Nissan held the global premiere of its all-new Note in Yokohama on July 16, 2012, introducing the Japan-market model. The Note is a bigger hatch and one model above the Micra. The new hatchback includes Nissan’s advanced Around View Monitor (AVM) which is included for the first time in a compact car, helping to take the stress out of reversing and parallel parking in tight spaces.
In Japan the Note is available in two new engines: anew supercharged HR12DDR (DIG-S) and the HR12DE which also does its duty on the Nissan Micra/March. The transmission option includes lightweight next-generation XTRONIC CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) for all grades with an Idling Stop System.
The interiors remind one of the Micra especially the lower end of the centre console with the knobs in a circular shape. The instrument console is much simple on eyes and the dials are easy to read. The upholstery looks plush and the door trims also get same finish as the seat covers.
The Japanese market get a stereo system with GPS as a standard feature.
The Note will be manufactured at Nissan Motor Kyushu for the Japanese-market while Nissan’s Sunderland plant in the U.K. will produce models for Europe, which are planned for release in 2013.
India launch?
The Note hatch is launched in India will be positioned above the Micra and will be a direct Honda Jazz competitor. Looking at the luke warm success of the Jazz, Nissan may hesitate to launch the Note hatchback in the India market.
It does not rule out the launch as the market is growing and increasing customer needs the Note would definitely make sense 2-3 years down the line. The Note with a fuel efficient 1.5 dCi engine in the 85 hp tune would be an ideal match.
If the car does make it to India it will be priced from 6-8 lakhs range.
