The all-new Nissan Note for Japan has been revealed. The new model loosely previews the next Note that European buyers will be able to order from 2013.
A further preview of the new Note for Europe was the Nissan Invitation concept from the Geneva motor show earlier this year. Insiders have confirmed the look of the European model will be halfway between the Invitation and the Japanese model.
The Japanese Note’s most striking design feature is what Nissan calls a ‘Squash Line’, a character line that cuts into the side doors. New looks for the front and rear ends also feature.
Despite a more slippery shape for the new Note versus the old, Nissan claims the car’s spacious interior has been retained. The “spacious interior is beyond expectations for a car in this class”, says Nissan.
Optional in the new Note is Nissan’s Around View Monitor parking aid. This displays an aerial view of the car on its interior colour screen. It has filtered down from top-spec Infiniti models to Nissan’s spacious supermini.
Engines include the supercharged three-cylinder ‘DIG-S’ petrol from the Micra. The car also has the first application of the firm’s new lightweight CVT transmission.
Japanese customers will be able to order the new Note from September. The Sunderland-built model for Europe will follow in 2013, with features including a more premium interior, more distinctive styling and more focused chassis settings.
