Base Price: $13,990 to $18,490
Competitors: Honda Fit, Chevrolet Spark, Hyundai Accent, Toyota Yaris, Ford Fiesta, Kia Rio5
Powertrains: 1.6-liter 4-cylinder, 109 hp, 107 lb-ft; 5-speed manual, CVT automatic, FWD
EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 27/36 5-speed manual, 31/40 CVT automatic
What's New: The 2014 Nissan Versa Note is the all-new second-generation version of the outgoing Versa hatchback. The 109-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is more in line with the Versa sedan than the 122-horsepower 1.8-liter in the 2012 Versa hatchback. The 2014 Versa Note is offered in three trim levels: the base S, S Plus CVT (adds CVT automatic transmission and active grille shutter), and SV CVT (adds Bluetooth, upgraded interior pieces, power windows and locks). Various optional packages are also available.
Tech Tidbit: The available Around View monitor uses four cameras to create a 360-degree image of the Versa Note in its touchscreen to aid parking. With Around View, the driver can get a better read of how far away obstacles are or how much space is between the Versa Note and the curb.
Driving Character: The 2014 Nissan Versa Note handles itself well on the road. Power is down from the outgoing 2012 Versa hatchback, but the curb weight is down even more?to the tune of some 300 pounds. The result isn't exactly a corner carver, but good steering feel and an almost too responsive accelerator help to make up for a passable but occasionally lost CVT transmission and a ride that feels slightly harder than necessary. Overall, the Versa Note is a good-looking car that isn't as slow as its figures would suggest; there's a good bit of fun to be had behind its wheel.
Favorite Detail: With quick turn-in response and great all-around feel, the 2014 Versa Note's steering is an unexpected treat. With Nissan hoping to appeal to a wider consumer base, the driving input isn't tuned as sportily as, say, the Honda Fit's, but it still makes the Note feel a tick more nimble than it actually is. The Versa Note's steering is a nice little touch that, were it not there, would make the Note just another tiny five-door hatchback in an increasingly crowded subcompact market.
Driver's Grievance: Our main issue with the 2014 Nissan Versa Note is an oldie but goodie: the five-speed manual transmission is only available on the base model, while the others come with the CVT only. This is done in the name of fuel efficiency, and Nissan expects manuals to make up around only 10 percent of sales. We like the Versa Note; we would be persuaded to buy if the manual were available in higher trim levels.
Bottom Line: A cut of around 300 pounds and aerodynamic design elements all over help contribute to the 2014 Nissan Versa Note's impressive mileage figures. More impressive is how Nissan managed to integrate the aero-focused design into a car that looks as good as the Versa Note. For a subcompact, the 2014 Versa Note doesn't feel like it's lacking for power?in fact we came away from our test wondering if the throttle response was overly quick. Nissan has pulled off a fun trick with the new Versa Note: It produced a car that by rights should be a slow, plodding, uninspiring econobox, but instead is cute, reasonably comfortable, and fun to drive when you feel like having fun. Now if only we could talk Nissan into giving us the option of a five-speed manual in more than just the base model, and all would be right with this excellent new subcompact hatchback.
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