2014 Nissan Versa Note details

2014 Nissan Versa Note

Nissan has revealed its new Note model, billing it as a global sub-compact hatchback, with the obvious assumption that it would form the basis of the next-generation Versa hatch.

The 2014 Nissan Versa Note's sculpted, modern styling is designed to accomplish two things: provide enhanced aerodynamics to help improve fuel economy and to stand out from the crowd of entry-level competitors. Its dramatic shape and proportions provide an energetic look that reflects the active lives of its target buyers.

Picture an economy car in your mind, and you'll likely visualize something akin to the 2014 Nissan Versa Sedan. It is utterly acceptable and that's it. But the Versa Note kicks it all up a notch with exterior styling that Note product planners cite as a "reason to buy." We agree. The Note's overhangs are six inches shorter than the Sedan's, and the result is a more energetic-looking design. Higher-trim SV and SL models are distinguished by chrome highlights. Wheels are 15- or 16-inch, and steel or aluminum-alloy, depending on the bodystyle, trim and option package.

Powering the Versa Note is the same engine found in the sedan: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder good for a modest but effective 109 horsepower and 109pound-feet of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on the base model, while an all-new continuously variable transmission (CVT) comes on higher trim levels. Significantly, this revised CVT uses a secondary set of gears on the low end to help reduce the sluggish, rubber-band feel from which most CVTs suffer. As a result, the Versa Note has adequate oomph at lower speeds, and most people won't even notice they're not driving a regular automatic transmission.

With a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that produces just 109 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque, the Note isn't going to be winning any drag races. However, it is highly efficient when optioned with the available continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps the hatchback return 31 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. Spec'ing the CVT also nets high-tech grille shutters that close at freeway speeds to reduce drag and improve fuel economy.

The Versa comes standard with a two-speaker CD audio system and an auxiliary input. Buyers have to upgrade to get Bluetooth or a USB port, which are features that come standard in many rivals. Additional options include a multi-view camera, navigation, keyless entry, push-button start, power windows and door locks, cruise control, an upgraded stereo with satellite radio and steering wheel-mounted audio controls

The Note’s list of more-normal options includes 16-inch wheels, navigation, Nissan’s cool around-view monitor and backup camera, Nissan Intelligent Access key with push-button start, heated seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Nissan has announced the Versa Note’s starting price, which comes in at a low-but-not-as-low-as-the-sedan $14,840.and is available in three different versions: the S, S Plus and SV.