{"id":2833,"date":"2020-04-02T22:06:06","date_gmt":"2020-04-03T02:06:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/?p=2833"},"modified":"2025-03-07T09:26:56","modified_gmt":"2025-03-07T14:26:56","slug":"2019-nissan-versa-note-sv-road-test","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/2019-nissan-versa-note-sv-road-test\/","title":{"rendered":"2019 Nissan Versa Note Road Test"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"2019
The 2019 Versa Note might now be discontinued, but it’s still a good little economy car worth your attention.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Does the idea of purchasing an inexpensive, economical yet very comfortable, roomy and practical hatchback at zero-percent financing sound like a good idea right now? If so, I recommend taking a closer look at the new 2019 Versa Note<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, a 2019<\/a> model is hardly \u201cnew\u201d this far into 2020, but it nevertheless is a new car that\u2019s never been licensed and therefore qualifies for new car financing and leasing rates, plus it comes with a full warranty. <\/span><\/p>\n

As it is there are too many Versa Notes still available on Nissan Canada\u2019s dealer lots, so the automaker has created an incentive program to sell them off as quickly as possible. This benefits you of course, so it might be a really good idea to find out if this little car suits your wants and needs, because the price is right. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"2019
The Versa Note’s tall roofline and long wheelbase provide a lot of interior room.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Versa Note<\/a> was discontinued last year, but cancelling a car doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s not worth buying. In actual fact, Nissan\u2019s second-smallest model is an excellent city car that\u2019s also better than most on the highway, plus it offers more passenger and cargo room than the majority of its subcompact rivals. It just happens to be past its stale date, having already been replaced by two trendier subcompact crossover sport utilities dubbed Kicks<\/a> and Qashqai<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Those wanting Nissan\u2019s latest styling will be happy to find out the Versa Note<\/a> received an update for its 2017 model year, incorporating most of the brand\u2019s latest frontal styling cues for much more attractive styling than the previous incarnation. The Note doesn\u2019t include a floating roof design, like the Leaf<\/a> EV and most other new Nissan models, while its taillights are also unique to the model, but its hind end is nevertheless attractive and overall shape easy on the eyes. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"2019
The Versa Note SV comes with these attractive 15-inch alloy wheels.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At least as important, the Versa Note<\/a> provides a taller driver and passengers a lot of headroom due to its overall height, making the car feel more like a small SUV than a subcompact city car. The seats are particularly comfortable as well, due to memory foam that truly cushions and supports one\u2019s backside, plus the upholstery in my top-line SV model was very good looking, with an attractive blue fleck pattern on black fabric. The driver\u2019s seat even includes a comfortable minivan-style fold-down armrest on its right side. <\/span><\/p>\n

Additional niceties include a leather-clad steering wheel rim, stylish satin-silver spokes, and a tilt steering column. Nissan adorns each dash vent with the same silver surface treatment, not to mention both edges of the centre stack and the entire shift lever surround panel. <\/span><\/p>\n

Also impressive, my tester\u2019s upgraded instrument cluster features backlit dials and really attractive digital displays. It\u2019s so stylish that it makes the centre touchscreen seem dowdy by comparison. Truth be told, the main infotainment display is graphically challenged, particularly when put beside some of Nissan\u2019s more recently improved models, but it more than does the job and is user-friendly enough, while at 7.0 inches it\u2019s reasonably bit for this class, which provides good rear visibility through the reverse camera. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"2019
The Note is a comfortable well designed car that’s perfect for those not needing all the latest technologies.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While there isn\u2019t much to criticize the Versa Note<\/a> about, no telescoping steering means it might not fit your body ideally. I have longer legs than torso and therefore had to crank the seatback farther forward than I normally would so as not crowd my legs and feet around the pedals, which worked but would\u2019ve caused me to think twice about purchasing one. <\/span><\/p>\n

On a much better note, those in back will find a lot more legroom than most subcompact contemporaries (the Versa Note is actually classified as a mid-size model), this thanks to a very long wheelbase, which makes the Versa Note<\/a> perfect for taller than average folks. Rear passengers will find a comfortable folding armrest in the centre position, with the usual twin cupholders integrated within, another duo of cupholders can be found on the backside of the front console. Lastly, a magazine pouch is included on the backside of the front passenger\u2019s seat. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Note is also great for hauling loads of gear. It gets the usual 60\/40 split-folding rear seatbacks, but its innovative Divide-N-Hide adjustable cargo floor doesn\u2019t follow the subcompact herd. It can be moved up or down as required, meaning you can stow taller items in the latter position or otherwise awkward cargo on a flat load floor when slotted into the former. You can fit up to 532 litres (18.8 cubic feet) behind the rear seats, incidentally, or 1,084 litres (38.3 cu ft) of what-have-you by lowering both rear seatbacks. That\u2019s very good, by the way. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"2019
The SV gets an upgraded gauge cluster that’s really attractive.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For its price range the spacious Versa Note<\/a> gets its fair share of equipment, but like all new cars this depends on which trim is chosen. Of note, the sportiest SR mode was discontinued for 2019 and the more luxurious SL was dropped for 2018, but Nissan brought in a $700 SV Special Edition<\/a> package for this final year, which includes a set of fog lights, a rear rooftop spoiler, and Special Edition badges on the outside, plus proximity keyless entry for access to the cabin along with pushbutton start\/stop to get things going once strapped inside, while other goodies include an enhanced NissanConnect infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, plus satellite radio. <\/span><\/p>\n

A quick look at my test model\u2019s photos will show no fog lights or rear spoiler, so I won\u2019t be directly reporting on the 2019 SV Special Edition<\/a>, but its 15-inch alloys make it clear that this isn\u2019t a base model either (the entry-level Note S<\/a> gets 15-inch steel wheels with covers). The regular SV starts at $18,398 and includes the aforementioned gauge cluster upgrade as well as the leather-clad steering wheel also noted before, along with powered door locks with remote access, power windows, a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), cruise control, a six-way manual driver\u2019s seat (featuring height adjustment), heated front seats, a cargo cover, plus more. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"2019
Nissan includes a large 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard equipment, but even when upgraded in SV trim its graphics look a bit dated.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Base S<\/a> trim, which starts at $14,698 plus freight and fees, is the only 2019 Versa Note<\/a> trim that can be had with a five-speed manual gearbox (you could get a manual with the SV for the 2018 model year), but base buyers should know the CVT can be added for a mere $1,300 extra. Transmission aside, base S trim also gets a set of powered and heated exterior mirrors, a four-way manual driver\u2019s seat, air conditioning, a less comprehensively equipped 7.0-inch infotainment system, Bluetooth hands-free with streaming audio, phone and audio switchgear on the steering wheel, a hands-free text message assistant, Siri Eyes Free, auxiliary and USB ports, four-speaker audio, etcetera. <\/span><\/p>\n

All the usual active and passive safety gear is included as well, of course, but those wanting the newest advanced driver assistance systems like collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blindspot monitoring with lane departure warning, or active cruise control with Nissan\u2019s semi-autonomous ProPILOT assist self-driving tech had better choose one of the automaker\u2019s more recently introduced subcompact crossovers. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"2019
The Versa Note’s front seats are extremely comfortable, although not all body types will fit ideally due to no telescopic steering.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Let\u2019s be nice and call the Versa Note<\/a> traditional instead of antiquated, because at the end of the day it goes about its business very well and therefore delivers what many consumers require from a daily commuter. While hardly as technologically advanced or trendy in design, the Note nevertheless provides comfortable seating and a very good ride for its entry-level price range, plus decent get-up-and-go when pushing off from standstill or while passing, plus its CVT is ultra smooth. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Versa Note uses the same 1.6-litre four-cylinder as the smaller Micra<\/a>, making an identical 109 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque. That means the bigger, heftier model doesn\u2019t feel quite as quick off the line. The Note\u2019s purpose is more about fuel economy anyway, and with that in mind it manages a claimed five-cycle rating of 8.6 L\/100km city, 6.6 highway and 7.7 combined with its manual, or 7.6 city, 6.2 highway and 7.0 combined with the CVT. That doesn\u2019t seem all that great until comparing it to the Micra that has the same 1,092-kilogram curb weight when fully loaded as the Note<\/a>\u2019s base trim (the Note SV as-tested hits the scales at 1,124 kg), but still only can manage 7.9 L\/100km combined with its manual and 8.0 combined with its four-speed auto. I think the similarly roomy Honda Fit<\/a> is a better comparison, the innovative subcompact capable of 7.0 L\/100km combined with its six-speed manual or just 6.5 with its most economical CVT. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"2019
The rear seating area is very spacious with excellent headroom and legroom.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As for handling, the Micra<\/a> has the Versa Note beat any day of the week. In fact, Nissan Canada uses the Micra in a spec racing series, something that would be laughable in the more comfort-oriented Note. The larger hatchback is particularly tall as noted, so therefore its high centre of gravity works counter to performance when attempting to take corners quickly, but then again if you don\u2019t mind a bit of body roll it manages just fine. Better yet is the Versa\u2019s roomy comfort, whether tooling through town or hustling down a four-lane freeway where it\u2019s long wheelbase aids high-speed stability, it\u2019s a good choice. <\/span><\/p>\n

If you think this little Nissan might suit your lifestyle and budget and therefore would like to take advantage of the zero-percent financing mentioned before, I\u2019d recommend checking out our 2019 Nissan Versa Note Canada Prices<\/a> page where you can browse through all trims and packages in detail, plus quickly scan colour choices within each trim, while also searching for the latest manufacturer rebates that could save you even more. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"2019
The Versa Note is big on cargo room and load versatility.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Better yet, a CarCostCanada membership provides access to dealer invoice pricing that could save you thousands when making a purchase. Everything just mentioned can be accessed at the CarCostCanada website or via a new downloadable CarCostCanada app, so make sure to check your phone\u2019s app store. This said, ahead of calling your local Nissan retailer to purchase a new Versa Note<\/a>, or connecting with them online (and it\u2019s a good idea to deal with them remotely right now), be sure to do your homework here at CarCostCanada so you can claim the best possible deal. <\/span><\/p>\n

Story credit: Trevor Hofmann <\/span><\/p>\n

Photo credits: Karen Tuggay<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Does the idea of purchasing an inexpensive, economical yet very comfortable, roomy and practical hatchback at zero-percent financing sound like a good idea right now? If so, I recommend taking a closer look at the new 2019 Versa Note. Of course, a 2019 model is hardly \u201cnew\u201d this far into 2020, but it nevertheless is […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":2835,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-container-style":"default","site-container-layout":"default","site-sidebar-layout":"default","disable-article-header":"default","disable-site-header":"default","disable-site-footer":"default","disable-content-area-spacing":"default","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[31,224,104,59,102,456,97,480,79,78,210,100,479,478,253],"class_list":["post-2833","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-carcostcanada","tag-31","tag-car","tag-cheap","tag-compact","tag-hatchback","tag-inexpensive","tag-nissan","tag-percent","tag-review","tag-road-test","tag-small","tag-subcompact","tag-sv","tag-versa-note","tag-zero"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2833","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2833"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2833\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2856,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2833\/revisions\/2856"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2835"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2833"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2833"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2833"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}