Nissan Note Aura Nismo

The Note Aura, the dark side of the new Nissan Note that shares the same stuff as the regular one but with luxury touches and a wide form to differentiate, has been given the NISMO treatment and nothing says darker than a semi-hot hatchback fit for the grassroots racer starting his first track day at Tsukuba.

2022 Nissan Note Aura NISMO

2022 Nissan Note Aura NISMO

Priced at 2,869,900 Japanese Yen (around $29,000) plus additional costs, the Note Aura NISMO turns an oversized woman's purse into a speedo boy machine that looks like what speedo boys wanted but with the performance not yet ready to become a speedo boy's favorite. More with that later on but first, the styling.

2022 Nissan Note Aura NISMO interior

The normal Aura features a unique exterior design and a more premium interior to differentiate itself from the normal Note. The Aura NISMO, meanwhile, features signature NISMO elements implemented not just on the exterior but on the interior as well. The exterior features a signature NISMO aero kit to make look speedo-boy-friendly while the interior features a red-and-black theme just like most NISMO vehicles wear, not to mention the available RECARO sports seats to give speedo boys a much driving experience on the road and track.

No power boost here, sorry speedo boys. The Aura NISMO still runs on the e-POWER powertrain mated to a CVT gearbox. If you don't know what e-POWER is, it's where the 100kW electric motor does the talking while the 1.2L petrol engine supplements the battery and the motor.

The front-wheel-drive Aura NISMO features a specially-made NISMO mode that gives this hatchback a more responsive driving feel even while enjoying a nice Sunday drive at the Hakone turnpike. With cornering as its main topic, the Aura NISMO's aero kit features a greater downforce fit for cornering. Along with its sport-tuned suspension setup, monotube-type rear shock absorber, optimized body rigidity, and specially-made MICHELIN PILOT SPORT 4 tires, the Aura NISMO feels surprisingly accessible to drive on the road and track. Although not as fun as what the speedo boys hoped, it's rather impressive for a different kind of JDM hot hatch.

Of course, like today's cars adjusting to the new normal, the Aura NISMO features a wide range of ADAS such as Pro-Pilot, Intelligent BSI, and Intelligent FCW to name a few.

So, the Aura NISMO, what's it feel like? Although it's not what the speedo boys hoped for, this near-thirty-grand hot hatch is reasonably priced and fit for the grassroots driver within. Enjoy your Sunday drive with this newest NISMO vehicle.

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Nissan Note Aura

Launched last year, the third-generation Nissan Note is the first Nissan car sold in its new era judging by the implementation of the new Nissan logo first applied in the Ariya. It continues Nissan's success story of its e-Power system in its new and functional form and in the midst of the new normal, this new economy car is ready to show the world how it's made.

2022 Nissan Note Aura

2022 Nissan Note Aura

For those who want the new Note that works just like the new Note but with a lavish affair, Nissan welcomes you to the dark side of the new Note, it's called the Note Aura, the luxury version of the third-generation hatchback.

Priced at 2,610,300 Japanese Yen (less than $27,000) plus additional costs, which is more expensive than the normal Note it was based on, the Aura is known as the dark horse of the new Note because of its lavish features not seen in the regular model as well as its unique styling fit to become the modern Japanese woman's new accessory.

Beginning on the exterior, the Aura differentiates itself from the normal Note with its Ariya-styled design and wider body size that still works on Japanese roads just like the normal Note. When parked alongside the normal Note, you can really tell the difference between them but either way, they're still the same species.

2022 Nissan Note Aura interior

2022 Nissan Note Aura interior

The interior feels like the new Nissan Note but because this is the dark side of the new Note, the Aura features premium amenities such as wood-grain trims on the dashboard, special leather seats on the Leather Edition, and Bose Personal Plus sound system that comes with speakers on the front headrests, among many others. That's "house fancy" for compact hatchback standards.

Despite the fancy treatments, the Aura still fits just like the normal Note for up to five people and it's got ample boot space fit enough for all your daily needs, be it for weekend trips with family and friends, grocery shopping, door-to-door deliveries, or TNVS.

2022 Nissan Note Aura

The Note Aura, just like the normal Note, is powered by Nissan's hallmark e-Power hybrid powertrain where the 100kW electric motor does the talking while the 1.2L petrol engine supplements the battery and the motor. Combined with the CVT gearbox, fuel economy is rated at 27.2km/L based on WLTC Mode standards, which is less than the normal Note gives.

If you're feeling under the weather, the Aura comes with the available all-wheel-drive system with the additional electric motor on the rear for a slightly added power despite the fuel economy cut to a mere 22.7km/L, which is modest for an AWD hatchback ready to take on today's weather forecast.

In terms of dynamics, the Aura still behaves like the normal Note despite its wide form, although it feels a bit old-fashioned compared to the competition, bearing suspension setups more sophisticated than this. Underneath, it comes with Rack & Pinion steering, front independent suspension with struts, rear torsion beam, front ventilated disc brakes, and rear leading trailing type brakes. Not as sophisticated as the mainstream Euro hatches but it's manageable.

Like the normal Note, the Aura comes with ProPilot driver-assist tech with Navi-link which allows this car to take advantage of the car's sat-nav to check for corners, speed limits, and more while taking advantage of its wide variety of semi-autonomous driving tech.

The Aura really is the dark side of the new Note because of its lavishly-equipped features fit for a woman's next accessory while traveling through one of Japan's fanciest cities like a semi-one-percenter. Although it's not really made for the 1%, the premium touches really made the Aura a class apart despite the fact that it runs on the same bits and bobs as the normal Note. Which one will you go for?

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Nissan Note E13

Nissan first introduced the e-Power in the facelifted Note E12 back in 2016 and because of the clever setup that makes it behave like an electric car while having its tiny petrol engine charges the batteries, using a tiny amount of fuel, it became a success story, and now, Nissan's road to electrification begins with the arrival of the third-generation Nissan Note, which now comes with the evolved version of its signature e-Power powertrain.

The all-new, third-generation Nissan Note, priced at 2,029,500 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, is the new normal car that blends its sharp design, user-friendly interior, tech, and its award-winning Nissan e-Power powertrain that won the hearts of many customers. It heralds the beginning of the new era for Nissan because it now dons the new Nissan logo first seen on the Ariya electric crossover last summer.

Observing first on the exterior design, the all-new Note borrows the same styling cues from the Ariya electric crossover, the one that started the new age of Nissan, and from every angle, it's hard to tell from the real thing, well the sizing is. Anyway, while it's hard to distinguish between the two vehicles, this new striking design is rather unheard of for an economy car like this but believe them, it's the sharpest economy car to look at and it really puts the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit to shame in terms of design at least.

On the inside, the all-new Note's minimalist interior is still as user-friendly as all cars should because the engineers wanted to make the new interior a bit more user-friendly on the first try. On the dashboard, you get the available NissanConnect navigation system with smartphone connectivity, the digital instrumental panel where it displays your car's status, fully functional climate control, an electronic parking brake, USB ports, and a steering wheel with loads of buttons for your everyday use, including the ProPilot button.

They all work so you don't need to worry about it. As for the comfort zone, thanks to its improved dimensions, it's surprisingly roomier than the previous model and it's got decent boot space for your everyday needs, although the first-ever four-wheel-drive variant will get more boot space in exchange for rear legroom, whatever the reason.

The e-Power hybrid powertrain has been the hallmark of Nissan since it was first introduced in the previous model. It's about an electric motor that does the talking while letting its 1.2L petrol engine charges the batteries, using tiny amounts of fuel. For the new Note, the e-Power has been evolved into its second generation and it's now more efficient than ever, allowing it to operate at a lower RPM and engaged less often during a normal drive, delivering a combined fuel economy of 29.5km/L per WLTC standards, which is 0.1kmpl more than the Honda Fit.

The first-ever four-wheel-drive variant adds another electric motor to it and this spells more power output compared to the normal front-wheel-drive variant.

Driving-wise, the new Note still behaves like a normal car should, although it feels a bit old-fashioned compared to the competition bearing suspension setups more sophisticated than this. Underneath, the new Note comes with Rack & Pinion steering, front independent suspension with struts, rear torsion beam, front ventilated disc brakes, and rear leading trailing type brakes. While this setup is somewhat old-school, it feels like it's working and it's easy to service.

In the issue of safety, the all-new Note comes with ProPilot driver-assist tech with Navi-link which allows this car to take advantage of the car's sat-nav to check for corners, speed limits, and more while taking advantage of its wide variety of semi-autonomous driving tech, which sounds a bit worrying for speedo boys behind the wheel.

The new Note continues Nissan's success story of its e-Power system in its new and functional form and in the midst of the new normal, this new economy car is ready to show the world how it's made.

Photo: Nissan

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.

Special edition Nissan Note Aero Style

Nissan Note Aero Style

A special edition Nissan Note "Aero Style" was offered for the Japanese market and this special edition Note will be available this July 19 for 1,445,850 to 1,704,150 Japanese Yen.

For this special model, it receives a piano-like front grille, special front bumper, special rear bumper, side sills, 15-inch aluminum wheels painted in dark metallic, and a 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The special model is based on the X/X DIG-S/X FOUR models on the NIssan Note. X model comes with the HR12DE, X DIG-S comes with the supercharged HR12DDR engine, and the X FOUR comes with four-wheel drive.

Story: http://autoc-one.jp/news/1418154/

Nissan Note E12 Autech Axis

Now last year, we virtually killed the Nissan Tiida C11 to make way to its successor, the second-generation Nissan Note E12. It's the one with the same HR12DE engine from the March K13 or the new HR12DDR engine that prompt a class-leading fuel economy of 25.2km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards. It's also Nissan's reasonably priced car because it starts at around 1,249,500 Yen.

Anyway, let's not summarize about last year's arrival because Autech Japan came up with a new sport conversion model that sits aside the Rider model of the Nissan Note E12.

2013 Nissan Note Autech Axis

Yes, this is the Autech Axis model of the Nissan Note E12. Although while the Rider model of the Note is all focused on being a sportier type of Note, the Axis model of the new Nissan Note is all about timeless elegance that is much more skin deep than a lady's Prada bag.

You still come with the same HR12DE and the HR12DDR DIG-S engine but on the Axis model, cosmetic treatments includes a stylish front grille, front bumper grille fin, elegant door handle plating, fog lamps, and the AXIS emblem at the back that stands out the rest. You can even opt for an optional 185/65R15 88S wheels with 15-inch Autech-made rims, plastic visors on the side, or back door molding.

Anyway, prices start at around 1,796,000 Yen for the Note Autech Axis model that comes with front wheel drive and the 1.2L engine on it while the latter that costs 1,843,000 Yen comes with the supercharged 1.2L DIG-S engine, four-wheel-drive, and that's about it.

Now what I like about cars that target the women audience is its practicality, style, safety, comfort, and its X factor that lets ladies stand out the rest but for the Axis version of the all new Nissan Note, perhaps they can do better. Sure, it maybe stylish enough for a lady driver but it needs a bit more glam like what stylish European compacts do. This one is...a bit too sensitive, too cheeky, and too much luster on its purge.

URL: http://www.autech.com/SV/NOTEAXIS/index.html

IMPUL now offers body kits for 2013 Latio, NV350, and Note

IMPUL Latio N17

A couple of months ago, while in Malaysia, Edaran Tan Chong showcased an IMPUL version of the Nissan Latio/Sunny/Almera N17 and it was offered in Malaysia. We are pondering when will this be available in Japan and turns out, yes, they will. IMPUL now offers body kits for the all new 2013 Nissan Latio compact sedan and if you happen to own a low-cost sedan from Nissan, which was an import from Thailand with the 1.2L engine and CVT on it, you can pay about 134,400 Japanese Yen for a full aero kit plus 35,700 Yen for the 6.0J-16 (+38) wheels, 7,350 yen for the IMPUL badge, and 3,150 Yen for a number plate lock.

URL: http://www.impul.co.jp/products/model/N17_LATIO.html

That's not all, it seems that the all new Nissan Note E12 and the NV350 Caravan are joining the IMPUL band as well...

IMPUL Note E12

IMPUL NV350 Caravan E26

If you happen to own an all new 2013 Nissan Note E12 and if you have enough money for this project, well yes. Aside from the styling enhancements, IMPUL will also provide some performance boost on either the HR12DE or the HR12DDR engine, Hyper Power Control Unit, OHLINS shock absorbers, coil springs, brake system, anything that will boost the E12's performance. You don't have to tell me what are those but these will make worth your while to add some pepper to your all new E12 Note.

URL: http://www.impul.co.jp/products/model/E12_NOTE.html

Here on the NV350 Caravan model, IMPUL will provide some of the finest aero parts available on Nissan's latest commercial van made for the entrepreneurs or dads who are busy carrying his family. It really packs a swagger on it.

URL: http://www.impul.co.jp/products/model/E26_NV350_CARAVAN.html

Be sure to check them out!

Outtakes: Nissan Note E12 is the replacement for the Nissan Tiida. Period.

2013 Nissan Note

OUTTAKE:

Hello guys. I was really pleased about the launch of the all new 2013 Nissan Note which comes with a fuel efficient and supercharged HR12DDR DIG-S engine which has a fuel economy of 25.2km/L on the JC08 cycle. An eco car with a supercharged engine is quite interesting for the everyday drivers.

I got a lot of annoying Tiida-related queries on this website and let me tell you this once and NEVER again so sit down and I'll say it. Ahem.

The second-generation Nissan Note...is the replacement of the Nissan Tiida. The new Note replaces the outgoing Tiida hatchback. That's it.

Now, as you may thought that I was kidding about the all new Nissan Note E12 replacing the Nissan Tiida, no I'm not. I am not kidding. It's true. The new Note replaces the Tiida/Versa/Latio hatchback.

When we saw the second-generation Tiida in China last year, we were stilling waiting if Nissan Motor Corporation will sell the new Tiida in Japan but sadly, Nissan confirmed that the new Tiida will no longer be available in Japan. Production of the Tiida at its Oppama plant in Japan stopped in June 2012 and furthermore, the Tiida was killed, ending its eight-year tenure as the global compact car that is compact meets luxury.

Source? Here: http://car-research.jp/nissan/tiida-7.html

Here's the excerpt from that site:

新型ティーダの日本発売は無し、カタログ落ちへ

2代目ティーダが昨年2011年春の上海モーターショーで公開され、既に中国では一般発売されている。今年2012年9月頃とされてきた日本仕様の発売を楽しみにしているユーザーも多かった思うが、残念ながらこれは中止となりそうだ。

これまで、次期ティーダの日本発売については、2012年秋でほぼ決まりと考えられ、日産では5ナンバー化の検討もされていた。しかし、これらはすべてキャンセル。結局、日本ではティーダは発売されないことになった。

In translation, Nissan killed the Tiida and furthermore, the all new Nissan Note E12 is the confirmed Tiida replacement, which is a bit redundant.

We furthermore appreciated with this further understanding and do apologize for Nissan's announcement. If the new Nissan Note is a bit redundant as the Tiida it replaces, feel free to comment below. Thank you.

OUTTAKE END

Nissan Note E12

Anyway, we are very sad to say goodbye to the Nissan Tiida. No, we're not actually because this car's rubbish.

Right, we must unveil its replacement for the Tiida Nissan killed earlier. What do you think it is?

(audience talking)

Invitation? No. It looks like the Nissan Invitation concept car from Geneva, it isn't one.

Haven't learned of it at all eh? Can we show it?

Here we go!

This is the BIG moment!

2013 Nissan Note

It's a NISSAN!

(applause)

Specifically...the Nissan...

(applause continues)

...the Nissan Note E12, the second generation Nissan Note! This is the car that replaced the Nissan Tiida hatchback for good but made it redundant as a replacement. Anyway, the all new Nissan Note is the first ever Nissan to come with the all new HR12DDR supercharged 1.2L (DIG-S) engine that produces 98PS of power and it will go on with the class-leading fuel economy of 25.2km/L in the JC08 scale! The new Note also offers the HR12DE engine as offered from the Nissan March K13, which promises 22.6km/L of fuel economy! They're all mated with the new generation XTRONIC CVT that is now lighter, more compact, and surprisingly smoother!

2013 Nissan Note interior

Engineered in Europe, built in Japan, finished in blue, and its on sale next week to you for a reasonable 1,249,500 Yen!

2013 Nissan Note MEDALIST

That is reasonable but, the all new Nissan Note sees an all new variant and this trim level is familiar to Nissan fans many because that trim level name came from the deceased Nissan Laurel. It's called the MEDALIST and what you get on the Nissan Note Medalist are plated door handles, exclusive Beatnic Gold body color, suede-like cloth seats and artificial leather, piano-like center cluster finisher and genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel. This is when compact meets luxury!

For the first time ever, the all new Nissan Note now comes with the Around View Monitor, a first for this class, standard on MEDALIST and as a factory-installed option on X/X DIG-S/X-FOUR. This feature takes full use of four cameras installed in the front, both sides and rear. For an even bigger treat, the the Around View Monitor can be found...nope. Not on the sat-nav. It's on the rear view mirror! Fabulous!

2013 Nissan Note Autech Rider

For something sporty? Well, AUTECH Japan's got you covered with this Rider model. The Autech Rider version of the Nissan Note provides some sporty character thanks to its unique aero kit, 15-inch rims, available Fujitsubo muffler, and the AUTECH Rider emblem at the back to make sure this is the real thing.

Available colors? Well, because the Beatnic Gold Metallic being the exclusive color for the MEDALIST model, the available colors for the 2013 Note are Brilliant White Pearl, Brilliant Silver Metallic, Dark Metal Gray Metallic, Super Black, Radiant Red Pearl Metallic, Sonic Blue Pearl Metallic, and Aurora Mauve Multiflex.

PRICE LIST:

1.2 S - 1,249,500 Yen

1.2 X - 1,298,850 Yen

1.2 S DIG-S - 1,449,000 Yen

1.2 X DIG-S - 1,499,400 Yen

1.2 Medalist - 1,674,750 Yen

1.2 X FOUR - 1,557,150 Yen

Autech's Killer Elite

Nissan's Customize Car brand, Autech Japan, has just unleashed their KILLER ELITE. That's right, the Autech Rider Black Line has arrived and the Nissan Elgrand, Serena, Cube, and Note will never be the same again.

Autech Rider Black Line Series

Official Site: http://www.autech.jp/CONNECT/AUTECH/BLACKLINE/index.html

Scoop: http://autoc-one.jp/news/869192/

The Autech Rider Black Line Series offers the dark side of the Autech Rider series such as a dark chrome front grille, dark chrome bumper grille, dark emblem, xenon headlamps, and sport mufflers. The Serena Rider Black Line, Cube Rider Black Line, and Note Rider Black Line will be available this October 19 while the Elgrand Rider Black Line will come this November.

Nissan Elgrand Rider High Performance Spec

Nissan Serena Rider Performance Spec

If that wasn't enough, Autech Japan unveiled the Nissan Elgrand Rider High Performance Spec and the Nissan Serena Rider Performance Spec. Available this October 19, the Serena Rider Performance Spec provides Body Tune, improved suspension, 17-inch rims, and Yokohama Advan Sport tires. The Elgrand Rider High Performance Spec will have a power output of 300PS and it will be available this November 2011.

Scoop: http://autoc-one.jp/news/869161/

Official Site: http://www.autech.jp/CONNECT/AUTECH/PS/index.html