2014 Nissan Versa Note Review

The 2014 Nissan Versa Note marked a significant shift for Nissan in the subcompact hatchback segment. Moving beyond the purely utilitarian focus of its predecessor, the Note aimed for a blend of practicality, fuel efficiency, and a touch of style. This technical review delves into the engineering and design choices that defined the 2014 Versa Note, exploring its powertrain, chassis, interior, and some of its innovative features.

Powertrain Analysis

At the heart of the 2014 Versa Note lies the HR16DE engine, a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine. This engine is a member of Nissan's HR family, known for its lightweight construction and emphasis on fuel economy. The HR16DE features:

Aluminum Alloy Block and Cylinder Head: Using aluminum reduces overall weight, contributing to improved fuel efficiency. Aluminum also has better heat dissipation properties compared to cast iron.
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC): The DOHC configuration allows for more precise control of valve timing and lift compared to a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) design. This enhances engine performance and efficiency.
Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS): This system adjusts the intake valve timing based on engine speed and load, optimizing combustion for improved fuel economy and power delivery. The CVTCS utilizes a hydraulically actuated phaser that changes the relative position of the camshaft to the crankshaft.
Multi-Point Fuel Injection: This system delivers fuel to each cylinder via individual injectors, ensuring a more precise and efficient fuel delivery compared to throttle-body injection.

The engine produces 109 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 107 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. While these figures aren't groundbreaking, they are adequate for the vehicle's intended purpose: efficient urban transportation.

The engine is primarily paired with Nissan's Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). The CVT is designed to maximize fuel economy by keeping the engine operating at its most efficient rpm range. Unlike traditional automatic transmissions with fixed gear ratios, the CVT uses a belt and pulley system to provide a virtually infinite number of gear ratios. This allows the engine to stay in its sweet spot for power or economy, depending on driving conditions.

However, CVTs are not without their drawbacks. Some drivers find the lack of distinct gear shifts disconcerting, and the engine can sometimes drone at a constant rpm, especially during acceleration. To mitigate this, Nissan incorporated a "D-Step" logic in some models, which simulates the feel of gear changes under heavy acceleration. While not a true gear change, this feature attempts to provide a more familiar driving experience.

A 5-speed manual transmission was also available on the base S trim. This offered a more engaging driving experience and slightly better fuel economy in some situations, but its limited availability made the CVT the dominant choice.

Chassis and Suspension

The 2014 Versa Note rides on Nissan's V platform, which is also used in other Nissan and Renault vehicles. This platform is designed for light weight and structural rigidity, contributing to both fuel efficiency and handling.

The suspension system consists of:

Front: Independent MacPherson struts with coil springs and a stabilizer bar. This provides a good balance of ride comfort and handling. The MacPherson strut design is relatively simple and compact, making it a cost-effective solution for front-wheel-drive vehicles.
Rear: Torsion beam axle with coil springs. This is a more cost-effective and space-efficient design compared to independent rear suspension. While it doesn't offer the same level of independent wheel control, it provides adequate handling for the vehicle's intended use.

The braking system consists of:

Front: Ventilated disc brakes. Ventilated discs provide better heat dissipation compared to solid discs, reducing the risk of brake fade during heavy use.
Rear: Drum brakes. Drum brakes are less expensive to manufacture than disc brakes, and they are sufficient for the rear wheels, which handle a smaller proportion of the braking force.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) were standard equipment, enhancing safety and control in challenging driving conditions. ESC helps prevent skidding by applying individual brakes to wheels that are losing traction, while ABS prevents wheel lockup during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.

Interior and Technology

The interior of the 2014 Versa Note focused on maximizing space and practicality. Despite its subcompact dimensions, the Note offered surprisingly generous headroom and legroom, especially in the rear seats.

Key interior features included:

"Divide-N-Hide" Adjustable Floor: This innovative feature allowed the cargo area to be configured in different ways. The floor panel could be raised to create a flat loading surface when the rear seats were folded down, or it could be lowered to maximize cargo volume. This flexibility was a major selling point for the Versa Note.
NissanConnect with Navigation and Mobile Apps: Higher trim levels featured a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, smartphone integration, and access to various apps. This was a relatively advanced feature for a vehicle in this price range.
Available Around View Monitor: This system used four cameras to provide a 360-degree bird's-eye view of the vehicle, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces much easier. This was a rare feature for a subcompact car at the time.

The quality of materials used in the interior was generally adequate for the price point. Hard plastics were prevalent, but the overall design was functional and well-laid-out.

Aerodynamics and Fuel Efficiency

Nissan paid close attention to aerodynamics in the design of the 2014 Versa Note, aiming to minimize drag and improve fuel efficiency. Key aerodynamic features included:

Rear Spoiler: This helps to reduce turbulence behind the vehicle, improving airflow and reducing drag.
Underbody Deflectors: These deflectors help to smooth airflow underneath the vehicle, further reducing drag.
Optimized Body Shape: The overall shape of the Versa Note was designed to minimize air resistance.

These aerodynamic improvements, combined with the efficient HR16DE engine and CVT transmission, resulted in impressive fuel economy ratings. The Versa Note achieved EPA ratings of up to 31 mpg city and 40 mpg highway.

Areas for Improvement

Despite its strengths, the 2014 Versa Note was not without its flaws. Some areas for improvement included:

Engine Performance: While adequate for city driving, the engine could feel underpowered when accelerating onto highways or climbing hills.
CVT Performance: As mentioned earlier, the CVT's behavior could be disconcerting for some drivers. The "D-Step" logic helped, but it wasn't a perfect solution.
Ride Quality: While generally comfortable, the ride could become somewhat harsh on rough roads.

Conclusion

The 2014 Nissan Versa Note represented a well-executed attempt to combine practicality, fuel efficiency, and affordability in a subcompact hatchback. Its efficient powertrain, spacious interior, and innovative features like the "Divide-N-Hide" cargo system and Around View Monitor made it a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers. While not without its shortcomings, the Versa Note offered a compelling value proposition and demonstrated Nissan's commitment to fuel-efficient and practical transportation. The engineering choices made, from the aluminum engine block to the CVT transmission and aerodynamic enhancements, all contributed to achieving the vehicle's primary goal: maximizing fuel economy and practicality. The HR16DE engine is a testament to Nissan's understanding of creating a balance of power and efficiency. The use of the V platform was also strategic and created the most space.