Nissan Note 1.2 DIG-S, test drive (equipment, price, opinion)

Having analysed everything related to the dynamics of the small Nissan Note that we tested at Highmotor, it is time to focus on costs.

If you want to know how the Japanese city car looks inside and out, I leave you the test that my colleague Leo carried out on the Note in its 1.5 dCi diesel version.

Equipment

The Note can be purchased in a wide range of trim levels that will suit the needs of all its potential users. Currently there are five equipment lines available, from the most affordable Naru Edition to the most complete Tekna Premium.

Our specific unit was fitted with the Tekna Premium trim, the most expensive one. It is also the one with the greatest standard equipment, making the Note a small “technological pill” within the city car segment. The Note you see in the photos has an optional extra called the “Dynamic Pack”, which emphasises the dynamism and sportiness of the small Japanese car.

The standard equipment of the Tekna Premium trim is very extensive. In addition to the standard items common to all versions (ESP, air conditioning, keyless central locking, cruise control, on-board computer and Start&Stop, among others), the Tekna Premium adds very interesting systems, such as the so-called “intelligent protection shield“, made up of four cameras placed around the perimeter of the car, which can include a lane change assist, a blind spot monitor and a 360º bird’s-eye view system.

Furthermore, this trim gives us, as standard, equipment such as a improved audio system with 6 speakers, the NissanConnect 2.0 system, keyless entry and start, single-zone automatic climate control and leather upholstery.
We are therefore looking at one of the most well-equipped city cars on the market at the moment, something that will undoubtedly lead some of its potential buyers to finally opt for this model.

Price

As with everything in life, everything has a price. And all the equipment we have referred to is no exception. While it is possible to buy a Nissan Note from 14,500 euros (price without discount), our unit starts at 19,990 euros, to which must be added the 1,200 euros for the Dynamic Pack and the 420 euros for the metallic paint.

Currently, thanks to Nissan’s pricing policy and the PIVE Plan, it is possible to buy a Nissan Note for 9,700 euros (Nissan Note 1.2G 80 CV Naru Edition). Although this special edition does without some of the distinguishing elements of the Tekna Premium version, we are sure that most customers will find it more than sufficient, although it must be admitted that driving one of the most technological city cars on the market also “has its appeal”.

Opinion

To conclude the Note test, allow a short personal reflection from the writer of these lines. During the week we spent together, the Note has become a member of the family. For today’s cities and traffic, the small Nissan is an oasis of practicality and agility that is welcome amid SUVs, large saloons and “oversized compacts”.

While it is true that the Note is not the smallest of its group, it makes up for it with a boot of enormous capacity and an interior space on a par with the best of a higher segment. The rear seat is very roomy, with very satisfactory width, length and height dimensions.

Furthermore, we cannot deny that, in this second generation, and especially with the “Dynamic Pack”, the Note is a very visually attractive city car, with lines that catch the eye even when parked. As an interesting note, while driving this car people have stopped me in the street to ask about it, something that has never happened to me with much more expensive and luxurious vehicles.

In short, for those looking for a city car who do not want to give up either space or technology, the Note offers a more than valid alternative. Combined with this curious petrol engine, it even becomes a choice we could describe as “exotic”.

Photography | Daniel Valdivielso