Nissan Versa Note - 2014

The 2014 Versa Note is Nissan's all-new candidate in the ultracompetitive entry-level segment. Already a better value than the outgoing Versa hatchback, Nissan is hoping to lure buyers with class-leading fuel-efficiency, cool techno-bits, uniquely good looks and an impressive list of options.

The 2014 Nissan Versa Note is available in three trim levels:
1. S
2. S Plus
3. SV

All trims come standard with 15-inch wheels with 16-inch alloys as an option with the SV continuously variable transmission. While the S and S Plus trims are similarly equipped, the SV adds a ton of standard features, such as one-touch power windows, power door locks with speed-sensing autolock, remote keyless entry, a Bluetooth hands-free phone system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, chrome and silver interior accents and a whole lot more. You can only get the manual transmission with the S trim. And in the S, you can't get active grille shutter — and the resulting improved fuel economy — as Nissan chose to only offer that on the S Plus and SV.

The only offered source of motivation for all 2014 Nissan Versa Notes is a 1.6-liter double-overhead-cam inline 4-cylinder engine producing 109 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque, featuring twin continuously variable timing control on both the intake and exhaust and dual injectors per cylinder. The dual injectors are a neat technology infusion for the Note. Since the injectors are smaller, they are able to produce a finer spray of fuel particles over a wider area, leading to a more complete combustion in the cylinder. While the outgoing model had a slightly torquier 1.8-liter 4-cylinder, Nissan saw fit to downsize and go after the ever-important fuel-economy numbers. The Versa Note S comes standard with a 5-speed transmission, while the S Plus and SV trim levels are only available with Nissan's Xtronic CVT — disappointing for an enthusiast, but definitely logical for prospective buyers.

With seating for five, the cabin is remarkably open and spacious. Rear-seat legroom comes in at 38.3 inches — 3.7 inches more than the Chevrolet Sonic. Even with the increased legroom, Nissan managed to increase cargo space from 17.8 to 21.4 cubic feet. An available option to increase the utility of the Versa Note is the Divide-N-Hide adjustable floor. When you lower the standard 60-40 split-folding rear seats, you end up with an expanded flat cargo area that also creates additional storage underneath, just in case you need to stash anything of value while hauling bigger things above.

The list of standard features is pretty common: AM/FM/CD/aux-in audio system with four speakers, 12-volt power outlet, front door pockets with bottle holders, dual front and rear cupholders, front seatback pockets and so on. The cloth seats are standard fare with 4-way adjustability in the S and S Plus trims, and 6-way adjustment in the SV. Available upgrades include heated seats, navigation with real-time updates, USB input with iPod control, and steering-wheel-mounted audio and Bluetooth controls.

Source: MSN