The Nissan Note may not be a very familiar sounding name, but the car is pretty popular in certain markets like Japan and Europe. For those unfamiliar, it’s a compact 5-door MPV. In previous generations, the Note has been powered by small displacement petrol engines or diesel engines. Then in 2017, Nissan offered a hybrid variant called the Note e-Power NISMO S.
It was geared a little harder towards added performance rather than fuel savings, but it did the trick. Now, for its 3rd generation, Nissan have taken the bold step of introducing only a hybrid variant of the new Note.
The car will go on sale in Japan just before Christmas eve and will only be available with the E-POWER hybrid powertrain, which shows Nissan is actually serious about rolling out their ‘Nissan NEXT’ global business transformation plan. This plan will see the company rolling out a million electrified vehicles by 2023.
With a new generation comes a new design. The new Note is a tidier looking vehicle than its predecessor. It looks modern without having too much flair.
They’ve managed to reinterpret the V-Motion grille to fit the more minimalist aesthetic of the car which Nissan calls ‘Timeless Japanese Futurism’. The wheels are particularly interesting.
The 3rd generation Note also sits on a new platform which Nissan says makes the car more comfortable, accessible and digitalised. An all-electric AWD variant of the Note is also planned with one motor in each axle later this year.
For now, the e-POWER system is still considered a hybrid, though like Honda’s e:HEV solution, the system leans more towards electric propulsion. In fact, the only purpose of the 1.2L cylinder petrol engine is to generate electricity. In second generation, the e-POWER system Has its output increased by 6% (torque by 10%), while a new inverter saves on space and weight. The petrol engine is also more efficient. The engine is also now configured to run and charge the battery pack when road noise is higher, so that quieter moments can be enjoyed on pure electric propulsion.
We think the Note could make for an interesting rival against the Honda City RS e:HEV. What do you think?
Here’s the press release with more information if you’re interested.
PRESS RELEASE
YOKOHAMA, Japan – Nissan today launched the all-new Note compact car in Japan, with sales planned to begin Dec. 23.
The new Note will come exclusively with Nissan’s e-POWER electrified powertrain. As the company’s best-selling model in its home market, the car continues to play a key role in the Nissan NEXT global business transformation plan.
Earlier this year, Nissan launched the Kicks e-POWER in Japan, Thailand and Indonesia. The company is also planning e-POWER launches in Europe and China. So far, customers have purchased about 430,000 vehicles equipped with the innovative powertrain.
By the end of fiscal year 2023, Nissan expects to deliver more than 1 million electrified vehicles, including EVs and e-POWER models, to customers around the world each year.
A design that breaks with compact car norms
The all-new Note showcases Nissan’s latest design concept, Timeless Japanese Futurism. The simple, yet powerfully modern and distinctive Japanese approach sets the Note apart from other compact cars.
Nissan’s signature V-motion grille crowns the exterior, forming a strong V-line under the slim-line headlamps. Character lines extend from the front, carving the side profile and transitioning through the slim, horizontally continuous rear combination lamps. The overall impression is one of advanced, simple and dynamic design for the electrified age.
The front grille pattern draws from traditional Japanese design, conveying an artisan touch. Bookending the grille are sleek headlights featuring four in-line LED projector lights1, keeping the front sharp and sporty.
Sixteen-inch aluminum wheels, with an inner design reminiscent of a sword blade, complete the all-new Note’s agile look.
The model comes with 13 available body color variations, including two two-tone options and an eye-catching Vivid Blue. Also available is the new color Opera Mauve, specially created for the Note.
Comfortable, spacious interior with a tech touch
The new Note defies preconceptions about compact car interiors by minimizing the footprint of components while increasing comfort and technology. The center console is positioned for easy access to the downsized electronic shift lever and opens space below it.
Zero Gravity seats and large armrests offer enhanced comfort on long-distance trips. In the rear, the space far exceeds segment norms, with plenty of headroom and legroom as well as reclining seatbacks. The rear hatch has a wide opening to a spacious trunk, making loading and unloading an easier experience.
State-of-the-art technology ensures information is readily available at a glance. Upon entry, the driver is greeted by the large integrated display interface that links vehicle information and navigation details in a seamless landscape orientation. Digital gauge displays keep information clear and easy to read. The center console offers wireless charging1, embracing the connected, digital age.
Advanced power
The all-new Note represents the nameplate’s third generation. The completely new platform and design give it a fresh, advanced impression.
The new Note also features the second generation of Nissan’s acclaimed e-POWER electric powertrain. Extensively redesigned and redeveloped, the system produces more power, a higher-quality driving experience and improved efficiency. It represents a step-change in performance, with responsive acceleration, smooth deceleration and quietness that only an electrified powertrain can deliver.
The new Note lineup will also feature a truly electric all-wheel drive model, with powerful dual electric motors in the front and rear supplying power to all four wheels. The AWD model is scheduled for launch in December.
e-POWER evolves
The second-generation e-POWER system has an all-new electric motor and inverter. Electric motor torque has been increased by 10% and output by 6%, delivering powerful, thrilling acceleration from a standing start or when passing other vehicles. The e-POWER control technology has been tuned to achieve smoother acceleration and significantly improve cabin quietness. The new inverter is now 40% smaller and 30% lighter. The onboard gasoline engine used to generate electrical energy is also more efficient, resulting in both increased power and better fuel economy. The engine now operates at a lower RPM and is engaged less often during a typical drive. Coupled with enhanced insulation in the vehicle body, this results in quietness that’s a class above typical compact cars. As a world first, electrical energy generation is controlled according to road conditions. When road noise increases due to surface conditions and vehicle speed, the engine switches on to charge the e-POWER battery pack. This reduces the need for the engine to operate under otherwise quieter conditions.
360 degrees of advanced safety technology
The new Note’s advanced safety technology offers 360 degrees of coverage to give drivers added assistance and peace of mind on the road. Drivers can enjoy Nissan’s ProPILOT with Navi-link, which syncs with the navigation system on highways and detects speed limit signs to automatically adjust the set speed. The system also uses navigation data to assess the angle of upcoming bends and decelerate the vehicle accordingly.
As a first for Nissan, 1,470 MPa ultra-high tensile steel has been adopted in the vehicle chassis, contributing to both weight reduction and improved passive safety performance.
