Nissan Note E12 (2017MY Minor Change) and Note E-Power

The current-generation Nissan Note has been on the road for four years and for the 2017 model year, not only the Note E12 sees a minor change on the inside out but this is the first time this Nissan Note 2017 Minor Change introduces a revolutionary E-Power variant that will game-changing the compact car segment in terms of fuel efficiency.

2017 Nissan Note

2017 Nissan Note interior

Of course, the minor change sees a revised exterior design complete with the V-Motion grille that will serve as the new signature design for future Nissan models since the Serena and the GT-R as well as a revised interior featuring a new steering wheel design, also on the new Serena and the new GT-R, that will soon be applied on future Nissan models, but the e-Power variant will be the key topic for this 2017MY minor change Nissan Note.

What is e-Power? Time to get your notebooks, folks, because this innovative drive system is pretty much new to us. Ready? Okay. So, e-Power features a full electric-motor drivetrain in which the wheels are completely powered by the electric motor, and the Note's 1.2L HR12DE petrol engine simply charges the batteries. The way how electricity is made is what differs it from an electric vehicle or conventional hybrid and with e-Power, the 1.2L engine and the wheels are not connected similar to an electric car as the power is sourced from the petrol engine, allowing it to run without having to charge the battery from an external source.

2017 Nissan Note interior

Because the batteries are 1/20th the size of the ones from the Nissan LEAF, its compact sizing made it to fit under the front seats without cramping the interior space and the e-Power's total power output is 109PS and a massive torque output of 254Nm, similar to those from two-liter engines. Fuel efficiency? It's a whopping 37.2kmpl on JC08 Mode standards and with this kind of efficiency, it's a clear vision to the future of Nissan's electrification strategy under Nissan Intelligent Mobility.

2017 Nissan Note

So, with the quick and clear lecture about how e-Power works is done, let's move on to other stuff, shall we? In the 2017 minor change Nissan Note E12, there's a brand new Smart Room Mirror that when activated, the rear view cameras will provide a full rear view on the mirror. Useful for those who are being pursued by some stalkers or for some reverse parking. Also, the new Note comes with an array of safety tech that is part of the Nissan Safety Shield technology such as the Intelligent Around View Monitor, Intelligent Emergency Brake, Lane Departure Warning, and a collision prevention assist.

The e-Power variant will cost you about 1,772,280 Yen while non e-Power models start 1,393,200 Yen. Rest assured, the ones didn't had e-Power on it comes with two kinds of 1.2L petrol engines; a naturally aspirated one or a supercharged one with 26.2kmpl of fuel economy. For those who prefer the look of a pre-facelifted model because the V-motion grill look isn't too pleasant to look at, fear not because a special Mode Premier model, courtesy of Autech, is available starting from 1,906,200 to 2,207,520 Yen. Still has the same engine choices as well as the brand new e-Power variant but you'll get a Note with pre-facelift looks and a touch of class.

Available colors: Premium Corona Orange, Galaxy Gold, Olive Green, Garnet Red, Super Black, Dark Metal Gray, Brilliant Silver, Shining Blue, Sonic Blue, Nadeshiko Pink, Brilliant White Pearl, and White,

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.