The Nissan Note I (E11), particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2010, represented Nissan’s entry into the increasingly popular subcompact hatchback segment in Europe and other international markets. Produced from 2010 to 2012, this generation Note aimed to provide a practical and affordable vehicle with a focus on interior space and usability. The 1.6-liter (110 horsepower) variant occupied a mid-range position within the Note lineup, offering a balance between fuel efficiency and performance, appealing to buyers seeking a step up from the base 1.4-liter engine. This model was primarily sold in Europe, Japan, and Australia, where subcompact hatchbacks are highly sought after for their maneuverability and low running costs.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Nissan |
| Model | Note |
| Generation | Note I (E11, facelift 2010) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 (110 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2010 |
| End of production | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.5 l/100 km (27.7 US mpg, 33.2 UK mpg, 11.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg, 51.4 UK mpg, 18.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg, 42.8 UK mpg, 15.2 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 183 km/h (113.71 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.1 kg/Hp, 99.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.2 kg/Nm, 138.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 110 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 68.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 153 Nm @ 4400 rpm (112.85 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | HR16DE |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.6 l (4.86 US qt | 4.05 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 5.6 l (5.92 US qt | 4.93 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1107 kg (2440.52 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1560 kg (3439.21 lbs.) |
| Max load | 453 kg (998.69 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 280 l (9.89 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 437 l (15.43 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 46 l (12.15 US gal | 10.12 UK gal) |
| Length | 4100 mm (161.42 in.) |
| Width | 1690 mm (66.54 in.) |
| Height | 1550 mm (61.02 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2600 mm (102.36 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11 m (36.09 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 175/65 R15; 185/65 R15; 185/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 15; 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Note 1.6 was the HR16DE engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine was a member of Nissan’s HR series, known for its relatively simple design and focus on reliability. The HR16DE featured multi-point fuel injection and a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. This configuration allowed for efficient combustion and a reasonable power output for its displacement. The engine produced 110 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 153 Nm (113 lb-ft) of torque at 4400 rpm. The engine’s design prioritized fuel efficiency and smooth operation over outright performance. The 5-speed manual transmission was the standard offering, providing a direct connection between the engine and the front wheels. The transmission was chosen for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, contributing to the Note’s affordability.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6-liter Note offered a noticeable improvement in performance compared to the base 1.4-liter model. While not a particularly sporty vehicle, the 1.6 provided adequate acceleration for everyday driving situations, including highway merging and overtaking. The 0-60 mph time of around 10.2 seconds was typical for a subcompact hatchback of this era. The five-speed manual transmission allowed drivers to keep the engine in its optimal power band, maximizing acceleration. The gear ratios were tuned for fuel efficiency, resulting in a slightly less engaging driving experience compared to vehicles with closer-ratio gearboxes. The suspension was tuned for comfort, providing a relatively smooth ride over uneven road surfaces. However, this came at the expense of handling precision, with noticeable body roll during cornering.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6-liter Note typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features. These included power windows, central locking, air conditioning, and an audio system with CD player. Higher trim levels, such as the Visia, Acenta, and Tekna, added features like alloy wheels, climate control, and a trip computer. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a focus on durability and practicality. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, navigation system, and parking sensors. The Note’s interior was designed to be spacious and functional, with a focus on maximizing passenger and cargo space.
Chassis & Braking
The Note I (E11) utilized a front-wheel-drive platform with a McPherson strut suspension in the front and a rigid axle suspension in the rear. The front suspension incorporated a coil spring and anti-roll bar to improve handling stability. The rear suspension was designed to be compact and cost-effective. Braking duties were handled by disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety by preventing wheel lockup during hard braking. The steering system was a rack and pinion type with electric power assistance, providing light and easy steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Nissan Note 1.6 was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and affordable subcompact hatchback. It was praised for its spacious interior, fuel efficiency, and comfortable ride. However, some critics noted its lack of sporty handling and somewhat uninspiring engine performance. Compared to other subcompact hatchbacks in its class, such as the Volkswagen Polo, Ford Fiesta, and Renault Clio, the Note offered a competitive level of equipment and value for money. The 1.6-liter engine provided a noticeable performance advantage over the base 1.4-liter engine, making it a popular choice for buyers who wanted a bit more power. Fuel economy was comparable to other vehicles in its class, with combined fuel consumption figures around 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg).
Legacy
The Nissan Note I (E11) 1.6-liter variant has proven to be a relatively reliable vehicle in the used car market. The HR16DE engine is known for its durability and low maintenance costs. Common issues are typically limited to routine wear and tear items, such as brakes, tires, and suspension components. The Note’s simple design and readily available parts contribute to its affordability and ease of repair. While not a particularly collectible vehicle, the Note I (E11) 1.6 remains a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking a practical and reliable subcompact hatchback.
