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.

[cdman]

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.

[raven]

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...

[chip]

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.

[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.

[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!

[robertgraves]

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

[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!

[yakadee]

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.

[vms]

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.

[AAutoBuyersGuide]

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

[eggbertsouse]

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.

[speedfiend]

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. 

[magneticdraw]

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

[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.

[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]

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.

[chrisjaytabarejo]

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.

[nikemac]

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

[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!!!

[AAutoBuyersGuide]

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