2021 Nissan Note Review
The Nissan Note is one of the most popular hatchbacks in the Kenyan market and for a good reason. The Note offers fuel efficiency, reliability, and practicability, and seats 5 people comfortably. It effortlessly navigates dense urban environments. The Nissan Note rivals the Toyota Ractis, Subaru Trezia, Honda Fit, and Mazda Demio.
Detailed Review
The Nissan Note entered production in 2005 and was initially sold in Japan and other select markets. The Nissan Note is marketed alternatively as the Nissan Versa in some countries.
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.
Based on the concept of “an advanced compact car with driving comfort and enjoyment beyond what is normally expected from a compact car”, the third-generation Note has been reborn as a completely new advanced compact car with a newly designed platform and the first installation of the second generation e-POWER, which has a significantly revised and more powerful system.
The 2021 Nissan Note is only available with an e-Power series hybrid 2WD or 4WD drivetrain. It uses a 1.2 L HR12DE e-Power hybrid I3 engine that is paired with a single-speed constant ratio transmission.
2021 Nissan Note Grades
- S– This is the base grade that is equipped with Halogen headlights, 15-inch wheels, a black grille, Manual air conditioning, Power windows, a Nissan Safety Shield, Keyless entry, a Central locking system, and Manual side mirror adjustment.
- X– This grade comes with Drive mode selector LED headlights LED daytime running lights (DRL), Body-colored side mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels, Rear spoiler Chrome front grille, Heated front seats, Automatic air conditioning, Leather-wrapped steering wheel, Keyless entry with push-button start, 7-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display, 6-speaker audio system, Power windows, Keyless entry, and push-button start.
- Autech- This grade adds an Exclusive AUTECH design element, LED daytime running lights (DRL) and LED fog lights, 16-inch alloy wheels, Privacy glass, heated front seats, Smartphone integration, an Advanced 7-inch digital display, and a Leather-wrapped steering wheel.
- Autech Crossover– This grade comes with a raised suspension, AUTECH Crossover front grille, Roof rails, 16-inch AUTECH-exclusive alloy wheels, Rear spoiler, 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Push-button start with keyless entry, Nissan Safety Shield 360, Bluetooth connectivity and Heated side mirrors.
- Nismo– This is a sport-oriented trim level that is equipped with a Sport-tuned suspension, a unique Nismo body kit with badging on the front and rear. It also has 17-inch wheels, Dual exhaust outlets, Automatic climate control, Push-button start with keyless entry, Power-folding, heated side mirrors, and NISMO sport brakes.
2021 Nissan Note Interior, Legroom & Space
The 2021 Note’s Interior design features an advanced and comfortable interior better than most cars in its class. The instrumental panel is equipped with meters integrated with the center display, embodying Nissan’s new interior design philosophy.
The front seats are spacious offering ample legroom, headroom, and shoulder space for the driver and the passenger.
The rear seats are equally comfortable and are equipped with a reclining function for extra comfort, especially during long drives. However, the center seat might not be ideal for adults.
The 2021 Note also has a “Rotating Passenger Seat” feature that allows the passenger seat to be rotated toward the outside of the vehicle with a simple manual operation. This allows passengers to get in and out of the vehicle smartly with their feet together, even when wearing a skirt or kimono.
It also features Nappa leather seats with the leather extending to the door sills and steering wheel, and various touchpoints.
There is a new 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. there is also the Note’s native Bluetooth interface and Two USB Type-A ports are available.
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 a center box. For the second row, there’s a storage bin on the center box
2021 Nissan Note Exterior
The 2021 Note’s design has been tweaked a little bit to embody Nissan’s new design concept dubbed “Timeless Japanese Futurism,”.
The front end features a bold V-Motion grille and a new V-motion chrome that integrates the angular headlamps into the grille. The grille also features a pattern inspired by the traditional Japanese craft of Kumiko.
The side profile features a character line that runs from the front to the rear, clean surfaces that change richly depending on the viewing angle, and a distinctive signature rear combination lamp with a horizontal line that spreads horizontally. A neat rear diffuser design and black-accented spoiler round off the design nicely.
The body color lineup is available in 13 colors, including two two-tone colors, allowing customers to enjoy choosing the color that best suits their taste.
2021 Nissan Note Boot Space
The 2021 Note has a reasonable boot space and is comparable to that of the Toyota Ractis. With all the 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. In addition, the boot has a wide opening and luggage compartment width, making it possible to store luggage easily.
2021 Nissan Note Safety Features
The 2021 Nissan Note is equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360 which encompasses Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and High Beam Assist. Other features are ProPILOT Assist, Intelligent Forward Collision, Intelligent Around View Monitor, Hill Start Assist, and airbags.
2021 Nissan Note Fuel Consumption
2021 Nissan Note 1.2 L hybrid engine consumption-21.7km/L on average
2021 Nissan Note Acceleration
2021 Nissan Note 1.2 L hybrid engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 11 secs
2021 Nissan Note Fuel Tank Capacity: 41 liters
Ground Clearance
The 2021 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 2021 Nissan Note is powered by a hybrid powertrain that has been redesigned to deliver a more powerful and refined driving experience.
Acceleration of the Nissan Note has also been improved along with smooth deceleration control.
No matter what mode the Note is in, there is always a healthy amount of acceleration thanks to the large amount of torque available. The engine has 10% more torque and 6% more power than the previous Note.
The Note’s steering wheel is light, making it easy to maneuver the car in traffic. There are three driving modes in the 2021 Note, ECO, Sport, and Normal. Shifting through the gears is a smooth experience and feels like a computer mouse in your hand. A switch allows you to switch between the modes and toggle features such as Auto Hold and EV mode.
In addition, the control of the hybrid system reduces the frequency of engine operation and improves the soundproofing of the body to achieve a level of quietness that is in a class of its own for a compact car.
Reliability
The Nissan Note is regarded to be a reliable hatchback that can serve you for many years without experiencing any major mechanical problems.
The 2021 Note only has a hybrid powertrain with the electric motor having fewer moving parts than a conventional engine hence greater reliability. It also uses a single-speed transmission which is used by EVs and is more reliable than multi-speed automatic transmissions.
Just like any other vehicle, it is important to regularly service and maintain your Nissan Note to avoid experiencing such issues. We also recommend that read the Nissan Note Buyer’s Guide.
Nissan Note Resale Value: Average
Nissan Note Competitors: Toyota Ractis, Subaru Trezia, Honda Fit, Nissan March, Toyota Vitz, and Mazda Demio.
What we like about the 2021 Nissan Note
- Good fuel economy
- Reliability
- Improved Cabin
What we don’t
- Low ground clearance
Conclusion
The 2021 Nissan Note is an easy car to pick up and drive. It will definitely put a smile on your face, even if it is not the fastest car on the road. The Note achieves a fuel economy of 21.7KM/l making it a good choice for buyers looking for a fuel-efficient hatchback. It also has the most spacious cabin in its class and comfortably seats 5 people. Thanks to its small size and tight turning radius, it is easy to maneuver around urban areas and tight spaces.
Where to buy the 2021 Nissan Note in Kenya
If you are looking to either import or buy the 2021 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.
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