Nissan takes on Vauxhall’s Meriva with Note

Launched in Japan last January, the Nissan Note should arrive in Europe by the end of 2005. This 399cm long MAV shares its platform with the Nissan Micra, the Renault Modus and Clio III, with a wheelbase stretched to 260cm though.
In the boot, we notice a 25cm deep underfloor cavity. Besides, the cockpit is sprawn with storage spaces, which somewhat compensates its lack of flexibility , if compared to the Meriva’s.
Under the short bonnet, we find a 1.5 petrol engine combined with a CVT transmission. In Europe, a diesel dCi unit coupled with a manual gearbox should be available, as opposite to the 4WD transmission.

Nissan promises the Note will be a very dynamic car: it might become a tough competitor for the Vauxhall Meriva, the Renault Modus and the Fiat Idea.