2024 Nissan Note Review For The New Zealand Buyer
The Nissan Note remains a top choice in New Zealand’s electrified compact car market, thanks to its efficient e-POWER system that combines electric motor drive with petrol engine range. Its compact size is ideal for city driving, while a spacious interior comfortably fits five. Packed with advanced safety and connectivity features, it offers reliable, eco-friendly performance for urban commuters and families alike—competing with models like the Toyota Aqua, Honda Fit Hybrid, and Suzuki Swift Hybrid.

The Note is a leading compact car, known for its innovative e-POWER technology, spacious interior, and urban practicality. We’ll explore the features, trims, performance characteristics, and ownership considerations—helping you decide whether this efficient electrified hatchback aligns with your driving needs and budget.
The Nissan Note delivers exceptional fuel economy through its unique e-POWER technology, reliability, and urban practicality at a competitive price point. Its advanced e-POWER drivetrain, spacious interior design, and comprehensive safety features make it an ideal choice for eco-conscious drivers and daily commuters. While dominating the compact electrified segment, it faces competition from the Toyota Aqua, Honda Fit Hybrid, and Suzuki Swift Hybrid.
If interested in buying the Nissan Note, we have prepared a separate Buyer’s Guide with details on what to look out for when buying a used one and the common pitfalls to avoid. Click here to purchase the Buyer’s Guide.
Engine Options
The 2024 Nissan Note comes with one highly efficient powertrain:
- 1.2L HR12DE-EM Engine + Electric Motor e-POWER System (Combined output: 136 horsepower)
Transmission Options
The 2024 Nissan Note is equipped with a fixed-ratio gearbox that works seamlessly with the e-POWER system, where the electric motor directly drives the wheels while the petrol engine acts solely as a generator to charge the battery.
2024 Nissan Note Grades
- Nissan Note S
- Nissan Note X
- Nissan Note X FOUR (AWD)
- Nissan Note AUTECH
- Nissan Note NISMO
For a detailed review of these grades and the best pick while buying this car, kindly refer to the 2024 Nissan Note Buyer’s Guide.
2024 Nissan Note Interior

The 2024 Nissan Note interior demonstrates Nissan’s expertise in maximizing space efficiency within a compact footprint, creating a surprisingly spacious and comfortable cabin for five passengers. The dashboard features a modern, flowing design with high-quality materials and intuitive control placement. The instrument cluster combines analog gauges with a central digital display that provides e-POWER system information, energy flow data, and vehicle status indicators in clear, easy-to-read formats.
The front seats offer excellent support and comfort with good visibility thanks to the upright seating position and expansive glass areas. The seats feature durable fabric upholstery designed for long-term use, while higher grades include premium materials and enhanced comfort features. The driver’s seat provides multiple adjustment options to accommodate different body types, while the steering wheel includes mounted controls for audio, cruise control, and e-POWER system functions.

The rear seating area maximizes passenger space through clever packaging, providing generous legroom and headroom for adult passengers despite the compact exterior dimensions. The 60:40 split-folding rear seats allow for flexible cargo and passenger configurations. When folded, the seats create a flat loading floor that significantly expands cargo capacity for shopping, sports equipment, or small furniture items.
Storage solutions are thoughtfully integrated throughout the cabin with numerous compartments, cupholders, and device storage areas. The dashboard includes convenient storage for smartphones and small items, while door panels feature bottle holders and additional pockets. The center console provides secure storage for valuables, and overhead compartments offer space for sunglasses and small accessories. The e-POWER system’s compact battery placement ensures that interior storage is not compromised.

The 2024 Nissan Note addresses modern connectivity requirements with a touchscreen infotainment system featuring smartphone integration capabilities. Standard equipment includes multiple USB charging ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and auxiliary input options. The system supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for seamless device integration, allowing drivers to access navigation, music, and communication apps safely while driving.
2024 Nissan Note Exterior
The 2024 Nissan Note presents a contemporary and aerodynamically optimized design that balances visual appeal with functional efficiency. The front fascia features Nissan’s V-Motion design language with a distinctive grille pattern and integrated LED headlights that provide excellent illumination while contributing to the vehicle’s modern appearance. The bumper design incorporates aerodynamic elements and practical features including fog lights on higher grades.

The side profile showcases clean, flowing lines with subtle character details that add visual interest while maintaining the aerodynamic efficiency crucial for e-POWER fuel economy. Large windows provide excellent outward visibility while contributing to the airy interior atmosphere. Body-colored door handles and side mirrors create a cohesive appearance, while the carefully sculpted body panels reduce wind resistance and noise.

The rear design features distinctive LED taillights with unique light signatures that provide excellent visibility and modern styling. The tailgate opens upward for easy access to the cargo area, with a relatively low loading height that facilitates loading and unloading. The rear bumper incorporates practical elements including reflectors and aerodynamic features that contribute to the vehicle’s overall efficiency.

Higher-grade variants feature distinctive styling elements including unique wheel designs, special exterior accents, and premium trim pieces that enhance the visual appeal. The NISMO variant includes sporty design elements such as unique grille treatment, side skirts, rear spoiler, and distinctive badging that emphasize its performance-oriented character while maintaining the e-POWER efficiency focus.
2024 Nissan Note Cargo Capacity
The 2024 Nissan Note offers a practical and well-designed cargo space for a compact electrified vehicle. With the e-POWER battery smartly placed beneath the floor, the Note retains a usable boot capacity of around 340 litres in its standard configuration—sufficient for everyday errands, groceries, or small luggage. Folding down the 60/40 split rear seats significantly increases cargo volume to approximately 1,100 litres, allowing room for larger items like suitcases, strollers, or sports gear. The Note’s flexible layout and flat load floor make it highly usable for urban and light travel needs, offering more space than many competitors in its class.
2024 Nissan Note Fuel Consumption
- 1.2L e-POWER System fuel consumption: 28.4 km/L (WLTC standard)
- Real-world fuel consumption: 25-30 km/L (depending on driving conditions)
2024 Nissan Note Fuel Tank Capacity
The 2024 Nissan Note has a fuel tank capacity of 41 liters, providing excellent driving range when combined with the efficient e-POWER drivetrain.
2024 Nissan Note Ground Clearance
The 2024 Nissan Note has a ground clearance of 125mm (4.9 inches), optimized for urban driving conditions and smooth road surfaces while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency.
2024 Nissan Note Performance
The 2024 Nissan Note is powered by Nissan’s innovative e-POWER technology, featuring a 1.2L petrol engine that acts solely as a generator to charge a lithium-ion battery, which powers an electric motor producing 136 hp that directly drives the wheels. This unique setup delivers smooth, silent electric motor performance with the convenience and range of a petrol engine.

The e-POWER system provides instant torque delivery characteristic of electric motors, offering responsive acceleration and seamless power delivery. The system operates in electric mode at all times, with the petrol engine automatically starting and stopping as needed to maintain battery charge. Driving modes—Normal, Eco, and S-Mode—let drivers tailor performance to conditions and preferences, with S-Mode providing enhanced regenerative braking for one-pedal driving.
Ride comfort is enhanced by a well-tuned suspension and low center of gravity from the battery placement, while light, responsive electric power steering ensures easy urban maneuverability. The Note’s compact dimensions and tight turning radius make it exceptionally maneuverable in city traffic and parking situations.
Safety is comprehensive, with Nissan Safety Shield featuring automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and standard systems such as ABS, vehicle stability control, and multiple airbags throughout the cabin.
2024 Nissan Note Reliability
Nissan’s reputation for reliability extends to the Note, which benefits from the proven e-POWER technology that has been successfully deployed across multiple Nissan models. The e-POWER system utilizes robust components designed for long-term durability, while the petrol engine features Nissan’s latest efficiency technologies. The lithium-ion battery pack is designed for the life of the vehicle and comes with comprehensive warranty coverage.
The electrical systems and e-POWER components are engineered for reliability in diverse operating conditions, while the body construction includes extensive corrosion protection measures. Regular maintenance according to Nissan’s specifications ensures optimal performance and extends vehicle lifespan. The simplified drivetrain design with the electric motor driving the wheels directly contributes to long-term reliability and reduced maintenance requirements.
2024 Nissan Note Maintenance Schedule
At 5,000 km, the 2024 Nissan Note requires engine oil and oil filter change for the generator engine. At 10,000 km, comprehensive inspection including air filter, cabin filter, brake system inspection, tire rotation, and all fluid level checks are required. The e-POWER system requires periodic inspection of the battery cooling system and electrical connections.
The regenerative braking system reduces wear on conventional brake components, extending brake pad and rotor life significantly compared to conventional vehicles. Regular tire pressure monitoring and wheel alignment checks help ensure optimal fuel economy and tire life. The e-POWER system’s self-diagnostic capabilities monitor component health continuously.
For a comprehensive maintenance schedule, refer to the 2024 Nissan Note Owner’s Manual.
2024 Nissan Note Competitors
- Toyota Aqua
- Honda Fit Hybrid
- Suzuki Swift Hybrid
- Mazda Demio/Mazda2 Hybrid
- Toyota Vitz/Yaris Hybrid
- Honda Insight
If interested in buying the Nissan Note, we have prepared a separate Buyer’s Guide with details on what to look out for when buying a used one and the common pitfalls to avoid. Click here to purchase the Buyer’s Guide.
If you are looking to purchase the Nissan Note, email us directly via info@newzealandmotors.com, and we will get back to you immediately.
