a glove box, and a center box. For the second row, there’s a stowage compartment on the center console.

Exterior

The 2020 Note features a modern and stylish exterior design that is largely the same as the previous generation. The design is in line with Nissan’s “V-Motion” philosophy that combines style and spacious comfort. The front end is characterized by a bold V-Motion grille with a chrome V-shaped frame, LED headlights, and LED Daytime Running Lights.

The side profile of the 2020 Note features clean continuous character lines that run from the front fender to the rear taillight. The rear end has tail lights and turn signals a Nissan Logo with a Note emblem below it. The roofline is slightly sloped and has a shark-fin antenna.

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Nissan Note Boot Space

The 2020 Note has a reasonable boot space and is comparable to that of the Toyota Ractis. With all seats in place, the space is 9.9 cubic feet. If more space is needed, the second-row seats can be retracted increasing the capacity to 35.3 cubic feet. The tailgate is electrically operated and could be very handy especially when your hands are full of cargo.

2020 Nissan Note Safety Features

Anti-lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, Vehicle Dynamic Control, hill start assist, front airbags, side airbags, seat belts with belt tensioners, and ISOFIX anchorages for child seats.

2020 Nissan Note Fuel Consumption

• 2020 Nissan Note 1.2 L petrol engine consumption- 18 km/l on average
• 2020 Nissan Note 1.2 L hybrid engine consumption- 22.5 km/l on average
• 2020 Nissan Note 1.6 L petrol engine consumption- 15.7 km/l on average
• 2020 Nissan Note 1.5 L diesel engine consumption- 16.1 km/l on average

2020 Nissan Note Acceleration

• 2020 Nissan Note 1.2 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 14.1 secs
• 2020 Nissan Note 1.6 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 12.4 secs
• 2020 Nissan Note 1.2 L hybrid engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 13.8 secs
• 2020 Nissan Note 1.5 L diesel engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 13.4 secs

The 2020 Nissan Note Fuel Tank Capacity: 41 liters

Ground Clearance

The 2020 Nissan Note has a ground clearance of 6.0 inches. 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.

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 and Availability

One of the advantages of owning a Nissan is that spare parts and other body components are readily available in metropolitan areas. The Note is no exception.

Stability And Handling

The 2020 Nissan Note handles quite well on the road when compared to its close rivals such as Toyota Ractis and Honda Fit. It is equipped with a MacPherson strut suspension in the front and a torsion beam in the rear that has been tuned to provide stability and comfort. Around corners, the Nissan Note handles itself well and body roll is minimal.

In terms of handling, the Nissan Note is equipped with an electric power-assisted steering that is light and responsive making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces.

The brakes are up to the task as they are quite powerful and can bring this car to a complete stop in a matter of seconds, preventing any catastrophes.

The 1.2L HR12DDR is sufficiently powered and provides a smooth acceleration on the highway. For owners looking to even save more on fuel, there is a 1.2L HR12DE Hybrid engine but it’s a bit underpowered and struggles to gain speed.

Reliability

The Nissan Note has established itself as a reliable hatchback. Its standard 1.2L engine is durable and its less prone to issues, the e-power hybrid system is also regarded as dependable. Common reported issues with the 2020 Note is Transmission problems. It is also advisable not to drive offroad due to the Note’s low ground clearance as its body components could be damaged.

We recommend you regularly service and maintain your Nissan Note to avoid experiencing such issues.

For a detailed reliability report read the Nissan Note Buyer’s Guide. Click Here to download.

Resale Value: Average

Nissan Note Competitors: Toyota Ractis, Subaru Trezia, Honda Fit, Nissan March, Toyota Vitz, and Mazda Demio.

What we like about the 2020 Nissan Note

• Excellent fuel economy
• Reliability

What we don’t

• Low ground clearance

Conclusion

The Nissan Note is an ideal hatchback for buyers looking for a reliable, fuel-efficient, and practical sub-compact vehicle. It is suited for urban driving and its small size makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.  It is a good choice for people on a tight budget as it costs less to own and drive.

Where to buy the 2020 Nissan Note in Kenya

If you are looking to either import or buy the 2020 Nissan Note locally at a reasonable price, we can help you with this process. Over the years we have developed a network of trusted dealers both in Kenya and Japan who supply us with exceptional cars. Just give us a call or send us a message at +254 722 469360 or email us at [email protected] and we’ll get you the right car at the right price.