The Nissan Note III (E13) Aura e-POWER 1.2, launched in June 2021, represents a significant evolution of Nissan’s supermini offering, particularly within the Japanese and European markets. This variant utilizes Nissan’s innovative e-POWER technology, a series hybrid system, and is distinguished by its 204 horsepower output and standard all-wheel drive configuration. Positioned as a premium trim within the E13 Note lineup, the Aura e-POWER aimed to provide a compelling blend of fuel efficiency, performance, and advanced technology in the competitive B-segment hatchback class. It builds upon the foundation of the E13 platform, shared with other Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance vehicles.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Nissan |
| Model | Note |
| Generation | Note III (E13) Aura |
| Type | e-POWER 1.2 (204 Hp) Hybrid 4WD Automatic |
| Start of production | June, 2021 |
| Powertrain Architecture | FHEV (Full Hybrid Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 4.58 l/100 km (51.4 US mpg, 61.7 UK mpg, 21.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.01 l/100 km (58.7 US mpg, 70.4 UK mpg, 24.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.40 l/100 km (53.5 US mpg, 64.2 UK mpg, 22.7 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.7 kg/Hp, 148.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 13.3 kg/Nm, 75.2 Nm/tonne |
| Battery technology | Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) |
| Battery location | Below the floor, under the front seats |
| Electric motor power (1) | 136 Hp @ 3183-8500 rpm (300 Nm / 221.27 lb.-ft. @ 0-3183 rpm) |
| Electric motor model/code (1) | EM47 |
| Electric motor location (1) | Front, Transverse |
| Electric motor type (1) | Synchronous |
| Electric motor power (2) | 68 Hp @ 4775-10024 rpm (100 Nm / 73.76 lb.-ft. @ 0-4775 rpm) |
| Electric motor model/code (2) | MM48 |
| Electric motor location (2) | Rear axle, Transverse |
| Electric motor type (2) | Synchronous |
| System power | 204 Hp |
| Engine power | 82 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Engine torque | 103 Nm @ 4800 rpm (75.97 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | HR12DE |
| Engine displacement | 1198 cm3 (73.11 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 78 mm (3.07 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 83.6 mm (3.29 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 12:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, VVT |
| Kerb Weight | 1370 kg (3020.33 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1645 kg (3626.6 lbs.) |
| Max load | 275 kg (606.27 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 36 l (9.51 US gal | 7.92 UK gal) |
| Length | 4045 mm (159.25 in.) |
| Width | 1735 mm (68.31 in.) |
| Height | 1525 mm (60.04 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2580 mm (101.57 in.) |
| Front track | 1510 mm (59.45 in.) |
| Rear track | 1510 mm (59.45 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 130 mm (5.12 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.4 m (34.12 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE drives generator, two electric motors drive front and rear wheels |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 1 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 205/50 R17 89V |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The core of the Note Aura e-POWER lies in its unique powertrain. It’s not a traditional hybrid where the engine directly drives the wheels. Instead, the 1.2-liter HR12DE three-cylinder gasoline engine functions solely as a generator, charging a lithium-ion battery. This battery then powers the electric motors that drive the front and rear wheels, providing all-wheel drive capability. The HR12DE engine produces 82 horsepower and 76 lb-ft of torque. The engine utilizes multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with variable valve timing (VVT) for improved efficiency. Two electric motors are employed: a 136 hp motor driving the front wheels (EM47) and a 68 hp motor powering the rear wheels (MM48). The combined system output is 204 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The single-speed automatic transmission delivers seamless power delivery, optimized for the electric drive system.
Driving Characteristics
The e-POWER system delivers a driving experience unlike most conventional hybrids. Because the engine isn’t directly connected to the wheels, there’s no traditional engine drone during acceleration. Instead, the car feels remarkably like a fully electric vehicle, with instant torque and smooth, linear acceleration. The all-wheel drive system provides enhanced traction, particularly in inclement weather. While the 204 hp output is respectable, the Note Aura e-POWER isn’t a performance-oriented vehicle. The focus is on efficient and comfortable driving. The single-speed transmission, while simplifying the driving experience, doesn’t offer the gear ratios for maximizing acceleration like a multi-gear automatic or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Aura trim level, being the top-spec variant, came generously equipped. Standard features typically included Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist driver-assistance system, which combines adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. Interior appointments featured premium cloth or leather upholstery, a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a comprehensive suite of safety features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Optional extras could include a Bose sound system, heated seats, and a panoramic sunroof.
Chassis & Braking
The Note Aura e-POWER utilizes a McPherson strut suspension setup at the front and a torsion beam suspension at the rear. This configuration balances ride comfort and handling. The added weight of the battery pack and electric motors necessitated a slightly stiffer suspension tuning compared to the standard Note models. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs at the front and drum brakes at the rear. The inclusion of ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, providing enhanced stopping power and stability.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Nissan Note e-POWER, and particularly the Aura trim, was well-received in markets where it was offered. Critics praised its fuel efficiency, smooth driving experience, and innovative powertrain. Compared to other B-segment hatchbacks with traditional internal combustion engines, the Note e-POWER offered significantly better fuel economy. Against other hybrid and electric vehicles in the same class, it provided a compelling value proposition, offering a good balance of features and price. However, some reviewers noted the lack of a traditional gearbox and the slightly higher initial cost compared to non-hybrid versions.
Legacy
The Nissan Note e-POWER represents a significant step in Nissan’s electrification strategy. The e-POWER technology has proven to be reliable, and the powertrain has demonstrated good long-term durability. On the used car market, the Note Aura e-POWER holds its value relatively well, due to its fuel efficiency, advanced technology, and unique driving experience. The E13 Note, and the e-POWER variant specifically, helped pave the way for Nissan’s broader adoption of electric and hybrid technologies in its future vehicle lineups.
