UK Note significantly dearer than US version

• Prices for new Sunderland-built Note start from £11,900
• Four-model range bringing new technology to the B segment
• Features include Safety Shield technologies and Around View Monitor

US NISSAN NOTE PRESS RELEASE HERE

Buyers looking for the best small car in its sector are being asked to take Note as Nissan announces final prices and specifications for its innovative new B segment challenger.

Completely redesigned from the ground up, the new Note has been engineered for the European market, and is built at Nissan’s Sunderland factory in the UK.

Among the Note’s many highlights are its Safety Shield technologies, linking three safety systems to create a comprehensive driver assistance protection package. Monitored by a unique rear camera that integrates its own ‘wash and blow dry’ facility to keep the lens clean, it works to keep drivers fully informed of their immediate surroundings. Also making its sector debut is Nissan’s acclaimed Around View Monitor, a feature that provides drivers with a remarkable 360-degree bird’s eye view to make reversing a worry-free affair.

Three engines are available from launch: a 1.2-litre three-cylinder unit that generates 80PS, a 98PS 1.2-litre supercharged DIG-S and a 1.5-litre dCi diesel that produces 90PS. A CVT transmission is available on the 1.2-litre DIG-S engine.

The new Note’s four-model range starts with the entry-level Visia from £11,900 that features a comprehensive equipment list including Idle stop/start, front electric windows, remote central locking and cruise control.

Acenta models start at £13,250 and add alloy wheels (15-inch as standard, 16-inch on DIG-S), air-conditioning, Bluetooth and a sliding rear seat bench. Acenta Premium variants start at £14,150 and feature NissanConnect, climate control and automatic lights and wipers. Acenta Premium models will also be available with the option of Around View Monitor and the three Nissan Safety Shield technologies for just £400 extra.

The range-topping Tekna model starts at £15,950 and features 16-inch alloy wheels, part-leather seats, Around View Monitor and the three Nissan Safety Shield technologies as standard, along with Intelligent Key with start/stop button, leather steering wheel and automatic air conditioning.

The Tekna model is also available with a Dynamic Styling Pack for an additional £800, comprising unique alloy wheels and deeper front and rear aprons. All DIG-S models come with a unique suspension and steering set-up along with 16-inch alloy wheels. 

Available to order now, deliveries of the new Nissan Note will start October.

The all-new 2014 Versa Note enters US markets

The all-new 2014 Versa Note is the fourth of five all-new vehicles Nissan launched in the last year and a half. The Versa family has been the top selling car in this segment for 38 of the last 42 months. Nissan executives say this new model is designed to keep it there.

"This car has the features and the value to continue that momentum, absolutely," said Nissan Senior Manager of Product Planning, John Curl.

The car has class-leading fuel economy at 40 miles per gallon highway. The 2014 Versa Note also offers best-in-class 31 city MPG and 35 MPG combined city/highway fuel efficiency. Part of how the car accomplished an improved fuel economy is the new Versa Note weighs about 300 pounds less than the earlier model.

"Total cost of ownership is very important for these buyers. When you buy a car in the entry class you don't want to spend a lot of fuel," said Curl.

Nissan's 2014 Versa Note is the only car in its class with an option called Around View Monitor. It gives a virtual 360 degree "bird's eye" view of the surroundings. Around View Monitor allows drivers to see the lines on either side of a parking space and the wall behind them, so they can park more quickly and more accurately.

"There's no car anywhere close to this price point that has the Around View Monitor. It's class exclusive for a couple classes above actually," said Curl.

Four cameras, one on each side of the vehicle, are processed to create this 360-degree view. The feature is available with the SL tech package.

Another new feature available on the Versa Note is something called Divide-N-Hide Adjustable Floor. The system's large split-folding floor can be used to create a flat cargo area or to provide a hidden cargo storage area.

"With the fold-down seats we have a class-leading over 20 feet of cargo space, so yes, the Divide-N-Hide helps you utilize that to its full advantage," said Curl.

Nissan executives say this new Versa Note will help keep Nissan's overall Versa lineup number one in the entry-level segment in terms of sales. The 2014 Versa Note has a manufacturer's suggested retail starting price of $13,990.

"It will continue to be Americas best selling entry car," said Curl.