Formerly Nissan's smallest, least-expensive car, the Versa Note graduated to the second rung up the ladder a few years ago when the even smaller Micra joined the brand's lineup.
For 2019, the Versa Note can be newly optioned (in a new SV Special Edition trim) with the Nissan Connect smartphone suite, which adds the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration platforms, and satellite radio.
Nissan has also limited the five-speed manual transmission's availability to the base S trim; last year, you could get it in the SV, too. Last year's sportier-looking SR is gone.
A continuously variable automatic (CVT) transmission is optional in S and standard in SV trims. It puts the 1.6L four-cylinder engine's 109 hp and 107 lb-ft of torque to the road.
The Versa Note has always found itself about half a step above most of the subcompact competition. It has an interior roomy enough for Natural Resources Canada to classify it as a mid-size car despite its subcompact price. A long wheelbase allows for rear seat space that, a few years ago, challenged some cars that actually compete in the mid-size segment, price-wise.
At this price point, the Honda Fit remains the interior design champ with its flexible rear seat arrangement. The Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio challenge the Versa Note on value, but there's no denying there's some appeal in a simple, efficiently-designed small car that feels bigger on the inside than it is. Our biggest beef with the Versa Note is the driving position, which favours short legs and long arms. A telescopic steering column would help, but a tilt adjustment is all you get.
As one of the oldest car's in Nissan's lineup, the Versa Note does not offer even the option of advance safety features like collision warning, automatic braking, blind spot monitoring or lane departure warning.
Versa Note S comes standard with 15-inch steel wheels with covers, heated and power-adjustable side mirrors, Bluetooth, air conditioning, four-way manual driver's seat, a 7.0-inch infotainment display and a four-speaker stereo. Note that the windows and door locks are not powered at this level.
SV trim adds the automatic transmission, alloy wheels, an upgraded gauge cluster, power locks with keyless entry, power windows, cruise control, cargo cover, a six-way driver's seat (it adds a height adjustment), heated front seats and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.
SV Special Edition trim gets fog lights, a rear roof spoiler, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, passive keyless entry, push-button engine start and satellite radio.
Nissan's fuel consumption estimates for the Versa Note are 7.6/6.2 L/100 km (city/highway) with the automatic transmission and 8.6/6.6 with the manual.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
