Overview & Reviews

The Nissan Versa Note is the hatchback version of the subcompact Versa sedan. Previously known simply as the Versa hatchback, it got a new name when the redesigned model bowed for 2014. The Versa Note boasts a roomy interior, good fuel economy and an unusually low base price.

Given its tepid driving dynamics and underwhelming cabin quality, though, the Versa Note isn't a top pick among small, affordable hatchbacks. Rivals like the Honda Fit and Kia Soul have a wider range of talents. But money talks, and there's a good chance that Nissan's little runabout will be the most affordable car on your list. If you're looking for a spacious hatchback on the cheap, take note.

Current Nissan Versa Note
The Nissan Versa Note is a four-door hatchback offered in S, S Plus and SV trim levels. The S sticks to the bare necessities, providing steel wheels, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, manual windows and locks and a four-speaker sound system. The S Plus gets a standard CVT (continuously variable transmission), cruise control and active grille shutters to aid fuel economy. The SV adds full power accessories, upgraded interior trim and gauges, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel and Bluetooth phone connectivity.

Optional extras on the SV are largely bundled into packages and include keyless ignition/entry, a rearview camera, two different touchscreen interfaces (measuring 4.3 inches or 5.8 inches), a navigation system, a 360-degree parking camera system, a USB/iPod input and Bluetooth streaming audio.

All Versa Notes are powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 109 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is mandatory on the base S trim, while the other trims are equipped with the CVT. The best fuel economy comes from selecting the CVT.

In reviews and ratings, we've commented favorably on the Versa Note's astoundingly roomy backseat. Based on the car's pint-sized dimensions, you'd expect two adults to feel crammed in there like proverbial sardines, but a couple of 6-footers can actually share the rear bench with head- and legroom to spare. Luggage space is also a strength, though maximum capacity with the seatbacks flipped forward is unremarkable.

In other respects, the Versa Note falls short of segment leaders. Interior materials are about what you'd expect from one of the cheapest hatchbacks on the market, notwithstanding the SV's extended cloth inserts. The engine drones intrusively when it's working hard, which is often. Even in a featherweight subcompact, 109 hp isn't much oomph. Although the ride is generally comfortable, rough roads can give the car's structure a bad case of the shakes. If you keep your expectations low, you might be pleasantly surprised, but most of the Versa Note's competitors will be more pleasant on a daily basis.

Used Nissan Versa Note Models
The current Nissan Versa Note is a new model. But its predecessor, the first-generation Versa hatchback, was produced from 2007-'12 and is covered in the Nissan Versa model review.

User Reviews:

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  Great for parking garage. - 2016 Nissan Versa Note
  By Erik - April 25 - 3:00 pm

  Forgive the wall, Im on mobile.So got this as a rental, it looked cool and I wanted to try it. It had just over 2k milkes and I put 350 miles on it. Did a bit of city ( vegas!!) freeway and some "mountain" driving. Lets point out the Pros of this. The blue tooth is simple and easy, and you can take it a step further by downloading an app. But I just used Google maps, which only works if you have the stereo on Bluetooth mode) Its great for parking, tight turns, great for those u turns, braking, and decent fuel economy. The steering response is middle of the road, maybe a bit above because the car doesnt roll if you have to jerk it over to the next lane. It does have a back up camera and you can see all around when in traffic. I didnt get a chance to see how well The traction control worked. The A/C did okay for 110F heat and no window tint. Meaning it was on full blast 95%, even when it was under 100F. The audio system sounded better then I imagined! Weaving in and out of traffic is a breeze, and youll have plenty of room. Its not the ugliest or boring for a compact. There was plenty of room for just the two of us. The dash is nice to look at and the double glove box was very convenient. Heck the knee one was very deep. Seating was firm but comfy. Combine the seating and suspension for a sporty feel. Now the cons; even if you are at the front of the line at a stop light, youll be last. Not only is take off unnaturally slow, the actual throttle response is about a whole second behind. Then after that youll start to crawl forward ( no need to worry about burn outs!) This can actually be annoying because if traffic speeds up a tad while rolling down the road itll be a few before youll catch up. It was amazing that it could go 70mph ( okay there were times we may have went 85mph but we were just keeping with the flow!! And the ride was challenging due to the swaying. Well get to that later) Imagine you are getting on the freeway, you hit the Apex and pin the throttle, the rpms jump up and as need to start merging, desperately, you look down and realize you are only doing 55-60mph, pending if the hill was in your favor. Okay you get it, accerleration is not what this car is meant to do. But you may think this can hold its speed. I mean come on, its modern, it has a CVT, and its small! Well sure it can. But only if its minor. If you start climbing a little itll rev up. And if its a 6% grade, you might want to take the slow lane with the truckers. So how does it handle? Well on a flat road its perfect, that goes for the pavement. If its concrete with slits youll start swerving like a tractor trailer with high cross winds, sad part is its only a slight over exaggeration. At around 50mph it becomes noticeable. Maybe its a safetly feature to keep you paying attention! I too thought maybe someone hit something. But seeing another versa I had to follow and see if they did the dance, and they did. With all the negative I wrote, I really do not hate this car! Sure its gutless, the road surface can be a challenge, and the suspension is borderline cheap feeling, but it was fun! The only way I would own this was if I got it with 6sp and 30 more ponies. ( I do kick my self for not getting the fiat 500!)

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  CVT transmission failure - 2014 Nissan Versa Note
  By montigirlmn - October 18 - 2:54 pm

  I am writing a follow up to my initial review, left by montigirlmn. My CVT transmission failed at 21000 miles, 10 months into owning a new car.