The 2014 Nissan Versa® NOTE™ is powered by a new high-efficiency 1.6-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine capable of delivering 109-horsepower and 107 poundfeet of torque. The all-new second-generation hatchback wears the PUREDRIVE™ badge. PUREDRIVE™ badges indicate utilization of Nissan’s advanced low-emission technologies that promote ecofriendly driving by focusing on improving fuel efficiency and reducing C02 emission levels (one of the main causes of greenhouse gases).
Drivetrain
The Versa NOTE’s HR16DE engine is equipped with the Nissan dual-injector system. This system places two streamlined injectors mounted 60 mm from the inlet valve for each cylinder to help promote stable combustion. The dual-injector system provides a wider injection spray angle and helps to closely target sprays of fuel. They are designed with smaller nozzle holes that require a fuel pressure of only 51 PSI while achieving a 57 percent finer particle size than the previous generation injectors. The dual-injector system leaves fewer deposits on the intake manifold, which helps to reduce the unburned residual fuel after combustion. This allows the use of a new catalyzer design that requires about half the amount of rare metals to further reduce the unburned fuel (hydrocarbon emissions).
The engine, which is more compact and lighter weight than the previous HR16DE, adds a twin Continuous Variable Valve Timing Control (CVTC) system that is mounted on both the intake and exhaust ports. Similar to the system on the Maxima, the CVTC measures intake flow and engine rpm, then continuously adjusts the moment each valve breathes in. It achieves this with high flexibility in valve timing operation, resulting in combustion efficiency throughout the power-band. A fuel efficiency improvement is provided by optimizing both intake and exhaust side timing according to rpm. By using CVTC on the outlet port, the engine adjusts exhaust valve timing to increase torque while improving thermal efficiency and lowering inhalation resistance. CVTC results in optimal engine performance and economy, whether you are looking for torque off the line or some high-end passing power. The addition of a piston oiling jet, tuned piston upper top shape, and an expansion of the exhaust manifold diameter also help combustion efficiency.
Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission)
The 2014 Versa® NOTE™ S model is equipped with the RS5F91R 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive, but the S Plus and SV models come standard with the next-generation Xtronic CVT® for small-displacement engines. The RE0F11A CVT is equipped with the highly sophisticated electronic control technology called Adaptive Shift Control (ASC). The CVT is smaller, lighter and more efficient than its predecessor. It is composed of a pair of conical pulleys that adjust continuously to control the width of the gap between the pulley halves. The flexible steel belt has multilayered steel rings on both sides that also adjust. So, along with the change of the pulley groove width, the belt contact radius is changed. The wrapping radius of the steel belt and the continuous adjustment of the pulleys from low status to overdrive status allow continuous and step-less gear shifting. In this CVT, the pulleys have also been repositioned higher in the case, which keeps them from having contact with the transmission fluid since the transmission was downsized. Since the pulleys are positioned higher, they do not agitate the oil, which helps with friction reduction.
Aiding efficiency of the CVT is an integrated auxiliary gearbox, using planetary gearing to expand the available forward gear ratios. The new CVT design allows a broader range of transmission drive ratios, more than 20 percent higher than can be found in conventional CVTs or even typical 7-speed transmissions. The auxiliary gearbox is composed of a planetary gear, multi-disc clutch and a multi-disc brake. The auxiliary gearbox raises the available transmission ratio from 6.0:1 to 7.3:1. The mechanism performs stepped down transmission shifting (1-2 gear shifting and reverse gears are changed with the planetary gear mechanism). The TCM monitors the driving conditions, such as the vehicle speed and the throttle position. It then selects when the gears change steps to optimize the gear ratio. It does this by sending a command to the step motor to adjust the pulley ratio, and the shift control valve by controling the flow-in/flow-out of line pressure from the primary pulley. This determines the position of the moving-pulley to control the gear ratio.
With step-less shifting of gear ratios, the CVT can avoid the shift shock and provide the CVT’s continuous change of gear ratio transmission. The automatic CVT optimizes engine rotation at all speeds. This helps the new Versa® NOTE™ keep its engine at the lowest possible rpm for any given driving situation to achieve an impressive 40 highway mpg.
CVT Fluid Cooler and Fluid Warmer System
The Versa® NOTE™ CVT is equipped with a CVT cooler and fluid warmer installed on the front part of the transaxle assembly. When the engine is started while the engine and CVT are cold, engine coolant temperature rises more quickly than CVT fluid temperature.
The CVT fluid temperature sensor detects CVT fluid temperature via the use of a thermistor. The thermistor changes resistance in relation to CVT fluid temperature, thus changing the signal voltage back to the Transmission Control Module (TCM). The TCM evaluates the CVT fluid temperature from the signal voltage value.
The CVT Fluid Cooler and Fluid Warmer system is provided with two circuits for CVT fluid warming and engine coolant, respectively. The oil warmer circuit uses a heater thermostat which starts opening under low temperature conditions before the completion of an engine warm-up. This allows the warmed engine coolant to help warm the CVT quickly. It fully opens at the completion of the engine warm-up. Warming up the CVT fluid temperature when it is lower than coolant temperature helps shorten CVT warm-up and helps generate less friction, which helps improve fuel economy during startup.
After the engine and CVT reach normal operating temperature, the coolant circuit provides a cooling effect to prevent excessive CVT heat build-up.
NOTE: Engine coolant is normally cooler than CVT fluid at normal operating temperatures.
A CVT fluid cooler (water cooling) is installed in the radiator side tank (right side). A CVT fluid cooler (air cooling) is installed at the vehicle front. These two systems help to cool the CVT fluid with engine coolant and air flow as the heater thermostat opens or closes at a set temperature.
NOTE: When the CVT fluid temperature is high, the gear shift maximum revolution and maximum torque are reduced more than usual to prevent increase of the oil temperature. The vehicle should return to its normal operating condition when CVT fluid temperature lowers sufficiently.
Steering, Suspension and Brakes
In addition to the advanced engine and transmission designs, excellent everyday drivability is provided by an independent MacPherson front strut suspension with stabilizer bar. The suspension stroke has been increased, which allows increased damping force. Torsion beam rear axle suspension with integrated stabilizer bar helps keep you flat through the corners and enhances handling. Other standard equipment includes Electric Power-assisted Steering (EPS) to reduce steering effort. EPS helps enhance overall fuel economy because it does not use engine power like a belt driven hydraulic steering system and operates only when steering assist is needed.
The EPS torque-assist software has been tuned to optimize steering effort at different speeds.
The power-assist increases at lower speeds, and it decreases as vehicle speed increases for better handling at higher speeds.
Speed-Sensitive Power-assisted brakes help reduce driver effort during stopping. The front disc brakes are vented to enhance cooling, which helps reduce brake fade under high-speed application or continuous brake application. 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) is standard on all Versa® NOTE™ models.
VDC/TCS/ABS System
The system varies fluid pressure of each brake caliper and each wheel cylinder to increase, hold or decrease pressure. This is done according to signals from the control unit in the ABS actuator and electric unit (control unit). This control system is applied to the VDC, TCS, ABS and EBD functions.
Exterior
The 2014 Versa® NOTE™ exterior shape takes some design cues from the Altima and Maxima. Utilizing Nissan’s global “V” platform, the Versa® NOTE™ features a long 102.4-inch wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs to provide a sporty stance and maximize interior roominess. Key exterior features include large multi-reflector halogen headlights, rear combination lights with aero flares for improved aerodynamics and a wide sweeping grille with deep front fascia. Fog lights and heated side view mirrors are available options on SV with SL Package. With its steeply sloped front windshield, sculpted front doors and dramatic character lines, the Versa® NOTE™ achieves a drag coefficient of 0.298 (CVT-equipped models). Attention to aerodynamic detail was used even in the selection of the one-piece wiper blades. The CVT-equipped Versa® NOTE™ models come standard with Nissan’s first-ever Active Grille Shutter, which helps reduce drag by controlling airflow into the engine compartment. Contributing to the aerodynamic efficiency are front fascia air deflectors and rear tire air deflectors. The taillights include an outlet vent that helps reduce turbulence at the rear of the vehicle. The Versa® NOTE™ rides on 15-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers and 185/65HR15 all-season tires, while 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 195/55HR16 all-season tires are available. Low rolling resistance tires are standard on the CVT-equipped models.
Interior
The roomy interior is also a perfect match for the stylish Versa® NOTE™ exterior. Some available interior features are 4-way adjustable front bucket seats (S, S Plus), with 6-way seats on the SV. Other features include: AM/FM/CD/Aux-in audio system with 4 speakers speedsensitive volume control, an auxiliary input jack, and a 12-volt power outlet. The Versa® NOTE™ S Plus and SV include standard a Remote Keyless Entry system (RKE). They also include driver’s seat lifter, Fine Vision instrumentation, upgraded trip computer, front and rear power windows with driver’s one-touch down, auto door locks, and cruise control.
Available Versa® NOTE™ technology includes Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Ignition and integrated Intelligent Key system for USB/iPod®. When a compatible US B memory device or iPod is plugged into the USB jack, compatible audio files stored on the device can be played through the vehicle’s audio system.
A Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, RearView Monitor and SiriusXM™ Satellite Radio (SiriusXM™ subscription required, sold separately) are also available. Versa® NOTE™ provides a spacious total interior volume of 115.5 cubic feet, with 21.4 cubic feet of cargo space.
Interior versatility is enhanced through use of an available Divide-N-Hide® Adjustable Floor. The adjustable floor allows lifting up the cargo floor board which provides a hidden area to keep valuables out of sight. Lowering the floor board creates a deeper well for carrying taller or bulky items. With the standard 60/40-split fold-down rear seat folded down, a large flat cargo area is created.
NissanConnectSM with Navigation
NissanConnectSM with Navigation is available on the SV that puts everything a customer will need at his/her fingertips with music, maps and so much more. Customers will be able to connect a phone for smart features, like Bluetooth® streaming audio and Pandora® audio mode, or find that new sushi place utilizing the up-to-date Google™ Points of Interest capability. Customers will even be able to have their text messages sent straight to their car. NissanConnectSM with Navigation includes:
- A 5.8-inch color touch-screen display
- Nissan Voice Recognition for audio and navigation
- NavTraffic and NavWeather
- POIs powered by Google™
- Google™ Send-to-Car
- Pandora® radio capability (iPhone® only)
- Streaming audio via Bluetooth®
- Hands-free text messaging assistant
The RearView Monitor (with SV Convenience Package and SL Package)
The RearView Monitor is an available option that has been added to the 2014 Versa® NOTE™ with the SV Convenience Package and SL Package. The RearView Monitor uses a camera mounted in the rear license plate finisher to help enhance visibility when backing up.
Around View® Monitor (with SL Technology Package)
Around View® Monitor is also an available option that has been added to the 2014 Versa® NOTE™ when equipped with the SL Technology Package. The Around View® Monitor uses four super wide-angle cameras, mounted in the grille, outside mirrors and rear license plate finisher. The system provides a virtual 360° view of objects around the vehicle, and transmits a bird’s eye view image to the LCD monitor. This helps the driver see various views of the position of the vehicle to assist them when maneuvering the car into tight spaces when parking.
Safety and Security
The Versa® NOTE™ is equipped with Nissan’s Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual stage supplemental front air bags that help reduce the driver’s and frontpassenger’s risk of serious injury during certain frontal collisions.
Driver and front-passenger seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain sideimpact supplemental air bags deploy when the air bag sensors detect that a significant side impact is occurring.
The Versa® NOTE™ comes standard with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS ) for monitoring tire pressure and Easy-Fill Tire Alert is available on the SV and standard on the SL . The new NOTE™ is equipped with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) that uses various sensors to monitor driver inputs and vehicle motion under certain driving conditions. The VDC function helps to automatically adjust power and apply the brakes individually as necessary to help the driver maintain control. The Versa® NOTE™ also includes a Traction Control System (TCS) to help enhance drivewheel traction when accelerating. The TCS senses wheel spin at all speeds and automatically reduces power to help limit wheel slip.
It is also equipped with: Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system and child safety rear door locks.
Maintenance Tips
Extended Storage Switch
If any electrical features or systems are not working, first check the extended storage switch is in the customer delivery position. Make certain the position is engaged (push down/in) before delivery to the customer.
Rear Hatch Release
The rear hatch release mechanism allows the rear hatch to be opened in the event of a discharged battery. To release the rear hatch from the inside of the vehicle:
Fold the rear seats down.
Insert a suitable tool in the access opening and move the release lever to the right to unlatch the rear hatch door.
Continuously Variable Transmission Fluid
Use only Genuine Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3. Using transmission fluid other than the specified NS-3 Fluid will damage the CVT, which is not covered by warranty.
The all-new Versa Note will be offered with S, S Plus and SV grade levels - along with a Convenience Package, SL Package and SL Tech Package.
Versa® NOTE™ will be assembled by Nissan Mexicana SA de CV in Aguascalientes, Mexico.