In the tone of the market

Photo courtesy Nissan
The Nissan Versa Note 2017 displays a new redesigned front end. It is a subcompact car very cosy for four adults of average size.

Jacques Welcome

Sunday, 30 July, 2017 21:30

UPDATE
Sunday, 30 July, 2017 21:30

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A drive sub-compact hatchback is the ideal formula for moving to a low cost, while benefiting from a maximum of versatility as reflected in the Nissan Versa Note, one of the most popular cars of its kind.

You’re one of the motorists who are looking for a small car, fuel efficient, offered for less than $ 20,000, to move from point A to point B. You want it to be maneuverable and easy to park in town, and you would like to have a cabin transformable which would make it versatile. Well, the Nissan Versa Note could meet these expectations.

The Versa Note is part of the sub-compact cars, a category that is still popular in Canada, especially in Quebec. This car is thus a rival of the Hyundai Accent, Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit in this world.

Launched in 2014, this little Nissan has been adorned with a redesigned front end for 2017. It now features a grille that is adorned with this molding is chrome-plated ” U ” now common to all models of the brand. A design element that pushes the manufacturer to stretch the language by calling it ” V-Motion “, to take advantage of the similarity with the word “emotion” is said in English (a sound practice that he would not, of course, if he was using rather the expression “U-Motion” more exact).

In addition to this new aesthetic element, the manufacturer has equipped the entry-level version S of, new wheel covers for its steel wheels of 15 inches, while the versions SV and SL, which are more expensive, have new alloy wheels — 15-inch for the first and 16 ” for the second.

Three new vibrant colors have made their appearance in the chart for this car : Orange monarch, Blue pearl and deep Cocoa ardent, a nice shade brownish near the bronze.

Photo courtesy Nissan

The interior of the Versa Note has a great modern look, but the materials used are of average quality.

SPACIOUS INTERIOR

Inside, there is the appearance of cup holders and a larger diameter at the front for the four models (S, SV, SR and SL). By contrast, only versions SV, SR and SL now have heated front seats and even a second 12-volt socket in addition to the one that was already part of the standard specification ; a decision that has been taken care of reposition to the front of the center console to make it more practical.

Compared to some of its competitors, starting with the Ford Fiesta, the Versa Note is distinguished by its spacious interior. It is one of the few small cars can accommodate four adults of average size with sufficient clearance at the level of the legs at each place. In addition, the safe convertible lets you modulate its useful volume according to the needs of the moment, whether it be to carry a small grocery order, or a bike bulky.

Unfortunately, since the fold down in a 60/40 (standard) can only fall back on the cushion of the seat, when lowered it gets a box with two levels, with a significant time lag between the trunk floor and the top of the folders. This can complicate the loading of bulky objects. The threshold of the tailgate, which turns out to be rather high, adds to the inconvenience.

It should be noted that although it is among the cars the more welcoming to its passengers in its class, the useful volume maximum in the trunk of the Versa Note (with the rear seat stowed) is among the least important of its class. With only 1084 L, this is far from the 1492 The trunk of the Honda Fit or the 1345 L of a Hyundai Accent hatchback, two cars which benefit from a rear opening to better clear.

Inside this sub-compact also shows that it is a low-end model. The occupants are surrounded by plastic of rather average quality and the material that covers the seats of the model-S confirms that this is a cheap car. The reasons two-tone seats of the other three versions make the interior more stylish. A good quality transient when it is realized that the seats in this car do not provide the maintenance necessary to make long trips enjoyable.

Photo courtesy Nissan

The trunk, which has a threshold that is annoying, has a useful volume maximum among the smaller sub-compact.

MOTORIZATION LITTLE GREEDY

The Versa Note is powered by a humble 4-cylinder sequential injection of 1.6 L. This engine of 109 hp produces 107 lb-ft of torque. It drives the front wheels through a gearbox 5-speed manual standard on the two cheapest versions. A box continuously variable automatic Xtronic figure among the proposed equipment. It is a option of about $ 1,300 for the two versions of the entry-level range, while it is serial for the other two versions.

As is the case for all cars equipped with a box with variation continues, the Nissan makes the Versa Note achieve its highest ratings consumer. Compared to the manual box, the box Xtronic allows this subcompact to use 10 % less fuel, at least if one relies on the dimensions of average consumption announced by the manufacturer (6.9 L/100 km for the box Xtronic, and 7.6 L/100 km for the manual). The box Xtronic will naturally be the first choice of consumers wishing to minimize their annual bill for fuel. They will, however, be to its long climbs in the plan that make the engine noisy, for lack of a soundproofing enough. Because the box Xtronic is far from being sophisticated. Subaru does a lot better in that regard.

BUT THERE IS… MICRA

The Versa Note would be-it is too expensive for what it provides ? A priori, no. The price range proposed by the manufacturer for this car compares more or less favourably (depending on the version) to the prices charged to its rivals (Focus, Yaris, Fit, etc). But there is a catch. It is called Micra. This other product that Nissan offers roominess comparable (a few tens of millimetres), and a safe flexible, although slightly less bulky, but, all in all, as convenient. In addition, it is powered by the same engine, and his conduct proves to be more fun, especially with the manual transmission. And all of this is offered at more affordable prices !

At the national level, in June, the Micra was the Versa Note in the sales charts by a few units. At the provincial level, however, Quebecers were found to be much more fond of the Micra. Is this a craze spawned by the popular Cup Micra, or simply the lure of lower prices ? Or, would that be the inside look, any of the Versa Note, which is unable to convince buyers here to pay more for an automobile which, after all, is little more practice ? Unless this is his behaviour on the road more ” cushy “, which influence some buyers ? In fact, asking all of these questions, it is without doubt respond to it…

The art of customizing

Photo courtesy Nissan

Here’s what looks like a Versa Note modified with the program “custom Shop” of Nissan.

For some consumers, the automotive industry is the expansion of their state of soul. It is for them that Nissan offers ” the custom Shop “, a catalog of accessories used to single out the Juke, the Micra, but also the Versa Note.

For the latter, the manufacturer offers 13 accessories designed to enhance the appearance of the inside and the outside of the car. Each is offered in a choice of six vibrant colors.

The photo actually shows a Versa Note black is enhanced by the addition of aluminum alloy wheels of 15 inches, a rocker before, shells of rear-view mirrors, door handles and a roof spoiler, all of which are of the same orange hue and invigorating.

For the interior, the buyer of this car could also opt for sill plates, trim, circular speakers and air nozzles, floor mats, a rear-view mirror special and various toppings of an orange tint coordinated.

These accessories are also available in black, white, red and purple dark. The manufacturer also offers a finish look of carbon fiber. They are suitable for all versions 2014 to 2017 of the Versa Note. In addition, their installation can be done at the dealer.

Nissan Versa Note

Base price

14 498 $ (S); 16 948 $ (SV); 19 198 $ (SR); 19 748 $ (SL).

Transport and preparation

1600 $

Powertrain

L4 DOHC, 1.6 L, 109 hp at 6000 rpm, 107 lb-ft at 4 7400 tr/min. Gearbox 5-speed manual or continuously variable automatic. Front-wheel drive.

Features

Independent Suspension to the front wheels; torsion bar with stabilizer bar at the rear. Disc brake for front wheel; drum brakes to the rear wheels. Anti-lock braking system series. Tires : P185/65HR15 (S and SV); P195/55HR16 (SR and SL).

Ratings

Wheelbase : 2600 mm; length : 4157 mm; width : 1695 mm; height : 1537 mm. Weight : 1096-1 147 kg. Volume of fuel tank : 41 litres. Trunk Volume : 532-1 084 L. average Consumption (test; PVA) : 7.8 L/100 km.

Competition

Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit , Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio5, Mitsubishi Mirage, Nissan Micra, Toyota Prius c, Toyota Yaris Hatchback

Strengths

• Generous space in the rear
• Safety deposit box large
• Agile in the city

Weak Points

• Automatic gearbox noisy
• Perfectible soundproofing
• Bucket seats, soft