Nissan Officially Launches 2013 Note B-Segment Hatchback in Geneva

Ever since Nissan showed off their Invitation concept, at last year's edition of the Geneva Motor Show, and announced that it previews the next generation of their popular Note hatchback, we knew they were planning a change of style. Sure, the old Note was a practical and spacious car, but let's face it; it was just a bit boxy and uninspiring to look at.

Thankfully, the 2013 model changes all that, with more pronounced flanks, and generally more voluptuous shapes, hiding its still rather upright shape with some clever styling cues which are now the norm on a style-obsessed European supermini market.

Set to go on sale in Europe later this year, the new Note will be powered by a base 1.2-liter petrol engine, with 80 hp and 110 Nm (81 lb-ft) of torque, as well as a supercharged 1.2-liter DIG-S unit also available on the Micra. The force-fed petrol unit puts out 98 hp and 142 Nm (105 lb-ft) and is actually more efficient than the normally-aspirated variant.

A Renault-sourced 1.5-liter DCi diesel will also be available, and with 90 hp and 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) it will move the compact Note with ease. Furthermore, it is easily the most efficient engine on offer, boasting a claimed figure of 3.6 l/100 km (78.5 mpg UK) – considerably better than the supercharged petrol engine, which manages a very respectable 4.3 lt/100km (65.7 mpg UK).

The Note will be built in Nissan's Sunderland plant, in the UK, alongside the Juke compact crossover as well as the Europe-bound all-electric Nissan Leaf.

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