Nissan Note

Model Overview

The Nissan Note is a B-segment five-door hatchback from Japanese automaker Nissan. Since its debut in 2005, it has served as a core sales pillar for the brand in its domestic Japanese market. The first-generation Note was introduced in January 2005, conceived around the core philosophy of "nimble handling and user-friendly features". The second-generation model, launched in 2012, introduced the e-POWER hybrid powertrain during its mid-life cycle, driving the nameplate's popularity to new heights. In November 2020, the third-generation Note was officially unveiled, dropping pure petrol variants entirely in favour of a standardised 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine paired with the e-POWER system across the range. As of 2026, the third-generation Note remains on sale following a facelift in 2024 and minor specification revisions in August 2025. In terms of body dimensions, the standard Note measures 4,045 × 1,695 × 1,520 mm in length, width, and height, respectively, with a 2,580 mm wheelbase, placing it squarely within Japan's "5-number" compact car classification. In terms of pricing, the entry-level Note X 2WD in Japan starts from JPY 2,328,700 (approximately RM110,000), topping out at JPY 2,614,700 for the flagship variant; over in Singapore, the model starts from SGD 187,800.

Design Language

The third-generation Note's exterior styling adopts Nissan's latest V-Motion family design language. Following its 2024 facelift, the front fascia received the updated "Digital V-Motion" grille alongside standard LED headlights across the range. The front and rear styling draws inspiration from traditional Japanese "Mizuhiki" cord-tying art, achieving a clean yet layered, dynamic aesthetic. The side profile looks compact and muscular, accentuated by sharp, deeply sculpted character lines along the fenders. Over at the rear, it features a distinctive full-width light bar design. Exterior colour choices include 10 single-tone and two dual-tone options, offering 12 finishes in total. The line-up also spawned the more premium Note Aura (with its body width widened by 40 mm to 1,735 mm, stepping into Japan's "3-number" standard passenger car category) as well as the sportier Note Aura NISMO. In August 2026, Nissan plans to introduce a special Black Edition for the Note range.

Inside, the cabin is equipped with a 9-inch high-definition infotainment touchscreen and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. The interior features a predominantly black theme, fitted with NASA-inspired "Zero Gravity" front seats for superior long-distance comfort. Higher-spec variants can be optioned with premium black Nappa leather upholstery. The cabin is thoughtfully packaged with versatile storage compartments, striking a balance between practicality and daily convenience. Rear legroom and headroom are among the best in its class, seating five adults comfortably.

Powertrain & Performance

At the heart of the Nissan Note lies Nissan's proprietary e-POWER electric drive technology. What sets this system apart is that the petrol engine functions solely as an onboard generator, while the driven wheels are purely propelled by the electric motor, delivering a 100% electric vehicle (EV) drive experience without the need for plug-in charging. The current third-generation Note pairs a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated inline-three petrol engine (acting purely as a generator) with an EM47 electric motor. The traction motor produces 80–85 kW (approx. 109–116 PS) and a peak torque of 254–280 Nm, completing the 0–50 km/h sprint in just 3.9 seconds. Under the WLTC test cycle, the front-wheel-drive variant delivers an impressive fuel consumption figure of 28.4 km/L (approx. 3.5 L/100 km); in certain real-world tests, it has even achieved 29.5 km/L (approx. 3.39 L/100 km). Drivetrain configurations are available in front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. In 2026, Nissan plans to launch the next-generation Note powered by the third-generation e-POWER system, featuring a larger-displacement 1.4-litre engine with an anticipated fuel economy of up to 30 km/L.

Chassis & Handling

The Note is built upon the CMF-B platform co-developed by Nissan and Renault. Its chassis is tuned primarily for urban commuting comfort with a pliant suspension setup that effectively irons out road imperfections and minor bumps. With a tight turning radius of just 4.9 metres, the Note demonstrates outstanding agility through narrow city streets and tight car parks. The car comes standard with Nissan's signature e-Pedal one-pedal drive mode, allowing the driver to accelerate and decelerate smoothly using only the throttle pedal. The AWD variant provides enhanced driving stability on wet and slippery road surfaces or snow.

Cabin & Equipment

Standard cabin equipment includes a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen. The head unit supports wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto smartphone connectivity. For added convenience, it comes equipped with a Qi wireless charging pad, an electronic parking brake (EPB), and an Auto Brake Hold function. On the audio front, higher-spec trims can be optioned with a premium BOSE Personal Plus sound system.

One of the Note's most distinctive features is its swivelling front passenger seat. With a simple lever operation, the seat rotates outward towards the door opening, facilitating effortless ingress and egress for passengers in skirts, traditional kimonos, or elderly occupants with restricted mobility. This clever touch delivers semi-welfare car functionality in an accessible manner, making it immensely popular in the Japanese market. Boot capacity stands at 340 litres in its standard layout, easily accommodating two 20-inch cabin trolley bags along with a foldable pram.

Safety & Driver Assistance

On the safety front, the Note comes standard across the range with the 360° Safety Assist suite. In its August 2025 specification update, the lateral detection range of the Intelligent Emergency Braking (IEB) system was further expanded to detect bicycles and crossing obstacles approaching from the sides. A Rear Seat Alert function was also made standard across all variants, reminding drivers to check the rear cabin for passengers or belongings before leaving the car. Furthermore, the Note features the Nissan ProPILOT driver assistance system, offering Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities including Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Passive safety is well-catered for with a multi-airbag setup and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

Market Performance & Verdict

Since its inaugural debut in 2005, the Nissan Note has proven to be an enduring bestseller in Japan's compact car market. As of the end of 2020, cumulative global sales over 15 years had reached 1.46 million units. In Japan, thanks to the e-POWER system's unique "pure electric drive with zero charging hassle" proposition, remarkable fuel economy, and practical cabin packaging, the Note has consistently maintained its spot among the top-selling compact hatchbacks. In the Chinese mainland market, the Note's lineage traces back to the Dongfeng Nissan Livina—a model that once enjoyed strong sales in southern regions due to its estate-like practicality and generous space, though Nissan did not reintroduce the Note series following the Livina's discontinuation. Motoring media have noted that the Note "is not trying to be a jack of all trades, but rather a sharply focused proposition tailored for buyers seeking an authentic EV drive without range anxiety." In this segment, its primary rivals include Japanese stalwarts like the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit/Jazz. As the benchmark ambassador of Nissan's e-POWER technology, the Note continues to anchor Nissan's domestic lineup with its low urban fuel consumption, refined EV driving dynamics, and city-friendly proportions.