2018 Nissan Versa® Note®
Overview
With the Versa® Note®, Nissan keeps its small hatchback not only affordable and efficient, but stylish and fun as well. The 2018 Nissan Versa Note puts an emphasis on efficiency but not to the detriment of everyday usability and satisfaction. It was designed to save owners money on fuel while still providing an enjoyable level of performance.
Performance
The Versa Note uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 109 horsepower and 106 pound-feet of torque. For a small engine in a budget-priced economy car, it packs an impressive amount of technology. Nissan employed dual fuel injectors, which create a finer spray of fuel than the previous single-injector system. This allows for more complete, efficient combustion. The engine also boasts a variable-valve timing system similar to the one used on Nissan’s Maxima flagship sedan.
Power is sent to the front wheels through an Xtronic® continuously variable transmission (CVT), which produces better acceleration feel. CVTs provide seamless acceleration and improved fuel economy. Speaking of fuel economy, the 2018 Versa Note achieves an EPA-estimated 34 mpg combined (31 mpg city, 39 mpg highway).*
Small, lightweight cars like the Versa Note are usually entertaining to drive. When you don’t have that much weight to move around, a car has an easier time...well...moving around. The Versa Note uses an independent strut front suspension with stabilizer bar and a torsion beam rear axle with integrated stabilizer bar. It also features electric power steering, which contributes to better fuel economy.
Features
The 2018 Nissan Versa Note is a five-door, five-seat subcompact hatchback, though Nissan does offer a Versa four-door sedan if you prefer that body style. For 2018, the Versa Note is available in three trim levels starting from $15,600.**
This model year, the Versa Note S is the base model. It comes standard with Bluetooth®, Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges, 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat, and more.
The Versa SV incorporates applicable standard features from the S and adds power windows and door locks, Remote Keyless Entry, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, trip computer, USB input, 5.0-inch display screen, Bluetooth® streaming audio, and hands-free text messaging. An available SR Special Edition package adds 15-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, variable intermittent wipers, tire pressure monitor, and Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Ignition.
The Versa SR adds sportier exterior and interior styling elements, including standard fog lights, a rear spoiler, body-color side sills, suede-like seats, and a sport steering wheel inspired by the one in Nissan’s 370Z® sports car.
Design
The Versa Note wears the “V-Motion” corporate grille seen on many other Nissan models. Along with the steeply raked windshield, Nissan says the angled grille creates a dramatic character line called the “squash line,” which is supposed to reflect the rebound path of a squash ball hitting a ball, bouncing off the wall, and returning to the player. It’s hard to say whether the average person will get that reference, but the Versa Note looks handsome nonetheless.
The streamlined look also helps the Versa Note achieve a fairly slippery drag coefficient of 0.29. An active grille shutter behind the V-Motion grille closes when extra cooling air isn’t needed, further improving aerodynamic efficiency. To match the grille, Nissan gave the Versa Note sleek headlights with a swept-back design. At the rear, the taillights have the same “boomerang” shape used on the 370Z and the Juke crossover.
The Versa Note packs a lot of passenger and cargo space into a small footprint. It boasts a total interior volume of 112.9 cubic feet, with 18.8 cubic feet of cargo space. A low cargo area liftover height makes loading and unloading items easy, and the 60/40 split-fold rear seat helps accommodate longer items.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2018 Nissan Versa Note includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and Nissan Advanced Airbag System. Optional features include a rearview camera, or Around View® Monitor 360-degree camera system.
Verdict
The 2018 Nissan Versa Note is a practical, economical small car with a little extra flair.
For more information or to schedule a test drive of the 2018 Nissan Versa Note, contact us online or visit Hall Nissan Virginia Beach at 3757 Bonney Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23452.
* 2018 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates 31 city / 39 highway for Versa® Note® 1.6-L with Xtronic CVT®. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions – use for comparison only.
** Price is Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). MSRP excludes tax, title, license, options and destination. Dealer sets actual price.
Image: Nissan