2014 Nissan Versa Note Hatchback Review and Road Test

We flew all the way to sunny San Diego to check out the all-new 2014 Nissan Versa Hatchback, I mean note, I mean Versa Note Hatchback. The name confusion is caused by Nissan selling the plucky hatch in Europe as the Nissan Note and in America as a Nissan Versa. For 2014 Nissan decided to combine the names for a more global theme.
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[@cdman78564]

Have a 2015 note SR I'm over 6 foot tall and can drive this car comfortably easy to get in and out gets around 38mpg. Does really well in the mountains all around good car for the price. Back seat leg room is awsome in this car even with front seat all the way back no knees in the back of front seat issues here.

[@secordman]

One with very few miles has possibly become available to us, a 2014 SL, a senior drove it, not a bad little car with good higher access.

[@1956chip]

One of the best reviews and reviewers ever. Very informative and realistic views. I would add that not many sales advisors at dealerships could give us that much information about their own vehicle.

[@raven69600]

I purchased a 2014 note versa 2 days ago , the car is awesome! I rented a 2015 Chevy sonic LTZ prior to buying my note for about a week... That car averaged 25 MPG! And it had the loudest amount of road noise I've ever heard in a road car! CnD, RnD , ...ALL of the reviews are B.S... THIS CAR ACTUALLY HANDLES BETTER THAN THE SONIC TURBO, RIDES A TON BETTER, SEATING IS PHENOMINAL! MY SONS AND I ARE ALL OVER 6' TALL , WE FIT IN THIS CAR NEARLY AS COMFORTABLY AS OUR NAVIGATOR! THE MPG IS AWESOME, MY 50 MILE ROUND TRIP TO WORK IS MOSTLY UP HILL, AND I'M AVERAGING 35 MPG! DONT LISTEN TO THE"PROFESSIONAL" REVIEWS... RENT ONE FOR A COUPLE DAYS AND I PROMISE, YOU WILL WANT ONE...

[@djdollase]

excellent review! thanks! may go out and get one of these tomorrow! love the explanation of the CVT. never understood that before....

[@Leonaristo]

Alex, you really made an in-depth review. And your perspective and comments on CVT really impressed me. You are able to digest and share with us the strength and benefits of CVT, coming along with its operating characteristics. Being a CVT car user, it doesn't bring much thrilling and punchy driving experience, but it helps making lower fuel consumption, lower rpm leading quieter ride, and when going uphill, it delivers a smooth and continuous speed or acceleration. Great job Alex!

[@philkumai]

Thank you for your reply! I enjoy your car reviews very much! They are very informative and I love hearing your honest opinions in your reviews. Keep up the great work!!!

[@yakadee1]

Great review and great speaking, clear and concise. No uhs, ums, pauses, mumbles, or nonsense. Lots of good info in a short amount of time and nice clear video. I wish all reviews were technically this good.

[@GavriloPewPew]

This is the best car review I've seen and I've seen a TON in the past few weeks. Nicely done and thanks! I'm 6'6 with a family of 4 to consider (one 3yr old and a wee bairn on the way), so it's been tough balancing the space, mpg and value that I need. I'll be checking out more of your videos!

[@psych007]

Great review! I learned a lot and feel like I got something out of this. Kudos to you man.

[@magneticdraw]

I have been having problems sleeping and your voice is so helpful and soothing to fall asleep to :) thanks

[@tialands4283]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. This was so thorough. I am in the process of buying one and you helped me a lot.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

You're reading our my mind! We have a Forte this week and should have a video up in 3 weeks or so.

[@zmaanna]

thank you for showing the trunk space and backseat space. i noticed other reviews rarely talks about those two points that we use every day

[@davesecx]

This review was top notch! Very well done.

[@12600Grey]

What a well organized, informed, and succinct review (even at 18 minutes!). I enjoyed the explanations and recommendations. Not just a bunch of vague opinions and rehash of general specs I have see in other vehicle reviews. LOL on the plastics comment. Well said. Thanks!

[@borriq01]

Best review I've seen on KZbin

[@gerard321111]

Great review!! Extremely in-depth.

[@payrocoin]

I don't understand why so many auto journalists despise CVTs. I used to knock them too before I drove a car with one and let me tell you, I loved the CVT on the 2008 Maxima I had. It was the smoothest driving experience I have ever had. It was also really cool at how easily & quickly it would be to get to 60 MPH without ever going over 2,000 RPM. I know a CVT isn't for everyone, but I know that a CVT worked for me, and I would not hesitate to buy another car with one. I've always had a thing for the Versa Hatchback and if I ever decide to get another car then, I'm really considering this one. I do like the styling of the outgoing model but, this new one looks pretty cool.

[@andrewworkman4344]

Great review, thorough and professional. Thanks!

[@robertgraves8721]

I still have my '14 Note S 5spd in 2023 . It's not pretty , it's not fast , but it's got to be the best vehicle I've ever owned

[@michaeldillon1027]

I have a 2014 to with the manual. I find it has a very rough ride. And, 1st and 2nd gear are way too short plus it's easy to over rev when taking off.

[@Mabeylater293]

Ur reviews are VERY detailed and informative! Thank u.

[@coffeekhan]

Nice review, Alex! You make some excellent points regarding CVTs, and the plastics. I wish more automotive journalists would adjust their viewpoints to the cars they are testing, and thus, the target market for that vehicle. You, and a few others, do a good job at that. I'd probably lean more toward the Sentra, but I would certainly give this one a look as well.

[@PremierAutoMan86]

Glad I found the channel, like the style of review!

[@100vms]

Your review gave me confidence recently when I bought Nissan Versa Note. It was really an in-depth and honest review. I would suggest you to include safety features as a comparison point like the crash test reports, air bags etc. Also I would prefer if you review car performance at highway and city speeds.

[@cassiocm]

Another fantastic job Alex!

[@nikemac84]

You are VERY articulate!!!!!!!! Very insightful and detailed review. Awesome!!!!!!

[@spartanpride11]

very helpful when narrowing down car choices. thanks for taking the time to be detailed.

[@speedfiend925]

Hey Alex, I got to test drive the Nissan Note tonight. Given how harsh most of the reviews were, I was pleasantly surprised with the Note. The plastics are acceptable and even have a nice graining to them. The car looks even smaller than I expected which I actually liked as it made it easy to maneuver when making a u-turn. It seemed to me that the Notes CVT seemed better tuned than the one in the Corolla that I test drove. The ride was compliant without being mushy. I did notice the Electric Steering to be a little vague but it was once again acceptable. I also liked the amount tech they have stuffed into the Note given the price point including one neat feature and I do not recall you mentioning it. The around view Camera can be turned on while pulling into a parking space and can allow you to judge how far into the space you have pulled. Also, I was rather surprised with the quality of the speaker system given it was only 4 speakers as they had good clarity and plenty of bass in them once the settings were adjusted. I was able to get 35 MPG in my limited test drive even with some spirited driving which was mostly city driving. The car is definitely a lot better than the reviewers have made it out to be. Excluding you Alex as you were pretty fair to the Versa Note.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I really don't understand the Versa hate that you see in many reviews. I find the plastics and feature content perfectly appropriate for a car with a low base price like this. The Versa is one of my favourite cars on the market right now because of the price tag, the fuel economy and the way it drives. But the biggest reason is value, it does everything fairly well at an incredibly low price.

[@unlimitedbattery]

Yes, you get what you pay for. And this is a great review telling you just that. I love the review, and I am now more interested in the car than before.

[@chrisjaytabarejo1180]

thank you for a very informative video. I like how you talk some real sense to people in this video. Its ridiculous how people expect to find premium materials from such low priced vehicles as this. This car would be perfect for the regular commuter, such as myself. Good fuel economy with a pretty reasonable price tag.

[@eggbertsouse8963]

We have 2 Versas & love them both. I have a 2009 Versa Hatchback & my wife drives a 2012 Versa SV sedan. I bought my 2009 new & have driven it EVERY day since 2009 & it's never seen a repair shop for anything except oil changes & tire rotation. I would not hesitate to buy another & this Versa Note will definitely be a possibility for our next car.

[@eggbertsouse8963]

I will drive these till they drop but If I had to buy another car it will be another Versa.

[@eggbertsouse8963]

I guess I am spoiled as my 2009 Versa Hatchback is high end & has the bigger 1.8L engine & does NOT have the CVT, it has a conventional 4-speed automatic, it's pretty zippy, I like it. However, my wife's 2012 Versa sedan has the CVT & I will have to agree I don't like it as well. It's still not a bad car although a little cheaper feeling but come on these are commuter cars. Our 3rd (spare) vehicle is a loaded GMC Yukon, it's a gas hog but guess which vehicle we take on long trips?

[@ZackryRose]

This guy is by far my favorite. I watched his 2014 Kia Forte EX review before going out and buying it and he made me very comfortable with my decision. And now I'm going back to his videos for my girlfriend.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

No, the nav is only available on the CVT only trims

[@paulmaister]

The sales guy wasn't half as good as you selling it! Best note review i've seen!

[@peipeizhao4637]

good job as always man!!love!!

[@andrewlong5444]

Impressive review/road test, well done 🙂 NZ

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

We have a Forte this week! Check back in 2-3 weeks for the edited video.

[@mustafanajeeb7859]

Perfect review & great Nissan.

[@rayb7225]

great review; lots of great practical information and I like the looks of the car with great gas mileage and a japanese brand sounds like a great combination. thanks

[@briangilhooly442]

Great review...thank you. After online research at stats; its nice to get a realistic look at the car.

[@nikemac84]

You sir, are an AWESOME REVIEWER!!!!!!!!!!!!! You make regular car salesmen look like 3rd graders in a remedial Math class.........

[@joshuaanderson4295]

great review Alex

[@BeckysHomestead]

Great video! What microphone do you use?

[@TheFrankAlfonso]

I find this to be good value for somebody like me "semi retired"Boomer.Easy to get in and out,Good gas mileage,Quiet [very rare in a sub-compact].As far as hard plastic dash who spends their time touching the dash anyway ?as long as it looks good and is functional and has good ergonomics. I do hope they address the hard door armrests and maybe put a full armrest console in the center.Good job on the review.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It sometimes is, but on this occasion it was someone from a local newspaper that was riding along.

[@MrFKatz]

A great video, as usual.

[@anna-mayramnarine6034]

Hi thanks for all the info really appreciate ... I have a QUESTION!! If the navigation system is written in Japanese is there settings to change to English?? Thank you..love the note btw.....

[@AuroraAppDesign]

Very complete review! thanks

[@duderr0]

Great review!

[@sydneylauryn8594]

ayee this is the car i got for my first car. i love it

[@EnglishGeekWahoo]

Gosh you couldn’t be better than you’re, great full explanation

[@unwrapthrills]

When will someone give this detailed review for the 2014 note tekna style pack 1.2 dig-s

[@marya8426]

excellent review

[@ShyuLee]

Hello Alex, when will the "iOS in the car" system become available? If I buy the 2014 Nissan Versa Note now, is it possible to upgrade the navigation system to support "iOS in the car" in the future (or as simple as a firmware upgrade)? Thanks!

[@ava2hot19]

Great review

[@FAHAN2]

Nice review... thanks

[@staryoshi]

I particularly enjoyed your discussion of the benefits of the CVT. Auto journalists love to hate them, but when implemented well (See: 2014 Forester, 2013 Accord) they are fantastic transmissions. Their mannerisms do take some time to get used to coming from a traditional automatic, though.

[@patwickgriff]

Excellent explanation on the operation of a CVT, Alex! Honda by FAR has the best CVT. The 2014 Civic will be getting the all new Earth Dreams CVT and the all-new 2015 Fit will have one also when it goes on sale late spring/early summer next year.

[@RodrigoMJ32]

Way way better review than FAST LANE CARS, that Nathan and the other guy complained too much, I love this Versa Note, It is all about saving gas, comfort, ride, Nissan is very reliable !!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

We hope to have the 500L in September, we will keep everyone posted.

[@cristianmedico2476]

Great review...

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Well, I'm sure you could get someone to install a sunroof, probably not the dealer, but there are other aftermarket conversion possibilities. On a car this inexpensive I think you'd be spending a large percentage on your upgrades however. On the powered sub, that's much easier, any audio shop could do that for you.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

We have one up already from our time at the Sentra launch event. You can click on our channel and search for that video.

[@jonrpatrick]

Great review. I have on '07 and been very happy with it. A bit slow and noisy, but I bought an inexpensive hatchback! Interior space was great and it rode more like a 'big boy' car than it's competitors. I find the new Versa Note a very compelling upgrade. The Fiesta had a horrible seating position and a tranny I could not stand. Love the Fiat, but the Versa has the space, funky looks and great fuel economy that probably makes it the top choice!

[@BruceTheSillyGoose]

i gotta test one of these on the cratered roads of my little town.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It's all about cost. The Versa Note is supposed to be the lowest cost hatch and the more they add the more it may eat into sales of more expensive models. Nissan also likes to have very limited variation in lower end models in order to keep inventory streamlined.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Right now we use the Sennheiser ME2 although I'm not terribly happy with the timbre.

[@alonsonavarroliriano5252]

How many Airbags use

[@Dark0blivion]

Sounds great. I'll be interested to hear your thoughts on the ride/handling as well as the real-world fuel economy.

[@ladyyuna2000]

Cute 2014 Nissan Versa Note and I like the color.

[@iliveinthewoods]

👍🏻 nice review. ..which is rare.

[@curtisallred7250]

My mom had a 2007 Nissan Versa S and it was a nice car but rear leg space was very uncomfortable. That's 1 thing I didn't like about it. Another thing I didn't like about it was it didn't have cruise control. It was a hatchback with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

[@Dark0blivion]

Awesome! I've been waiting for detailed reviews of this car. :) Any chance you have the new Kia Forte lined up for a review? Cheers!

[@1jtde]

Hi Alex, I watch all your car reviews, the quality of your reviews are beyond compare !! I am in market to buy a sub-compact for commuting to work . Should I wait for the all-new 2015 Honda Fit or buy Versa Note. Back seat leg room is important to me apart from fuel efficiency, style and driver seat comfort.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The Versa's rear seat is enormous but the Fit's driver's seat has been more comfortable in the current generation. I'll have a chance to sample the all-new Fit in April so stay tuned for that video. In general Honda puts fairly aggressive lumbar support in their seats which I prefer but some folks dislike. If you find the Versa's seats to lack in back support, then you'll probably be happier with the Fit. Keep in mind that if you can keep your options to a minimum the Versa will be the cheaper ride.

[@dexz8721]

If you have a a mazda demio 2013 or a nissan note2013 what would you buy

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I would pay for the nav system in the Note if I was buying one, but I love me some gadgets. The Fiesta is more expensive but it does have a nicer interior. The Note is not only cheaper to buy but cheaper to operate so you have to decide what is most important to you.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

That was the new GoPro 3 HD. It has become a staple in this business, it seems that everyone from local news stations to KZbinrs and even Top Gear are using it for car-mounted video.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I'd say that depends on the person's body shape. Long legs and a short torso should be fine. "Average" proportions should be OK as well, taller torsos or heavier folks may find it tight. Over all however the Versa is one of the larger compact cars, if that makes sense.

[@benanderson89]

This is actually the 2nd Generation Nissan Note (I used to have a first generation, which was more an MPV than a straight up hatchback) - its actually a British car and I work at the factory where the European models are built in England. A few american models sit outside my office that they used for testing quite a while ago when trial production runs were ongoing. I will say that I'm disappointed with Nissan North America. This car could've been so much better in your market. The American heating controls look absolutely abysmal, really cheap and nasty compared to the Euro ones (we get a circular LCD cluster with automatic climate control - you can even see the shape of said cluster in the dashboard), we get gloss black interior trim that makes it look far more upmarket, part-leather upholstery, LED backlit dials with a nice futuristic design, autonomous driving aids (lane departure warning, tiredness recognition, blind spot monitoring etc.) a mesh front grill rather than the three bar, a sliding rear bench so you can make the boot even bigger (rivalling a ford S-Max) and a far better range of engines. Where the American market gets a normally aspirated 1.6L Petrol, the Euro market get a 3cy 1.2L Supercharged engine. It has less horse power but more torque so more urgent at the low end revs with the same 0-60 time and fuel economy is in the mid 50s in real world driving on the highway! The star of the show is that we get a 1.5L Turbo Diesel. I have the older version of this engine in a Nissan Juke and at 70mph on the motorway in 6th gear I get around 50MPG (American Metric Gallons). Its weird that the CVT in America gets better economy than the manual - here its the other way around - we must get better ratios. All the extra toys and such does mean the Note is far more expensive in the UK, though. The Acenta on the European market, the equivalent of your SV, costs $19,800! The very top end model Diesel Manual with all the bells and whistles is $23,000! So the trade off for us getting a better car is a pretty steep price hike. It'd be excellent if you could get a British or German market Note to compare the two - unlikely that'd happen but it'd make for an interesting video! :D

[@user-tl2ud2gb5v]

Hi friend. tell me nissan note 2016 year, how to translate consumption in miles to kilometers on the dashboard, and temperature from faringates in Celsius ??

[@remixcombover]

you can get the nav screen and back up camera with a Manual transmission right?

[@danario97]

Could you remind me if this car has direct injection? I forget if it does or not.

[@Gossepenui]

What a nice place!

[@philkumai]

Between the 2014 Nissan Versa Note and the 2014 Ford Fiesta Hatchback, which do you prefer? Also, is it worth paying for the upgrades in the Note such as for the navigation? Thanks!

[@nirvana_heals6644]

I'm thinking about getting one...but the complaints about cvt transmission are hard to ignore. This review has me considering...but it also was new when this review came out...so Idk

[@therealmjfox]

What is the camera setup you used on the roof? That's some nice video

[@RebelinhoKZ]

Alex is a fan of Nissan's!

[@PenguinPillowPet]

Awesome video as always. Is the 6'5" passenger the cameraman?

[@hunnybunny1670]

I have this car and love it so much. I just don’t know how to turn the fog lights on

[@dougk1615]

You can turn them on by twisting the same stick you use to turn the lights on. You just turn it all the way and the fog lights come on as well that's how mine works.

[@djam872]

Just got a 2014 versa note hatchback for 12,888. It's a fun and quick little car, especially with the 5 speed manual!

[@daciaday376]

Which state did you buy the vehicle for that price?

[@michaeldillon1027]

1st and 2nd gear are way too short.

[@ankor7449]

Nissan Note (2) is my favorite car 4ever.

[@thecoolderouen5743]

I just built by versa note on Nissan website, it was 20,120 dollars

[@firstcobra88]

woot! shoutout from SD :D

[@AladdinSaneNYC]

Hi...I dig your review...but I have a question: Do you think I could have a Nissan dealership install both a power sunroof and maybe a powered subwoofer into this vehicle? I refer to the top of the line SL model. I don't know why Nissan didn't give this machine those options. Please inform. Many thanx...Peace! AladdinSaneNYC

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I would probably go for the Versa Note if you want the cheaper ride, the Honda Fit if you are willing to pay for a nicer interior.

[@jayops]

Hey Alex can you review the 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage? It seems to be one of it's competitors and I'm digging it from what I've looked at.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Honestly I find the Mirage to be one of the least appealing cars on the market while I find the Versa Note one of the more appealing cars overall. Value is the key for me. The Versa Note is inexpensive but offers a decent value while the Mirage is frankly just cheap. The 3-cylinder engine is rough, the styling is very 1990s and the Mirage does very little that is class leading or extraordinary. Ford's 3-cylinder Fiesta is smoother, more powerful and just as efficient. The 4-cylinder Versa is far smoother, better to drive, more practical and in my mind worth every penny of its larger price tag. The only thing the Mirage has going for it is the low price tag, however the Versa sedan is still cheaper and a better buy.

[@jayops]

Alex on Autos Fair point sir. To be fair though the 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage comes with a lot more standard features than the 2014 Nissan Versa Note, it gets 37 city/44 highway/40 combined making it the most fuel efficient non-hybrid in America, and it comes with a more generous warranty than Nissan provides. Isn't the Ford 3-cylinder engine an ecoboost engine? I heard those engines have been having a lot of serious recalls, so I personally wouldn't trust those engines for right now. Thanks for answering nonetheless!

[@GianluigiLeopardi]

can you do the review of the sentra?

[@KiwiStar8713]

Would a 6ft 4in Man fit in the Diver's seat?

[@rochiebee3905]

what model stereo is in the car?

[@lindalawon9151]

Is the Continual Variable Transmission CVT more or less safe? Does it break down a lot? Linda Beth Lawson New York

[@yendothegamer9880]

I hear so many mixed things and I also hear how people have gone 220k+ miles with it so take that as you will

[@dweber2383]

can you do a review on the fiat 500L