The New Nissan Note Will Take on the Polo in Europe This Fall

NissanNissanJapan, 1932 > present159 models
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12 videos
has taken the wraps off of the new Note that will go toe-to-toe with the PoloVolkswagen Polo Gen.5Germany, 2009 > present247 versions
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later this fall. 

"The new Note isn't just a direct replacement for current NoteNissan Note 2Japan, 2012 > present24 versions
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, it's a completely different car with a completely different place in the market. Sitting at the very heart of the B-segment, the new Note takes on high volume competitors with great design and premium technology in an accessible package," said Paul Wilcox, head of Nissan sales and marketing in Europe. 

The Note takes inspiration from the InvitationNissan InvitationJapan, 2012 > 201226 photos
concept and offers class-leading aerodynamics for Europe. The Note being sold in Europe has a unique front end and sculpted side mirrors with turn signals that is unlike that Note that will be sold in other markets. 

The car's long wheelbase for the class and short overhangs give even the basic models a sporty look. In the front the grill cuts into the headlights, which has become a common styling element for Nissans. Nissan claims that the profile is inspired by a squash ball traveling around a court. At the rear, the taillights wrap around the C-pillar, and there is a large rear window for added visibility. 

"The Design Concept of this car is summarized by two phrases: ‘energetic clarity' and ‘spacious comfort'. We have designed a completely new hatchback which is dynamic, energetic and sporty while also managing to keep the previous generation Note's practicality and versatility," says Atsushi Maeda, the lead designer of the Note.

Inside, buyers get more space than the previous generation and a new dashboard layout. All cars come with a stereo with USB and aux-in sockets. In the rear, the car has 295 liters of storage, plus 30 liters more of under floor storage.

The car will be offered with three engines and two transmissions at launch. There are two tunes of the new 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine. The entry-level version offers 79hp and 81lb-ft of torque. It uses 4.7l/100km and emits 109g/km of CO2. The more powerful tune is supercharged and offers 97hp and 108lb-ft of torque. It also comes with a coasting mode to improve fuel economy. The supercharged version uses 4.3l/100km and emits 99g/km of CO2 with the five-speed manual transmission. There is also an optional CVT, which increases emissions to 119g/km of CO2. 

Finally, there is the 1.5-liter diesel four-cylinder with 89hp and 95g/km of CO2 emissions. It uses 3.6l/100km of fuel.

The Note rides on Nissan's new V platform with a European-optimized suspension layout. It offers better rigidity and steering than the previous generation. 

The Note will be offered in three trim levels - Visia, Acenta and Tekna. All of them come with stop-start, six airbags and cruise control. 

The Acenta adds air conditioning, Bluetooth and electric windows. They are also available with touchscreen navigation. There are also two option packages - Family Pack and Auto Pack. The Family Pack adds tinted rear windows, a rear center headrest and armrest, driver's armrest, seatback tables and sliding rear seat. The Auto Pack adds fog lights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers and automatic climate control. 

Tekna comes standard with Nissan Connect infotainment, around view monitor, partial leather trim, the Family Pack and Auto Pack. A sunroof is optional.

Nissan has not announced pricing for the Note.