Nissan’s new Note mini MPV is out and it features a generous dose of high tech safety equipment and a new range of frugal power plants.
The original Note launched in 2004 and it practically managed to carve out a new niche in Europe, offering the roominess of a hatch with the footprint of a supermini. The new one takes the concept a step further, delivering a bit more exciting styling in the same format. The interior has also been overhauled and it looks more upmarket.
Since Nissan did not have to reinvent the basic concept, the real news is under the bonnet. The new Note features an array of safety equipment, dubbed Safety Shield. Lane departure warning is on board, along with blind spot warning backed by moving object detection. Nissan’s 5.8-inch Around View Monitor, designed to provide a greater field of vision, which should also help out in crowded city centres.
Nissan believes the clever safety tech could significantly reduce the number of automotive and pedestrian accidents, which means it could also result in lower insurance premiums.
The powertrain is new as well. For the first time ever, Nissan is offering a turbo charged petrol engine in the Note. Co-developed with Renault, the tiny 1.2 litre three cylinder unit delivers 97bhp and 105ft lbf of torque. It is very economical and green, too, at 65.7mpg and 99g/km of CO2.
There’s a naturally aspirated version as well, rated at 79bhp. Diesel lovers need not worry, either. The 1.5-litre Diesel, from Renault’s stables, is still available and at 78.5mpg and 99g/km CO2 emissions it is as green as ever.
The new Note will be available in three trim grades, Visia, Acenta and Tekna. The Safety Shield package comes as standard in Tekna models, but mid spec Acenta models don’t look bad either, with stop-start, six airbags, air-con, Bluetooth and cruise control.
Nissan is still not saying anything about pricing, but the Note should go on sale in Europe this autumn.
