Nissan Note 1.2 DIG-S, test drive (engine, performance, handling and consumption)

The Nissan Note is one of those “cars for everything”. That is why we did not want to miss the opportunity to test the merits of this model for a week, combined with a novel petrol engine.

A few months ago my colleague Leo already analysed the 1.5 dCi diesel variant (see test), and now we will do the same with this alternative powered by a small 1.2 petrol engine loaded with technology.

Engine

The engine is one of the most interesting parts of the package. They are not yet the majority, but little by little petrol variants are winning over buyers in the lower segments, encouraged by ever-lower consumption and a smoothness and refinement of use far superior to those of a diesel powertrain.

A small three-cylinder engine that pushes with gusto

The powertrain in question is a three-cylinder unit of recent development. It displaces only 1.2 litres and is assisted by a disconnectable volumetric supercharger. The engine works on the Miller cycle, instead of the traditional Otto cycle. This makes it more efficient at low and medium revs, at the cost of some responsiveness. That is why the engineers at Nissan opted to add the supercharger, thus obtaining a final output of 98 CV, with a maximum torque of 147 Nm at 4,400 rpm.

It also features other very current systems, such as direct petrol injection or the Start&Stop system, which work quite well in all circumstances.

Performance

The Note 1.2 DIG-S can boast of moving with lightness through urban traffic. Thanks to the immediate response of its supercharged engine, it gathers speed from a standstill with surprising ease. The Note will also reward us with a very distinctive and appealing sound. Once on the open road, we must be aware that we are driving a city car that does not reach 100 CV, with performance to match. The 0 to 100 km/h acceleration takes just under 12 seconds (11.7 s), while its top speed is rated at 181 km/h.

This engine is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox, with a not overly precise feel and short travel. Obviously, in a vehicle of these characteristics, constant use of the gearbox is a given, since if we want to extract any enjoyment from the package, we will have to stretch the gears and play with the shifts, especially in this Nissan, which has fairly long gear ratios (5th gear at 38.8 km/h per 1,000 rpm).

It is worth noting that the Nissan features an “ECO” operating mode, activated by a button located on the centre console, which disconnects the volumetric supercharger except under extra power demands, “softening” the throttle response and minimising the operation of elements such as the air conditioning.

Handling

The small Nissan behaves more than adequately within its segment. Although our test unit was fitted with the Dynamic pack, this only brings aesthetic elements, so the chassis is not modified in any way. However, as this powertrain is the most powerful in the range, Nissan has decided to equip the Note with a somewhat firmer suspension than that of its siblings, something that, quite clearly, suits it very well. The Note enjoys a firm and completely stable footing. Its cornering is also surprising, very positive, especially for a city car with little power. However, this effectiveness on fast roads can work against us if we drive slowly over surfaces that are not perfectly asphalted.

The electrically assisted steering provides just the right amount of feedback, helped also by the 16-inch wheels and lower-profile tyres, which transmit more sensations. It is just one more detail in a vehicle that does not seek pure performance on a mountain road, but which performs well in every respect. The brakes are discs at the front axle and drums at the rear. They do the job, no more. Even so, at this stage we believe it would not hurt to fit discs on the rear axle as well.

Once up to speed, the Note is capable of maintaining cruising speeds of 120-130 km/h correctly, although if we face a hill, we will most likely have to downshift, something that must also be taken into account when overtaking, where using 4th and 3rd gear is almost compulsory to tackle these manoeuvres safely.

Consumption

On this point it must be made clear that the Note 1.2 DIG-S is not a diesel vehicle, so those accustomed to diesel engines will have to change their mindset to accept consumption figures 1.5-2 litres higher in any situation. That said, it is also worth noting that, being a newly developed, small-displacement engine equipped with the most modern technology, the Note consumes little.

Nissan homologates an average consumption of 4.3 litres on the combined cycle, a figure that rises to 5.2 litres in urban conditions and drops to 3.8 on extra-urban roads. In reality, it is feasible to achieve average consumption figures of around 6 litres, a figure that, we insist, is correct for the vehicle it is. On the open road, if we are careful with the throttle and anticipate our reactions, it is possible to see the on-board computer showing 4.5-5 litres, although the most normal figure in everyday road driving is around 5.5 litres.

In town the meter shows figures between 7 and 8 litres, depending on the density and flow of traffic. It is worth noting that the Nissan features an “ECO” operating mode, activated by a button located on the centre console, which disconnects the volumetric supercharger except under extra power demands, “softening” the throttle response and minimising the operation of elements such as the air conditioning.

Photography | Daniel Valdivielso