Nissan Note e-POWER

The other day, my mother-in-law replaced her car. Until now, she had been driving a barebones second-generation Toyota Vitz with almost no options, but with the recent news about accidents involving elderly drivers, my husband and his brother started saying, “We need to get her a car that drives better and has solid safety features.”

After my husband researched various cars day and night, he decided to buy the Nissan Note e-POWER for her. The car was delivered recently, and both my husband and I had the chance to drive it, so today I want to share my impressions.

By the way, the Nissan Note e-POWER my mother-in-law bought is a nearly new car with just 12 km on the odometer, equipped with almost every option except Intelligent Cruise Control:

• Grade: e-POWER X
• Color: Garnet Red
• Tires/Wheels: 185/65R15 88S tires & 15-inch aluminum wheels (15×5.5J)
• Manufacturer options:
  • Intelligent Around View Monitor (with moving object detection) + Intelligent Rearview Mirror (with Around View Monitor display) + Heated door mirrors
  • Nissan original navigation installation package + steering wheel switches (audio, hands-free phone)
  • Heated door mirrors + PTC element heater + rear heater ducts + high-concentration antifreeze
  • LED headlamps (low beam, auto-leveling, projector type, with LED position lamps)
• Dealer options:
  • Door visors
  • AVIC-RW710 (Pioneer navigation system)
  • Floor mats
  • ETC
  • Drive recorder

Test Driving the Note e-POWER

My first impression when I saw the Note was, “The red body color is really beautiful.” Mazda’s red is also beautiful, but Nissan’s red is stunning too. Also, since it’s an “e-POWER,” the blue line on the front grille adds a nice accent.

The doors felt surprisingly heavy and solidly built. When I opened the door and got inside, the steering wheel, instrument cluster, and center console all felt quite nice in terms of quality.

The Vitz my mother used to drive had light doors, a very plastic-feeling interior, and the meter cluster was mostly painted black except for the speedometer, which gave a “meh” impression. But the Note felt properly made.

While the interior isn’t luxurious, I think it’s important that it uses reasonably good materials. In fact, my mother said, “The inside looks fancier than my previous car, so I’m happy driving it.”

When I started the engine, it made a “whoooosh” sound typical of electric vehicles, and it was very quiet. The shift lever looked like a computer mouse, and I was momentarily confused, thinking, “How do you operate this?” But pushing the lever up puts it in “R,” and down puts it in “D,” so it’s the same operation as a typical car and not difficult.

Once I started driving, I was surprised by the firm suspension. I had once borrowed a Toyota Aqua for a day as a loaner, and its suspension was soft and unstable, making it scary to drive (though it was an older model). So compared to that, the Note’s suspension felt reassuring.

Regarding handling, at first, I found myself making wider turns than intended and had to adjust the steering angle (which makes sense since you can’t corner like a Porsche or BMW here), but once I got used to it, it was fine.

There are three driving modes: “NORMAL,” “ECO,” and “SPORTS.” I first tried NORMAL mode, and both the accelerator and brake felt natural, making for a comfortable drive. The hill in front of my house was no problem when I pressed the accelerator, and there was no feeling of “not moving despite the noise.”

Next, I tried ECO mode. The moment I eased off the accelerator, the brakes engaged immediately, and I thought, “What’s going on?” But this is the “e-POWER Drive” system that allows one-pedal driving.

In both ECO and SPORTS modes, lifting off the accelerator causes strong deceleration, which is handy in stop-and-go traffic or on winding roads where frequent speed adjustments are needed. Indeed, on downhill slopes, I could drive without using the brake pedal, just like engine braking, which was very comfortable.

Driving with one pedal reduces the chance of pedal misapplication, so as someone with elderly parents, this gives me some peace of mind.

Both ECO and SPORTS modes provided sufficient power on regular roads and hills, but I felt a bit like the power was being held back, as if being pulled from behind (though fuel efficiency improves significantly). So, I personally preferred driving in NORMAL mode.

The rear seats are quite spacious—seemingly roomier than the Volkswagen Golf 7 we used to have. My daughters also rode in it and loved the roomy, comfortable space.

When I asked my mother-in-law how she felt about driving it, she said:

“It’s really great. On the highway, where before she couldn’t overtake because of lack of power, with the Note she can easily pass. Also, in eco mode, you can operate it with just the accelerator pedal, so no worries about pressing the wrong pedal. Parking is easier too.”

Well, it’s not like a fantastic Volkswagen Golf that makes you want to drive forever or is super fun to drive (understandable given the price and class), but it’s a well-made car that exceeded my expectations and is more than enough for city driving.

Next, I’ll share my husband’s impressions.

Next page → Husband’s thoughts on the Nissan Note e-POWER