2014 Nissan Versa Note First Drive

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2014 Nissan Versa Note First Drive

2014 Nissan Versa Hatchback

(1.6L 4-cyl. CVT Automatic)

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The Latest in Basic Transportation

Published: 07/03/2013 - by Mark Takahashi, Automotive Editor

By the numbers, the 2014 Nissan Versa Note has the potential to rule the entry-level car segment. By Nissan's reckoning, this new hatchback lays claim to best-in-class fuel economy, passenger room and cargo space. The Versa Note further entices shoppers with one of the lowest sticker prices in the hatchback class, along with a few exclusive features.

But numbers don't always tell the whole story, so we got behind the wheel of the Versa Note in San Diego to see how this new hatchback stacks up.

Considering the modest $13,990 price tag for the no-frills base model, our expectations were decidedly low, and the Note easily met and sometimes exceeded them. In other areas, though, and especially compared to its competition, the little Nissan came up a little short.

High and Low Notes
In terms of styling, the 2014 Nissan Versa Note exhibits significantly more visual interest than the unimaginative Versa sedan. The designers incorporated some Nissan styling cues like headlights from the 2013 Nissan Leaf and taillights from the Z sports car, along with a strong character line on the side to break up the expansive door panels. Among competing hatchbacks, the Note's exterior design holds up well.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the Note's interior, which is nearly identical to the sedan. It's the most basic of layouts, with plenty of hard plastics. Compared to competing hatchbacks, this Versa's cabin is uninteresting and dated-looking. That said, most systems and controls in our range-topping SV trim with SL Tech package test car were easy to operate and functioned as intended. Perhaps there's something to be said for simplicity, but it still doesn't need to be plain.

2014 Nissan Versa Note

To the Note's credit, there is an abundance of space inside. This is especially true for the rear seats, which can comfortably accommodate full-size adults thanks to its class-leading 38.3 inches of legroom and generous headroom. Up front, there's ample space as well, but we took issue with the seats themselves.

We found the shoulder sections of the seatbacks too narrow for our 5-foot-10 frame. Had we been 3 inches shorter, it may not have been an issue. Regardless of height, we're confident that front passengers would find the hard plastic door armrests objectionable. Using both elbow perches simultaneously will make you feel as if you have scoliosis.

When it comes to cargo capacity, the Note beats the competition, with 21.4 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats. The rear seats fold flat for bigger items and there's also a built-in cargo divider to keep smaller items out of view below, while allowing larger parcels to be transported on top.

Driving Notes
There's nothing inspiring about the way the 2014 Nissan Versa Note drives. And in this class that comes as no surprise. This isn't a car made to slice through canyons or beat other cars away from stoplights. No, the Note is just an honest and inexpensive way to get around.

2014 Nissan Versa Note

The 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine makes a satisfactory 109 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque. The base S trim comes only with a five-speed manual, while the vast majority sold will feature a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Nissan has a reputation for producing decent CVTs, but drivers unfamiliar with shiftless driving may have to adjust to the Versa.

And shiftless is a somewhat appropriate description of this drivetrain feel. Accelerating up to highway speeds requires a firmly planted accelerator. The revs climb lazily, then remain there while the engine emits a very loud and strained mooing noise. There's little sensation that you're really making any headway until you look down at the speedometer. Once you let off the pedal, though, the bovine drone stops immediately and revs drop below the 2,000-rpm mark for quiet cruising.

Passing slower traffic or tackling steep grades takes some planning, as the CVT is mostly unresponsive until you floor the pedal once again. Then you wait for the underhood cow to awaken to pull past. When it comes to power, the Note goes no further than adequate.

Quiet Cruiser
We were pleasantly surprised, however, by how calm the cabin remains on the interstates. Road and wind noise are kept in check as well or better than other economical hatchbacks. With the engine revving low, long stretches behind the wheel are agreeably fatigue-free.

In the handling department, the Versa Note is also solid, as it manages to track through corners without any drama. According to Eric Vaughen, the Versa team manager, the engineers weren't shooting for sporty, instead opting for just a whiff of fun. Admittedly, catching that whiff takes some concentration.

We did pick up a lack of compliance over moderate-to-large dips and bumps, though. Small cracks and ruts were well absorbed by the tire sidewalls, but anything larger resulted in unsettlingly large reactions followed by residual rebounds. It's not unlike a rough landing in a commercial jet.

Noteworthy Figures
Of all the figures the new 2014 Nissan Versa Note is touting, its EPA fuel economy ratings are its most impressive. Fuel economy sees a healthy improvement for the CVT, with a 31 city/40 highway and 35 mpg combined estimate. That's up from 28/34/30 mpg from its hatchback predecessor.

2014 Nissan Versa Note

Nissan accomplished this through an aggressive weight loss campaign. The engineers managed to slim down the compact hatchback by a whopping 300 pounds. Then they took it a step further by adding improved aerodynamic elements that include an active shutter grille that opens and closes according to vehicle speed.

Then there are the Versa Note's bells and whistles that may serve as further enticement. Items like heated front seats, a Google-enhanced navigation system, voice recognition, Pandora and hands-free text messaging either meet or beat rival offerings. There's also a class-exclusive around-view camera system that makes parallel parking a no-brainer.

These perks do kick up the price, of course. The range-topping SV trim with option packages stickers at $19,280.

Class-Adequate
The 2014 Nissan Versa Note's low price of admission will certainly have an undeniable appeal for tight budgets. The Note undercuts the perennial favorite 2013 Honda Fit by $1,435, a sizable savings for a car in this class. On the other hand, the 2013 Kia Rio hatchback beats the Versa by $190 so it's not the least expensive choice in the class.

More likely than not, deciding on the Versa Note will come down to the bottom line at both the dealer and the gas pump. In that regard, sensibility will keep it humming along just fine.

Yes, you can do better when it comes to interior design and ride refinement, but it'll cost you. The new Note delivers on the basics: great fuel economy, a spacious interior and predictable handling. Nothing exciting, nothing surprising, just straightforward utility and efficiency in a cleanly styled package.

Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.

Comments

emajor Posts:

Jul 03

The original Versa didn't have many charms to begin with, but the comparatively posh interior gave me a reason to like it. The new Versa took that charm away. No more stitched cushy armrests or above average dash plastics. Just a cheap and bland wall of shiny black now. But it is hard to argue with the 38 inches of legroom; this is about the most affordable family car you can buy. I like B segment cars and the Fiesta is my favorite, but I also need a backseat that works. So as much as it pains me to say this, the Versa Note would have about an equal chance ending up in my driveway as the much nicer but much more cramped Fiesta. That sucks.

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throwback Posts:

Jul 03

"There's nothing inspiring about the way the 2014 Nissan Versa Note drives. And in this class that comes as no surprise" Come on Nissan! Why not make this a true Honda Fit competitior? What happened to this company that always made such nice driving small cars when they were known as Datsun?

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duck87 Posts:

Jul 03

The only reason to like the Versa was because it's the cheapest new car with a warranty. Honestly, there aren't a lot of cars in this segment that sets anyone's pants on fire (you can get a significantly better car if you step up to the compact class; not just talking about room but refinement, power, and even similar fuel economy for not that much more), but the Note has to be one of the few cars that still defines "econobox".

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tim_boo Posts:

Jul 03

Shaved 300 lbs from already a light car with slab sides...I sure hope there are no cross winds.

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newcastlein83 Posts:

Jul 03

Nice photos. I stopped and looked at one on Saturday. Odd you were embargoed from reporting even though they sat on dealer lots. Still a large increase since Versa was introduced: "When it was introduced in fall 2008, the Versa's base price of US$9,990 made it the least expensive new car available in the United States"

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fortstring Posts:

Jul 03

It looks runty but in a likable way like a hamster. Lul. Would make for good comedy if you put it in an action movie.

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stovt001_ Posts:

Jul 05

I wouldn't say it comes as no surprise that a car in this class has less than inspiring driving dynamics. The Sonic in the LT fleet was regarded as a baby GTI, the Mazda 2 drove like a Mazda, and the Fit drives nicely too.

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smalltown Posts:

Jul 05

I bought one eleven days ago, SV trim with Convenience package. This is going to be my retirement car. I wanted a small wagon or hatchback for the functionality. I am also short. The front seat is small and firm enough to fit me. Everything is easily reachable and the controls are intuitive. The CVT is smooth. I am well past the days when I want to drive aggressively. The ride is smoother than the Fit in town and on back roads that have seen the ravages of winter weather. It handles predictably. I have ridden high quality road bicycles for years and I traded in a Mini Cooper. So I know about handling. And I did not buy this because it didn't cost much. I bought this because it meets my needs.

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