2014 Nissan Versa Note takes on the Ike Gauntlet

( www.TFLcar.com ) The 2014 Nissan Versa Note is a small economy car with a not very powerful engine mated to a CVT Transmission. So of course we decide decided to see how it would do taking up the Ike Gauntlet. From Dillion, Colorado to the Eisenhower Tunnel U.S. I-70 climbs 8 miles to a maximum elevation of 11,158 feet or 3,401 meters. That's enough elevation and grade to test a small economy car like the 2014 Nissan Versa Note. In another accurate, informative and fun TFLcar review Nathan and Roman take on the Ike Gauntlet in the new 2014 Nissan Versa Note to see how the CVT handles the steep grade and lack of air density in the Mountains of Colorado.
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[@haleskiss]

I got a note the beginning of the year, have loved it. It is a small car, it isn't going to do big car things, if you ask it to do those type of things of course it's going to have performance issues. Mine has the cvt, I've put 4k plus miles on it: freeway, highway, city and back road, it has preformed admirably. I've climbed steep grades, and taken it over mountain passes, not experienced the whine they complain of (of course I wasn't carrying three large people in it either). Ran 2 hours at close to 80 mph and still pulled 34 mpg. Out of all the small cars I've driven it has a smoothest ride, it does better with road bumps (unless you're dealing with real potholes, which are stupid to hit with any vehicle ). In terms of an eggbeater class, it's a fun little car that has plenty of get up and go, the cabin is comfortable, roomy, and has plenty of cargo area. Also as and added benefit, it is light enough should you find yourself being stuck in snow...you can drag/push it out with human power.

[@Timbrock1000]

I HAVE A VERSA NOTE. Great "little" (only small on the outside. Inside, a 6' tall man can sit comfortably with legroom. Even in the back seat!) car. Not a ferrari, but no trouble keeping up with traffic. 40ish MPG on highway @ 65 MPH. Drop down the back seats, plenty of room for cargo.

[@megannason3649]

I’ve had one of these since 2016, and I love it, super reliable comfortable commuter car. No problems and at 100k miles i am now putting breaks on for the first time and doing a few maintenance things to it. It never claimed to be a sports car but if you want something reliable that is good in the snow, it’s awesome. My only complaint is it will get high centered in deep snow, but thats it

[@jasonrobbind231]

I commute 200 miles a week and average 46 miles a gallon at 5600 ft in Utah. Love the car does exactly what I need it to do. 13.50$ a week at the gas pumps

[@TFLcar]

You are absolutely correct but this one is not all of our fault. The Versa's traction control system kept killing the power when we tried to have a bit of fun. And yes, we turned it off...it still intervened as you can see. Thanks for watching!

[@islandgirl103]

Is this a direct-injected engine on the Note, and did it not have cruise control? Also, you compared it to the Fiesta, but would you three guys actually fit in the Fiesta with its tight back seat?

[@DavidHernandez-oz4me]

Im planning on getting one at the end of the year, I like the idea of space and a hatchback is the only thing that fits in my garage.

[@watchdogs295]

Get a Fiesta ST!

[@aujla7564]

+Tropic Smoke used scion iM

[@buildmorefarms1007]

David did you get one? How do you like it so far?

[@christophers.9873]

This car to me is great. 10.8 gallon tank, 35-40mpg, I kinda decked mine with a stripe and neon underglow inside and outside. So there's a lot of cool details you can do. And 24 seconds 0-60? On a flat surface I've hit 0 to 60 in about 4-5 seconds. Great space, great car.

[@95thRiflesOCI]

I love how nissan puts its innovative all around view camera on this car. Wish other manufactures would do something similar in time.

[@AFreakinProblem]

I drive my wife’s 2011 Versa hatchback. With good tires, this thing hogs the left lane at 70MPH during snowstorms without any issue. It’s also managed to ford a shallow creek and climbed an incredibly steep hill from a standstill during a ridiculous Colorado blizzard.

[@palebeachbum]

I can't believe you guys haven't done this with a Mitsubishi Mirage. Maybe with the updated 2017?

[@edwinj1224]

That's what I was looking for

[@tirthb]

My brain does not but my heart likes TFL car. It is pure fun.

[@RobHeathers]

Have you taken the new Mitsubishi Mirage through the Gauntlet? I would love to see it and its 3-cylinder give it a go.

[@toyota420xp]

Ya do the mirage on the ike

[@RobHeathers]

I agree with what Mr. Perkins says!! I saw a new Mirage in the parking lot at the grocery store...with real state plates on it and not a rental. That means people are actually buying them. Ergo, y'all should do a video to see if they are worth a flying flip.

[@TFLcar]

Emme ran the Fiesta, Sonic and Tesla Model S up the Ike Gauntlet with us along with Andre. We'll be featuring those videos in the next few weeks.

[@Undross]

ahhhh perfect thing to wake up to, a TFL video!

[@staryoshi]

CVT or not, you're still limited by engine power. It will get you from 0 to 60 faster than a conventional A/T, too. When implemented well, CVTs are fine transmissions, even in "sportier" packages ('13 Accord Sport, '14 Forester XT). I love your series, but the constant CVT hate gets a bit grating. The Versa has never been a sporty ride - but it nails the target demographic perfectly.

[@mycull]

I Love these mountain challenges. So awesome guys keep up the great work!

[@wrapman_8852]

I bought the OEM spoiler for $60 recently already color matched. You guys must have bought the spoiler from the STEALERship for $300. I love my Note SV. It's a perfect simple yet updated car. Great for in town and long trips.

[@Moyerboy78]

I ALWAYS drive with my elbow there Nathan! I completely agree with your comments and like that you pay attention to that in your reviews....it's where my elbow rests and my hand is always on the upper edge of the window frame

[@scott8919]

I like seeing these small cars go up the hill. You should do more of them if possible. :-)

[@coureurdebois]

nathan is my favorite car reviewer.

[@nightVzn]

Haha ... crickets & applause @ 13:35 ... love it. Those funny little touches are a big part of the reason I subscribe.

[@FansandCars]

Why isn't cruise control used? It would make it a lot more fair for the towing test. Set it at the speed limit and be done with it? Just seems fairer.

[@Sudz3]

I'd be interested for you to put Cruise Control on, and see what the CVT works out on its own - What RPM, MPG, etc

[@mcfuckweazel]

Works like a dream 👍

[@brain96969]

Motortrend: Dual-clutch transmissions and CVTs can offer up to a 10-percent gain in fuel economy versus a conventional automatic gearbox. General Motors announced its renewed interest in CVTs. Currently Hyundai offers a CVT in the South Korean Market version of the Elantra Hybrid but has plans to offer it in a yet unspecified number of smaller cars.

[@6824096]

You guys should do a video showing and explaining ABS and with and with out stability control now that there is snow just so people know what it is and what it does. I personally know what it is but I just like watching it work. Also traction control too. Do that to the cars and trucks.

[@niuhuskieguy]

They should test CVTs on the Ike gauntlet that is mated to the typical 4 cyl midsized family sedan.

[@petersimmons1264]

while I don't live in the U.S. or Canada (I'm in the UK), so havnt driven a "versa" note (I currently have a uk spec Note Tekna DCi manual which has a totally different interior and is slightly less cheap inside, but the same exterior and some torque) I have had that engine and cvt combo in a juke (and before I get "corrected" in the UK/EU we used to get the 1.6 as a base engine before it was replaced with a 1.2 turbo in the juke) while we do get a touch more power the juke is not a light car and it was ok most of the time, not a hot hatch but not slow, maintaining 70mph on the motorway was easy done at 2000 rev's most of the time and around town was alot more efficient than the manual juke with the same engine I had before that but was thirsty on the motorway.

[@TFLcar]

Yes, we took the Sonic up the Ike Gauntlet vs the Fiesta. Video is coming soon. Please stay tuned.

[@AnnaCatherineC]

How does it do in the snow? I’m looking for my first car. Also, my driveway is 600 ft long and it’s a hill. Would this car do good going up and down my driveway in all types of weather?

[@bbcoachSupermanBR]

Thinking about getting a crosstrek. Also may move to Colorado in a few years....mistake or good purchase?

[@NathanDAdlen]

The CVT noise was not terrible, I would say it's about a 6. The engine had to drone on at about 4,500 rpm and that got loud - about an 8. We reviewed the Impreza about two years back. We already reviewed the XV Crosstrek (which is basically a lifted Impreza) more recently. Thanks for watching!

[@DancinRandy54]

so lucky that u have the whole drag strip to your self!!

[@Dark0blivion]

Speaking of the Honda Fit, you guys should review it before it gets redesigned next year. Just a suggestion. Would give you eventual '14 review some context.

[@jmc6000]

Cracks me up every time I see the intro of the new Jeep Cherokee bottoming out going up that hill!

[@nathanspence4859]

Hey nate, how loud was the cvt goin up? On a scale from one to ten. Ten bein the loudest. Could Yall possibly do a review of the Subaru impreza hatchback? If Yall haven't done it already. Cause I'm thinking about getting one. Thanks. I appreciate it.

[@brain96969]

CVT’s are used on hybrids for a good reason and that is fuel efficiency.

[@jasonl753]

Got a Nissan Armada! Love it. Versa is cute little thing

[@Lucky8s]

+Jason Lee How's that 10 mpg treating ya? lol.

[@LR-us1go]

In Europe, the nissan versa note can get a 1.2 3cylinder without compresser wich puts out 80 hp, a 1.2 3cylinder with compresser with 98 hp, and a 1.5 Renault Diesel DCI with 90 hp ! .

[@brain96969]

They need better sound insulation but that would make them cheep cars more expensive. CVT is relatively new and it needs some improvments

[@NathanDAdlen]

Loveland is great, but we can't maintain a high speed there - and they close it far too often. We do shoot there on occasion, but it's kind of hard to do. Great suggestion nonetheless.

[@Kalebtheslayer]

I have a versa note and it goes 0-60 in under 10 seconds? What did y’all do

[@1guyin10]

That is a workout for any car. We don't have anything quite that bad here in the east, but I-26 from Asheville, NC to Johnson City, TN will definately tell you what a car is made of - as evidenced by all the spots you can see where poorly maintained cars have burned to the ground trying it.

[@nathanspence4859]

Ur welcome. I always enjoy it. Thanks for responding back. That means a lot. Corresponding per say.

[@realalsenor]

You guys crack me up. You expect to get 40+ mpg out of a normally aspirated four banger, and have it give you 0-60 times under 10 seconds? You better get to work on the design of such a car, because it would make you REAL rich. Nissan almost performed a miracle a combination of economy and performance with this vehicle, and all you can do is laugh about how lame it is. Shame on you, grow up.

[@NOLAItsNotOva]

Explain to me why all their cars don't have it then since its so fuel efficient. Also, explain why companies like Ford and Hyundai don't use the CVT and still get the same fuel economy

[@BTC909]

Back seat it great, front seats are tight. Cargo is useless unless the 2nd row is down. Looks good on the outside. The CVT buzz will get old quickly.

[@76carmel]

Are you going east or westbound on the Ike Gauntlet along Interstate 70?

[@NathanDAdlen]

I tried it before. It keeps dropping out of cruise-control when the power is truly needed. When that happens it looses momentum and we have to hammer it to get back to 60.

[@INUMIMI28]

one question, is US Note has 1.2L Supercharger like you get on the Japanese model?

[@stahlight]

Loved this review guys... the car sounds like a motor boat at cruise RPM :D Esepcially when Nathan would let off to keep it at "60" it sounded like a boat in waves lol

[@michaelnobles2643]

I liked the Fiesta Ike Gauntlet challenge. Can't wait for the Sonic!

[@NOLAItsNotOva]

Yes, but like I said before, they aren't necessary. Only reason its cheaper is because it doesn't have a lot of the mechanics a traditional transmission has. Nissan is also famous for transmission issues, so don't expect them to be as reliable. But I digress. Many other vehicles out on the market that can achieve the same, if not better fuel economy than a CVT

[@nessafaceisawesome]

Thank you for the response very helpful! I'm trying to do my research before I buy a new car.

[@680ecks]

I love my cvt .never liked the shifting, most of the time you just smoothly go no drama.

[@raybrig999]

If possible, could you do a Honda Fit/Jazz review too? I want to see how it fares against the Nissan Note.

[@seanragbir94]

Nissan's CVTs are easy to use and there is no need to constantly rev it like that sure a lot of the owners would agree you accelerate then let off the pedal the rpms go down and you pretty much keep the speed like what others have been saying

[@Statimtek]

I would take the Fit over the Versa any day of the week.The seats in the Note don't fold down flat, the Fit has more Horsepower, The Fit gives you more for the money, the reliability of the Fit is better, and as mentioned the Fit doesn't look like a rental car.

[@Kohen4321]

The seats actually do food all the way down

[@A_guan]

When are you guys getting the new 4runner? For review?

[@benigo15]

You keep saying you can't keep the car at 60, why dont you just use cruise control?

[@NOLAItsNotOva]

CVTs are not necessary to get good fuel economy. Just averaged 47.7 mpg in my 2013 Camry doing 65 on the interstate

[@brain96969]

If I am wrong about the CVT’s efficiency then also Toyota engineers that engendered Toyota Prius are wrong since they would get the same or better mpg with the conventional transmission but instead they chose a CVT.

[@NOLAItsNotOva]

The CVT for Audi, Mercedes, etc. is only for base models/base model engines and they offer alternative transmissions. Also, those companies actually make the CVT feel like a normal transmission. They don't drone and cause you to be deaf

[@gregburkhart9764]

Rear spoiler directs air down to keep the rear window clean.

[@frankevich]

Things to like and dislike here. Likes: Just getting out and doing the "IKE" is a great idea. (You don't see the company doing this sort of thing.) Gives us some sense of what the car can do under duress. Dislikes: mocking attitude from the get go by Roman and Nathan. They don't like CVT's (we've learned from other of their reviews) so make fun of the whole car. Very professional, Guys! Granted they admit from time to time during the ascent that, in fact, the car is doing well--except for the noise perhaps (but for some strange reason don't mention engine noise during the Sonic Turbo and Ford Fiesta runs.) In other words, they are pretty much biased against this car from the start, so don't have much good to say for it. Actually, the Sonic at 4 thou revs mostly throughout, sounded as noisy to me as this Nissan Note. Couldn't they have taken along a decibel recorder? No--too busy acting like a couple of goofs--esp. Roman; Nathan seems more serious about making a good job of it--in spite of his bias (more than Roman's). All in all, a great idea for a road test, fatally flawed by bias and excessive clowning around. Get real, Guys!

[@damieg82]

perhaps Nissan should have used the CVT M6 instead, with a tiptronic mode that has 6 fixed ratios to choose from. Can do the same thing they said here, like put in 4th "gear", for those uphill sections

[@dalagnorak1986]

Owner of a 12 Versa HB 6 spd with only 52K on it, everything about it is dirt cheap but paid it off quickly.

[@Dankcatvacs]

now that you compared a nissan note cvt , how about a nissan altima v6 cvt see how a cvt is less annoying with the given power!

[@Veyronp87]

BLISTERINGLY FAST.how did you guys hold on???

[@brain96969]

Because people are used to the sound of few gears and the CVT is something strange to them because it has infinite number of gears. Of course Ford uses the CVT in it’s C-Max Hybrid and the Fusion Hybrid.

[@lffit]

Based on the Renault Clio, they dont sell many here in France, but in general other Nissan models sell well

[@bigpoppa1992]

Where's the video of the other 2 cars going up there?

[@wmsantiagophotography]

I have never heard it called the gauntlet, when did that start. You should have went over Loveland Pass.

[@jtr990]

Shouldn't they be taking a Nissan Versa Note S with a manual transmission alongside the Sonic & Fiesta?

[@brightivan]

what.... right after fishing the new lexus??

[@niuhuskieguy]

@ 1guyin10: I took that route going to South Carolina last year in my Subie and had no issues. Just did the same trip and route in my dad's 5 series and no issues as well. The biggest difference was less shifting in the BMW due to it having more power.

[@umaxen01]

In Colorado, you need a turbo car. I think a new VW Turbo Diesel would be a GREAT pick for these conditions.

[@Dark0blivion]

CVTs are an easier way to maximize fuel economy, especially in city driving. That is why you're seeing Honda/Toyota/Subaru/Nissan etc are all migrating to it. Even the 2014 Civic is getting a CVT to replace its 5-speed auto.

[@ПетрСидоров-ы6г]

hi, i have nissan note verso 2016, sv, bought in america, i live in ukraine, tell me how to change the speed from mile to kilometers on the dashboard, and the air temperature from faringates to celsius. thanks

[@stevelovescars]

A good friend recently needed an inexpensive car and was able to get a Versa Note with a manual trans for $11,999 plus tax (after dealer discounts) and with 0% financing. Frankly, we had a hard time even finding a used car with less than 80k miles on it for less than $10k and Japanese cars were nearly as much as her note with 100k miles on them. At that price this car makes sense. Why anyone would chose one of these close to the loaded $20k price point like the tested car is beyond me, though.

[@nlpnt]

Pretty much what I was thinking, if you're budget is 20k and you want a seriously nice car that's a subcompact hatch, there are more compelling options (like that Sonic Turbo). Plus you'd probably want a stick on a car like that and the CVT is mandatory on all but the most basic Versa and Note.

[@lffit]

Many makers are now using CVT's, why I have no idea when conventional automatics were ok, but I am not a fan of any auto small car.

[@cancercell1]

does that thing not have cruise control?

[@brain96969]

The RPM’s are high with any transmission when you want to accelerate fast. If all Nissan cars with a strong engine were to drone like that on the highway, they would get 10 mpg. If the CVT’s were "useless" and would deliver worse mpg, no manufacturer would build them in their cars since nobody would buy a 10 mpg droning car. It’s simple, demand and supply

[@brain96969]

If the CVT is that bad, why are Audi, Mercedes, Lexus and many other car manufacturers making cars with CVT? To see all cars with CVT go to Wikipedia; Vehicles with CVT transmission

[@brain96969]

"A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is a transmission that can change seamlessly through an infinite number of effective gear ratios between maximum and minimum values. This contrasts with other mechanical transmissions that offer a fixed number of gear ratios."

[@wvcorvetteman]

I think we really needed Mr Truck on this review in the back seat. I'm not hating I'm a big fellow too. Maybe you guys should put suit cases in the truck full of clothes to simulate going on a ski trip or something.

[@catfishmudflap]

No, I have seen her here with Roman and Nathan. Was I dreaming?

[@boberson33]

I believe they already did 2 videos on the '14 4runner

[@brain96969]

Yes, Audi and Mercedes offer more expensive none CVT transmissions for their more expensive cars. This Nissan "drones" because it has a small engine going up the hill 60+ mph with 3 big men inside. It would also "drone" if it had a standard transmission because the engine is at it’s limit.

[@talltomrich1]

Speaking of Sebastien Loeb...i've always thought you guys should "rally test" some of your cars. Plenty of dirt roads here in Boulder/Summit County!

[@rubrostro]

They have cvt trans on other cars with bigger engine you guys picked the smallest engine you could find

[@likatz21]

What is the top speed on that versa ?

[@FrenchVries]

Keep in mind it's uphill. :)

[@judacomadc]

Try to do this on the Honda Fit or a Mazda 2... I'm a fan of yours and I've always liked your videos even this one but you always talk a lot of styling which is very subjective and ambiguous, you hate this car but compare it to a Fiat Palio or a Renault Sandero which are some options that we have here in south america... And also I've driven 1.4L cars with less than 100 HP on the roads on my country that can easily reach 11500ft and with no complains... Anyways I have to say this video was great

[@tmwall25]

man colorado looks soo cool!!! plus ganja is legal. id love to move there.

[@staryoshi]

The price of used cars has shot up so dramatically it's not always worthwhile to buy used. For example, a used 2010 Rav4 Limited with 40k miles goes for close to $25k. You can buy a new '14 Forester 2.5i Premium at that price.

[@jmc6000]

I think it would have been much easier to set the cruise at 60 instead of going in and out on the go pedal.

[@Trehugindrtlvr1]

I bought a base Versa. I hate it. It's awful. Buy a used Yaris or Fit or Fiesta if you want a cheap little commuter 5-seater. What kills me is I bought an 01 Saturn SL back in the day - absolute base model (and at the time, pitched itself as the cheapest car you could buy new) and that car was 1,000 times better in every aspect than this.

[@NDSautomotive]

Can you do the chevy sonic up the Ike Gauntlet. Also do deferent cars doing this

[@brain96969]

Motortrend: Hyundai is shooting for a corporate average fuel economy of 50 mpg by 2025. Not only is it planning on offering more engines that utilize direct injection and turbocharging, but it is also looking to replace its current line of torque-converter- equipped automatics with dual-clutch units and continuously variable transmissions.

[@nessafaceisawesome]

What is CVT??