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25th
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San Diego, Ca. - Nissan is working hard to totally refresh its lineup, and it is the entry-level Nissan Versa hatchback's turn. The Versa is getting more than a new design, it's getting a new name, sort of. The rest of the world knows the Versa as the Note. In North America, the new official title is the Nissan Versa Note, for now at least.
What Is a Nissan Versa Note?
For 2104, the first model of the second generation Nissan Versa Note is the five-door entry level, compact hatchback that has more features, more space and more standard equipment than the first generation introduced in 2007. In effect, Nissan intends to hit a high note in sales with this vehicle.
Technicalities
The Nissan Versa Note is available in Canada in three trim levels. The pricing, which will be music to your ears, goes like this; the S starts at $13,348, the SV at $14,998 and the SL is in tune with a base price of $16,998. Within these three trim levels, consumers can choose between a 5-speed manual or an extra-cost CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Stand-alone options such as stereo upgrades, the around-view monitor or GPS are few and far between. Just about everything is packed into either a trim level or an optional package.
Driving the Nissan Versa Note
The 2014 Nissan Versa Note utilizes a 1.6L DOHC inline-four that puts out 109 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque. Driveability is enhanced by both the amount of torque the engine produces and the broad torque curve that makes a significant amount of power available from idle to highway speeds.
After the first five minutes of driving, you can't help but notice that the CVT transmission not only works better than the previous version, but the constant drone of the engine under acceleration is less noticeable/objectionable than in the past.
Fuel economy with the CVT is another of the “high notes” on the Nissan Versa Note's music sheet. City fuel economy ratings stand at 6.1L/100km, while the highway rating comes in at 4.8L/100km. The combined rating stands at 5.5L/100km.
Improvements were also made to suspension components. The 2014 Nissan Versa Note handles grooved pavement, road undulations, and freeway on and off ramps with aplomb. It seems as if nothing upsets the balance of this car. There is body lean when the 2014 Nissan Versa Note is pushed hard, and the nose will slip out a bit if you are sloppy in cornering, but overall this hatchback gets over the road well enough to put a grin on your face while making sure that you can get the groceries home without breaking an egg.
Inside and Out of the Nissan Versa Note
Exterior sculpting in the side panels and changes to the front and rear facia make the 2014 Nissan Versa Note look capable -- not aggressive or cute, just capable. Not so obvious changes to the roofline and reductions in overall length provide more interior space in a vehicle that is easier to zip through town in, take downtown and park, as well as be a weekend warrior.
Inside the 2014 Nissan Versa Note, the seats seem a touch more comfortable up front while the revised instrument cluster provides a well-lit and well-organized information centre. The big news is the continued improvement in rear-seat space: Leg room, head room, ease of entry and exit all make this a car that really can hold three adults in comfort in the back.
Cargo space is limited with the rear seats up, but is more than adequate for a trip to the grocery store. With the seats folded, owners can use the new “drive-n-hide” floor system to provide a flat floor for improved cargo space usage or use the same system to add to shelf space in the cargo area when the seats are upright.
Comparing the Nissan Versa Note
On a stand-alone basis, the 2014 Nissan Versa Note is one of those cars that you will get into and enjoy driving no matter what type of driving you do. When you compare it with competitors such as the Spark and Sonic from Chevrolet, as well as the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit, the “high note” is the 2014 Versa Note. If you bracket the base price with the Ford Fiesta on the bottom side and the Ford Focus on the higher side, the choice becomes a bit harder. Overall the 2014 Nissan Versa Note offers great value for the money.
 |
What Is a Nissan Versa Note?
For 2104, the first model of the second generation Nissan Versa Note is the five-door entry level, compact hatchback that has more features, more space and more standard equipment than the first generation introduced in 2007. In effect, Nissan intends to hit a high note in sales with this vehicle.
Technicalities
The Nissan Versa Note is available in Canada in three trim levels. The pricing, which will be music to your ears, goes like this; the S starts at $13,348, the SV at $14,998 and the SL is in tune with a base price of $16,998. Within these three trim levels, consumers can choose between a 5-speed manual or an extra-cost CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Stand-alone options such as stereo upgrades, the around-view monitor or GPS are few and far between. Just about everything is packed into either a trim level or an optional package.
 |
| The Nissan Versa Note is available in Canada in three trim levels. (Photo: Nissan) |
Driving the Nissan Versa Note
The 2014 Nissan Versa Note utilizes a 1.6L DOHC inline-four that puts out 109 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque. Driveability is enhanced by both the amount of torque the engine produces and the broad torque curve that makes a significant amount of power available from idle to highway speeds.
After the first five minutes of driving, you can't help but notice that the CVT transmission not only works better than the previous version, but the constant drone of the engine under acceleration is less noticeable/objectionable than in the past.
Fuel economy with the CVT is another of the “high notes” on the Nissan Versa Note's music sheet. City fuel economy ratings stand at 6.1L/100km, while the highway rating comes in at 4.8L/100km. The combined rating stands at 5.5L/100km.
Improvements were also made to suspension components. The 2014 Nissan Versa Note handles grooved pavement, road undulations, and freeway on and off ramps with aplomb. It seems as if nothing upsets the balance of this car. There is body lean when the 2014 Nissan Versa Note is pushed hard, and the nose will slip out a bit if you are sloppy in cornering, but overall this hatchback gets over the road well enough to put a grin on your face while making sure that you can get the groceries home without breaking an egg.
 |
| The 2014 Nissan Versa Note utilizes a 1.6L DOHC inline-four that puts out 109 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Nissan) |
Inside and Out of the Nissan Versa Note
Exterior sculpting in the side panels and changes to the front and rear facia make the 2014 Nissan Versa Note look capable -- not aggressive or cute, just capable. Not so obvious changes to the roofline and reductions in overall length provide more interior space in a vehicle that is easier to zip through town in, take downtown and park, as well as be a weekend warrior.
Inside the 2014 Nissan Versa Note, the seats seem a touch more comfortable up front while the revised instrument cluster provides a well-lit and well-organized information centre. The big news is the continued improvement in rear-seat space: Leg room, head room, ease of entry and exit all make this a car that really can hold three adults in comfort in the back.
Cargo space is limited with the rear seats up, but is more than adequate for a trip to the grocery store. With the seats folded, owners can use the new “drive-n-hide” floor system to provide a flat floor for improved cargo space usage or use the same system to add to shelf space in the cargo area when the seats are upright.
 |
| The seats seem a touch more comfortable up front while the revised instrument cluster provides a well-lit and well-organized information centre. (Photo: Nissan) |
Comparing the Nissan Versa Note
On a stand-alone basis, the 2014 Nissan Versa Note is one of those cars that you will get into and enjoy driving no matter what type of driving you do. When you compare it with competitors such as the Spark and Sonic from Chevrolet, as well as the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit, the “high note” is the 2014 Versa Note. If you bracket the base price with the Ford Fiesta on the bottom side and the Ford Focus on the higher side, the choice becomes a bit harder. Overall the 2014 Nissan Versa Note offers great value for the money.