Overview
The 2019 Nissan Versa Note is among the most affordable vehicles sold in America, even though it’s not the most appealing. Those primarily concerned with saving money and simply getting from point A to point B will appreciate its comfortable ride quality and frugal fuel economy. The handsome hatchback also looks much better than the bland Nissan Versa sedan. So there’s that. Although the Versa Note is a verified bargain, so are competitors that have more desirable features and better quality. The Nissan’s slow-poke engine and poor handling don’t improve its case, either. Still, it will satisfy value-minded people who merely want to spend as little as possible on transportation. The 2019 model year will be the Versa Note’s last as the next generation Versa will be offered solely as a sedan.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Likes: Comfortable ride on most surfaces. Dislikes: Slower than already slow rivals, transmission can make the engine noisy, sloppy driving responses.
Every Versa Note is front-wheel drive and features a 109-hp four-cylinder engine that pairs with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Unfortunately, the CVT often elicits continuous noise during hard acceleration. This combined with the Versa Note’s underpowered engine make for a lethargic and unrefined experience. Still, the hatchback’s powertrain has sufficient push around town and will go unnoticed—unless you’re in a hurry.
The Versa Note’s poor handling was most apparent when hitting an exit ramp at increasing speed and feeling the body lean awkwardly. The hatchback’s demeanor was calmer at a slower pace where its small size made driving in traffic and tight spaces easy. While the Nissan’s lifeless steering felt slow and heavy, it won’t bother people who simply want their trip to be as short as possible. Unfortunately, the Versa Note had the longest stopping distance among its competitors. Otherwise, its firm brake pedal reacted smoothly to our inputs in mixed driving conditions.
Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo
Likes: Massive glovebox; standard touchscreen; holy back-seat legroom, Batman! Dislikes: Cabin is noisy on uneven roads, base model can’t add Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, no center-console bin.
The Versa Note has an outdated interior design that utilizes too much hard plastic. A pair of comfortable seats and considerable passenger space up front are complemented by equally pleasing rear-seat accommodations. The hatchback’s huge back seat is a boon to adults, with as much legroom as some bigger sedans. While the Note shares its dashboard design with the regular Versa sedan, only the hatchback is available with a steering wheel «inspired» by the Nissan Z sports car and a more attractive gauge cluster. However, its shift lever sticks out of the center console like a snow cone and clunks through the gear selections.
The Versa Note has a standard 7.0-inch touchscreen; Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 4G LTE mobile hotspot are optional. Although its audio system is only available with four speakers, the top-tier SR trim has an optional Rockford Fosgate system for $595. It includes an amplifier and two 6.0-inch subwoofers in the cargo area, but they must be disconnected to access the adjustable load floor.
By nature, the Versa Note is a practical piece of machinery that can hold an abundant amount of luggage when needed. While the sedan version has more cargo volume behind its rear seats (a.k.a. in its trunk), the Note is just as useful as its hatchback rivals. It doesn’t have extraordinary interior cubby storage, but it does have several useful compartments.
