Nissan’s 2017 Versa Note gets some plastic surgery ahead of L.A. debut

By Stephen Edelstein Published November 11, 2016

The Nissan Versa Note hatchback has sat near the bottom of the Japanese automaker’s lineup largely unnoticed since its introduction to the United States in 2013 alongside the Versa sedan. For the 2017 model year, it at least gets a styling update to help attract more attention.

Debuting at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show next week, the 2017 Nissan Versa Note is actually pretty much identical to the 2016 model, except for the revised styling and some content changes. The subcompact hatchback now boasts the “V-Motion” grille used on most other Nissan models, plus new headlights and a rear fascia previously used only on the (mildly) sporty Versa Note SR model.

Recommended Videos

The interior gets some minor changes, including larger cup holders, a second 12-volt outlet on certain trim levels, and relocation of the first 12-volt outlet and USB port to the front of the center console. The Versa Note is still available with a decent amount of tech, including a NissanConnect infotainment system with voice control, navigation, a mobile app suite, and Around View Monitor camera system.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

The 2017 Versa Note sticks with a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine, which sends 109 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is now mandatory, as Nissan ditched the five-speed manual previously offered on base models. Nissan recently debuted a hybrid powertrain for Japanese-market models, but it’s unlikely that it will be offered in the U.S.

Nissan eliminated the Versa S base model, which started below $16,000, but didn’t even include basic features like power windows and door locks. Pricing for the remaining trim levels remains unchanged, meaning the 2017 Versa Note starts at $16,345 (including destination).

The 2017 Versa Note will be one of three Nissan debuts at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show. Nissan will also show a special edition of the Juke called the Black Pearl, as well as a special version of the updated 2017 Rogue tying in with Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The carmaker will also debut one more unspecified model.

Topics

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Cars

Costco, Electrify America add EV-charging stations in three states

costco electrify america add 50 ev charging stations in three states ea chargers 1280

Costco, which had abandoned offering EV charging 12 years ago, is getting serious about resuming the service.

Over a month ago, the big-box retailer once again put its brand name on a DC fast-charging station in Ridgefield, Washington, that was made by Electric Era .

Cars

Mini’s infotainment system is very charming, but still needs work

Main screen of the Mini infotainment system

When you think Mini, you probably don’t think of infotainment. Personally, I think of the British flag taillights, the distinct exterior, and the surprising room on the inside. But after driving the Mini John Cooper Works Countryman over the past week, infotainment might well be something I think of more often when it comes to Mini. It’s charming.

It also, however, suffers from all the traps that other legacy automakers fall into when it comes to software design. Mini has something on its hands here — but it still needs some work.
Bringing the charm
The first thing that stood out to me about the system when I got in the car was how fun it was. That all starts with the display. It’s round! No, it’s not curved — the screen is a big, round display sits in at 9.4 inches, and I found it plenty large enough for day-to-day use.

Cars

Plug-in hybrids are becoming more popular. Why? And will it continue?

Kia Niro EV Charging Port

There's a lot of talk about the idea that the growth in electric car sales has kind of slowed a little. It's not all that surprising -- EVs are still expensive, early adopters all have one by now, and they're still new enough to where there aren't too many ultra-affordable used EVs available. But plenty of people still want a greener vehicle, and that has given rise to an explosion in hybrid vehicle sales.

That's especially true of plug-in hybrid vehicles, which can be charged like an EV and driven in all-electric mode for short distances, and have a gas engine as a backup for longer distances or to be used in combination with electric mode for more efficient driving.

nproxy.org