Nissan debuts the new hatchback version of the Versa at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show.
The Nissan Versa Note, which goes on sale at Nissan dealers in the United States in summer 2013, will offer a new look and several key innovations for buyers searching for an entry-level hatchback.
The subcompact segment in which the new Versa Note competes has become one of the most competitive in the industry and also one of the most robust as both young buyers looking for their first new vehicle and older buyers start to downsize. In addition, buyers sensitive to the price of fuel are also moving into the segment and Nissan has tried to capitalize on the trends by offering more utility in an affordable package.
The little hatchback debuting at the North American International Auto Show boasts a new design direction — with a steeply sloped windshield and sculpted body panels — and features new technology for the entry segment, including the “Around View” Monitor, which fulfills Nissan’s broad effort to deliver “innovation” to all product segment.
The Versa Note hatchback debuts two years after the subcompact Versa sedan.
The exterior also comes with body-color front and rear bumpers, door handles, large multi-reflector halogen headlights, rear combination lights with aero flares for improved aerodynamics, body color dual remote-controlled outside mirrors as well as optional fog lights and heated side view mirrors. It also adopts Active Grille Shutters to help with the fuel economy.
The powertrain for the 2014 Nissan Versa Note is a 109-horsepower 16-valve 1.6-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 107 lb-ft of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on the S model, while next-generation compact Nissan Xtronic CVT with sub-planetary gear is available S Plus and SV models.
The maker is putting an emphasis on enhanced fuel economy and limited emissions, the Versa Note expected to yield 31 mpg City, 40 mpg Highway and 35 miles per gallon on the combined rating once the EPA issues official numbers.
Nissan expects the Versa Note to get up to 40 mpg.
The system also comes with electric power steering, standard 15-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers, 185/65HR15 all-season tires and 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are also available. Brakes are standard power-assisted front disc/rear drum brakes with standard Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake force Distribution and Brake Assist.
The overall design of the vehicle also emphasizes smart packaging and class-leading cargo space, with available adjustable rear load floor height.
The Cloth seat trim; available upgraded seat cloth and stitching, Fine Vision instrumentation, 4-way adjustable front bucket seats; 6-way adjustable front bucket seats with armrest (SV model)
Versa Note’s long list of standard and available equipment includes available Nissan Intelligent Key, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), heated front seats and 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
The list of features available on the Versa include dual front and rear cupholders, 12-volt power outlet, key-linked illuminated entry system, front and rear power windows with driver’s one-touch dow, speed-sensing auto door locks, map ligh AM/FM/CD/Aux-in audio system with 4 speakers, 4.3-inch display and USB input with iPod control and leather-wrapped steering wheel with wheel-mounted audio and Bluetooth controls.
The Versa note is also with Nissan’s Advanced Air Bag System, which includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags standard seat-mounted driver and front passenger side-impact supplemental air bags, standard roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bag as well as Standard Vehicle Dynamic Control, Traction Control System, Tire Pressure Monitoring System with available Easy-Fill Tire Alert.
The Versa Note is the fourth in a string of all-new vehicles Nissan has introduced over the past year, a list of products which also includes the new Altima, Pathfinder and Sentra.
A then all-new version of the Nissan Versa sedan, meanwhile, was introduced for the 2012 model-year.