2014 Nissan Versa Note The 2014 Nissan Versa Note arrives in the U.S. with one engine choice -- a 1.6-liter I-4 rated at 109 hp and 107 lb-ft of torque -- which means we don't get the 1.2-liter supercharged I-3 offered in other markets. But don't rule it out completely. Following Nissan's press conference at the 2013 Detroit auto show, we spoke with executive vice president of global planning Andy Palmer who said the quirky engine could make it to the U.S. if there's enough demand. However, he suggested a more interesting powertrain would be the 1.5-liter turbodiesel I-4 offered in Europe, which produces 89 hp and 147 lb-ft.
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| 2014 Nissan Versa Note |
2014 Nissan Versa Note
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| 2014 Nissan Versa Note |
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2014 Nissan Versa Note
When the new generation Nissan Versa sedan debuted in 2011, it did so without a new hatchback sidekick, as the last-gen Versa hatch continued to be sold alongside the new sedan. That's finally been rectified thanks to the appearance of the new 2014 Versa Note, which is making its North American debut at the 2013 Detroit auto show. Set to replace the Versa hatch, the Versa Note provides buyers a more stylish alternative to the frumpy-looking Versa sedan. The more observant among you might recognize the 2014 Nissan Versa Note as essentially the U.S.-spec version of the Nissan Note that went on sale globally last summer. In fact, the Versa Note is really a Versa in name only -- and that's probably for the best. That's not to say the new Versa Note doesn't share any bits with its sedan sibling; like the Versa sedan, the Versa Note rides on Nissan's V-Platform, uses Nissan's 109-hp 1.6-liter I-4 with 107 lb-ft of torque, and also offers the same five-speed manual and CVT options. Unfortunately for fans of oddball engines, the Note's naturally aspirated and supercharged 1.2-liter I-3s won't be found under the hood of U.S.-spec Versa Notes. Nevertheless, Nissan expects big fuel economy out of the little Versa Note; the automaker estimates that CVT-equipped models will be rated by the EPA at 31/40/35 mpg city/highway/combined.
The claimed-40 mpg highway rating for CVT-equipped 2014 Versa Notes comes courtesy of quite a few aerodynamic tricks including Active Grille Shutters - a Nissan first. Available only on Versa Notes with CVTs, the Active Grille Shutters open only when the engine is in need of extra cooling; otherwise they remain closed, helping the hatchback achieve a 0.298 cd. CVT models also get low-rolling resistance tires mounted on 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (manual-equipped models ride on all-season tires on 15-inch steelies or optional 16-inch alloys), and touches like one-piece wiper blades. The Nissan Versa Note's exterior design isn't too outlandish by Nissan standards considering this is the same company that sells the Cube, Juke, and Murano CrossCabriolet. The cute-ish four-door hatch's most notable visual features are its steep windshield, sculpted doors, and general lack of overhangs, thanks to its relatively long for its class 102.4-inch wheelbase. The wheelbase doesn't just make the Versa Note a bit more interesting to look at; it also gives the B-segment hatch a roomy cabin. The Versa Note has 115.5 cubic-feet of interior volume (25.3 more cubes than the already-roomy Versa sedan), and Nissan boasts its new car has best-in-class cargo space with the standard 60/40 split fold-flat rear seat up, at 21.4 cubic-feet. For comparison, the 2013 Honda Fit has 20.6 cubes of cargo space. Those generous dimensions allow Nissan to squeeze into the small hatchback dual-stage front airbags, driver and passenger seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and roof-mounted curtain airbags. The airbags, along with front disc/rear drum brakes, are standard equipment. Beyond the funky-looking interior design, the 2014 Versa Note offers features sure to make millennials take notice, like a navigation system with a 5.8-inch screen, Bluetooth audio with Pandora capability, and for the first time in a car of this class, Nissan's Around View Monitor - a feature commonly found on high-end Infiniti models. Other extras - most included in the SL Tech Package - include a backup camera, heated front seats, hands-free texting, and Google Points of Interest.
Speaking of trim levels, the 2014 Versa Note launches with four trims: S, S Plus, SV, and SL. The base Versa Note S looks to be the sole model available with the five-speed manual transmission as all other trims come with the CVT. A few other differences between trim levels include four-way front buckets on S and S Plus models, and six-way seats with an armrest on SV and SL models. Like its sedan sibling, all 2014 Nissan Versa Note hatchbacks will be built in Mexico. The base Versa Note S will start at $14,780, including destination, when it goes on sale in June of this year -- $2000 more than a base 2013 Versa and about $700 less than a 2012 Versa four-door hatchback.
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