Big headlights and larger grilles seem to be making their way to this segment and Nissan is not going to be left behind. The Versa Note has a fresh, handsome face without going far out there like the Chevrolet Spark (which takes things to the goggle-eyed extreme). Around the back, large boomerang taillights complete the look and tie the Versa Note in with some of Nissan’s corporate design language.
 2014 Nissan Versa Note. Click image to enlarge |
But it’s the drive that will sell a car. Nissan took us through some great valley roads full of 90 degree turns and smooth pavement. Believe it or not, the Versa Note handled them at a fairly decent pace with comfort and ease. There is a fair bit of body roll, but comfort is key with this suspension, so body roll is totally acceptable. However, the seats are fantastically bolstered for a sub-compact and kept my 6’1″ frame in place quite handily. The interior is also incredibly roomy for a subcompact car, with class-leading rear legroom for your friends who are north of six feet tall. Putting two larger buddies in the back shouldn’t be an issue. A third might cause some unwanted personal space issues.
Other options, such as heated seats and a large media screen up front add up to a pretty good value equation a lot of consumers will see. Base S models won’t be getting air conditioning but in Canada we will be able to get a manual transmission with any trim. In the US, if you want the stick, you have to make do with the base S trim.
 2014 Nissan Versa Note. Click image to enlarge |
We will miss the more powerful 1.8L engine as the OEMs fight for fuel economy dominance in the subcompact space. While never one to tear up tarmac, the outgoing Versa had reasonable performance, especially when combined with a stick. Will people shopping in this category miss it? We doubt it.
Consumers are going to get exactly what they are looking for: fuel economy, technology, and design all in an affordable package. Nissan has accomplished its goals and the new Versa Note is destined make automakers take another look at this segment and what technology they can bring to the table to maintain their sales numbers.
Pricing: 2014 Nissan Versa Note:
Base Price: $13,348
Base Price (SL): $16,9988
Options: $2,155 (Metallic paint – $135; CVT Package – $1,300; Technology Package – $720)
Destination: N/A
A/C Tax: $100
Price as tested: $19,253
Competitors
Chevrolet Sonic 5-Door
Chevrolet Spark
Ford Fiesta Hatch
Honda Fit
Hyundai Accent 5 Door
Kia Rio 5-Door
Mazda 2
Toyota Yaris Hatchback
Crash test results
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
