Small Package, Big Results 

The 2016 Nissan Versa Note proves that a small, five-door hatchback is really all the car most people need. There’s a surprising amount of space between the front and rear bumpers, technology features you’d normally expect to find in a more elaborate car, and a rewarding driving experience. Plus, you get the fuel economy, low price point, and convenience of a subcompact car.

Powertrain and Performance

The 2016 Nissan Versa Note is offered with a single engine option that helps maximize both performance and fuel economy. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine uses an array of efficiency-improving technologies, including a dual fuel-injector system that allows for more complete combustion, and a Twin Continuously Variable Timing Control (CVTC) system similar to the one used on Nissan’s flagship Maxima. CVTC alone is worth a four-percent fuel economy improvement over the previous Versa engine, Nissan says.

The 1.6-liter engine produces an impressive 109 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque. It’s offered with either a five-speed manual transmission or one of Nissan’s Xtronic® CVT automatics. The Versa Note gets an EPA-rated 30 mpg combined (27 mpg city, 36 mpg highway) with the manual transmission,* and 35 mpg combined (31 mpg city, 40 mpg highway) with the CVT.*

Small cars can be a lot of fun to drive because of their compact proportions and relatively light curb weights, and Nissan makes the most of that inherent nimbleness with the Versa Note. The suspension system consists of an independent front strut setup with stabilizer bar, and torsion-beam rear axle with integrated stabilizer bar. It’s also worth noting that the Versa Note features the tire-pressure monitoring system with Easy-Fill Tire Alert previously seen on other Nissans.

Features and Trims

The 2016 Nissan Versa Note is a subcompact five-door, five-seat hatchback, but Nissan also offers a mechanically identical Versa sedan. The Versa Note is offered in five trim levels, with prices starting at $14,180.**

Even the base Versa Note S isn’t exactly a penalty box. It comes standard with features like Bluetooth®, electroluminescent gauges, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, and halogen headlights. The S Plus includes all of those standard features, as well as active grille shutters, CVT automatic transmission, and more.

The Versa Note SV incorporates all of the applicable standard features from those models, and adds remote keyless entry, a premium audio system with 5.0-inch color display, rearview camera, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Drive-N-Hide Adjustable Floor, NissanConnect^SM with Mobile Apps, hands-free text messaging assistant, power windows and door locks, piano black, silver, and chrome interior trim, a USB port, Bluetooth® streaming audio, and SiriusXM® satellite radio.

The Versa Note SR builds on the standard features of the other models, adding 16-inch alloy wheels, a visual upgrade in the form of sport fascias, side sills, and a rear spoiler, a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel inspired by the 370Z sports car, sport grille and smoked headlights, exterior mirrors with LED turn signals, premium sport synthetic suede seat trim with orange accents and stitching, and upgraded Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges.

Finally, the Versa Note SL boasts the highest level of standard equipment, including dual power heated outside mirrors, NissanConnect with Navigation and Mobile Apps, a 5.8-inch color touchscreen display, and other upgrades.

Design

The 2016 Nissan Versa Note has a stylish exterior that both differentiates it from the Versa sedan and helps it stand out in a crowded parking lot. A steeply raked windshield, sculpted doors, and a character line called a “squash line” give the Versa Note some visual verve. At the back are “boomerang” taillights designed to look like ones from the funky Juke crossover and 370Z sports car.

There’s a practical element to the styling as well. A standard front spoiler and “kick up” roof help the Versa Note achieve a slick drag coefficient of 0.298. The optional active grille shutters shave another 0.01 off the drag coefficient. Short front and rear overhangs give the car a sporty stance, but also make parking easier. And they make room for a 102.4-inch wheelbase, which maximizes interior room.

Speaking of the interior, there’s plenty of space and many ways to use it. The Versa Note boasts a total interior volume of 112.9 cubic feet, with 18.8 cubic feet of cargo space. The standard 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat and available Divide-N-Hide Adjustable Floor provide plenty of storage options. Smart-looking cloth trim is standard, and the interior can also be dressed up with sporty orange-accented suede in the Versa SR.

For a car on the economy end of the spectrum, the Versa Note also features plenty of tech. Two versions of the NissanConnect infotainment system are available. Both include smartphone-compatible mobile apps, while the upper-level one adds navigation. Also available is Nissan’s nifty AroundView Monitor camera system, which provides a 360-degree view around the car.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Nissan Versa Note includes anti-lock brakes, Vehicle Dynamic Control with Traction Control System, and Nissan Advanced Air Bag System. Optional features include a RearView Monitor rearview camera or an AroundView Monitor, which provides a 360-degree, bird’s-eye view.

Bottom Line

The 2016 Nissan Versa Note is a versatile subcompact hatchback with all of the features and technology of Nissan’s larger models, combined with all of the benefits that come with downsizing.

Be sure to contact us online or visit us at 3Birds Template to schedule a test drive.

* 2016 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates 31 City, 40 Highway. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions.

** All prices are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). MSRP excludes destination and handling charges, tax, title, license, and options. 

Image: Nissan