2014 Nissan Versa Note - TestDriveNow.com Video Review

2014 Nissan Versa Note – Video Review:

Nissan has done this before; offering an entry-level car with big space at a low price. But the previous Versa Hatchback didn’t have this level of style or high technology. This is the all-new Versa Note.

Sexier and more creative than using the hatchback label, Nissan’s global designation of ‘Note’ differentiates this car from its 4-door sedan counterpart. Think of it as Nissan’s answer to the highly successful Fit – a battle that’s about to go to the next level with Honda’s introduction of the next generation model.

With a starting MSRP of $14,800 including destination, the Note is priced at a $2,000 premium over the Versa Sedan; money that saves you from driving one of the least desirable cars sold in America. The Note ups the ante in style as well as in spaciousness. By the way, Nissan calls this the ‘squash line,” inspired by the international sport of squash.

The Divide-n-Hide Floor system brings added flexibility to the cargo area by providing sectioned storage and an adjustable floor height.

Raise it up to create a hidden area below or lower it to make way for taller items. On my tester, it’s bundled inside the upscale $1,700 SL Package yet it can be ordered as a stand-alone option for $195.

The SL treatment also introduces 16” alloy wheels, intelligent key with push button start, heated front seats, fog lights and much more. Add the $800 Technology Package and now you’ve got the NissanConnect system with touchscreen navigation and all sorts of connectivity goodies like Google Send-to-Car for driving directions. And there’s also this…

The most distinguishing feature of the Versa Note’s in-car technology is the extremely helpful and high-end Around View Monitor.

Trickling down from some of Nissan’s pricier models, 4 cameras act to simulate a birds-eye view for perfect parking jobs every time.

With over 38” of rear leg room, the Versa Note offers more stretch-out space than a Mercedes E-Class. Leather is not an option but these cloth seats are both segment appropriate and comfortable, though the seat bottoms are a little short. And cargo room with the seats dropped is 38 cubic feet – producing a flat load floor to carry more than you’d ever think.

The powertrain in use here pairs a modern 1.6-liter 4-cylinder and Nissan’s next generation Xtronic CVT – a transmission that behaves with civility. Only base Versa Note S models get a traditional 5-speed manual.

The Versa makes good use of its 109-horsepower and when you finally get it up to speed feels adequately quick in city driving conditions. It’s also quieter in here than I would have guessed but there’s really little else to say about driving it. It’s neither offensive nor engaging.

With aerodynamic tricks like active grill shutters and vented taillights and a 300 pound weight loss, this model is rated at 31mpg city/40mpg highway; a 5mpg improvement. This Metallic Peacock 2014 Versa Note SV with SL Tech Package stickers for $19,565. But lurking just around the corner is the 2015 Honda Fit and though I’ve yet to drive one, on paper it poses some serious areas of concern for Nissan.

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