New Nissan Note premieres advanced safety kit
The all-new Nissan Note has been revealed ahead of its global
debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
The dynamically-styled B-segment contender will be fitted with
safety technology never before seen in a car of this type,
including blind spot warning, lane departure warning and `moving
object detection' systems, the latter of which warns the driver if
something should start moving behind their reversing Note.
Collectively Nissan calls the new technology Safety Shield.
Three trim levels will be available, affecting the level of
standard equipment and also the styling, which varies from
relatively conservative to surprisingly aggressive. The range will
run from Visia up to Acenta and then Tekna at the top.
All models will feature stop-start ignition systems, six airbags
and cruise control with a speed limiter. Acenta models add
air-conditioning, Bluetooth and rear electric windows, while Tekna
models feature the Safety Shield, Nissan Connect online functions,
the clever 360-degree Around View Monitor parking aid, part leather
trim and keyless entry.
The two 1198cc three-cylinder petrol engines are new to the
Note, with a choice of either a normally-aspirated 79bhp version
capable of 60mpg with emissions of 109/km, or a 97bhp supercharged
option with more torque and better efficiency, rated at nearly
66mpg and 99g/km of CO2.
The latter engine is particularly clever in that the
supercharger can disconnect from the combustion cycle on gentle
throttle inputs, reducing friction when the engine has chance to be
most efficient.
At urban cruising speeds it makes a big difference to its
efficiency if used correctly. Both engines are fitted with a
counterbalancing element that reduces the vibration inherent in
three-cylinder engines.
A 1.5-litre 89bhp diesel will also be produced, with emissions
down to 95g/km.
Much of the new Note has been designed specifically for European
tastes after extensive research, according to Nissan. Two new `eco
meters' are displayed on the instrument cluster; one linked to
throttle input and the other to overall efficiency for the current
trip.
Prices are yet to be confirmed but will be released closer to
the car's expected on-sale date in the autumn.
19/02/13
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