Nissan Micra vs. Versa Note comparison ... Did you consider a Note?

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The Toronto Star recently ran a review of the Versa Note that started with...

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The Nissan Versa Note feels their pain. This reborn four-door compact hatchback wasn’t on sale for a year before the bratty Nissan Micra came along and stole its thunder. Trumpeted as the cheapest . . . er, least expensive car in Canada at $9,998, the ovoid little Micra got more press than a Kardashian butt lift.

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Source: http://www.thestar.com/autos/2014/12..._to_offer.html

Not only did the Micra get tons of attention, but Versa Note sales seem to have dropped off considerably since the Micra's arrival. Coincidence?

Some numbers:

• 7977 = Versa sales in the 1st half of the year
• Micra arrives on the scene in May 2014 (first full month of sales)
• Versa sales peaked in June and headed down from there
• 5337 = Versa sales in the 2nd half of the year, down 31% from the first half
• 5808 = Micra sales in the 2nd half of the year

So the Micra is apparently more popular than the Versa Note. How come?

SEE ALSO: Chart: Micra's effect on sales of Nissan's other small cars (vs. Versa, Sentra)


Price?

Obviously if saving money is the highest priority, the base Micra S wins hands down. "Ten Grand Tin Can", baby!

But what about the other trims?

	Starting price	Total MSRP, including shipping & other fees (excluding tax, insurance, license)
Micra S 5-speed manual	$9,998	$11,398
Versa Note S 5-speed manual	$14,298	$15,865
Micra SV 5-speed manual	$13,698	$15,098
Versa Note SV 5-speed manual	$16,098	$17,665
Micra SV 4-speed automatic	$14,698	$16,098
Versa Note SV CVT automatic	$17,398	$18,965

So it seems the price differences are pretty big (however it's also pretty likely the 2014 Versa Notes have discounts available that the Micra doesn't).


Equipment...

The price alone obviously doesn't tell the whole story. What extra stuff do you get in the Note for that extra moolah?

Let's look at standard equipment on the Note SV that isn't standard on the Micra SV (http://www.nissan.ca/en/cars/versa-n...s-specs.html):

• NissanConnectSM with Mobile Apps
• Hands-free text messaging assistant
• RearView Monitor
• Divide-N-Hide® Adjustable cargo Floor
• Sun visors with extensions
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• USB connection port

Other than that, the cars pretty much have the same stuff. Comparing SV manual, is that worth $2567 to you? And consider you can get a bunch of those things by adding the $500 "convenience pack" to the Micra SV.


Styling...

I don't know about you, but the Note's exterior style can't touch the Micra's joie de vivre, which looks like a bundle of fun. The Note is much more serious.

Inside, the cars share many interior pieces -- dashboard components, seats, steering wheel, etc.


Capacity...

It's in the back of the Note where there's a huge difference -- it's like a mini limousine back there. Your rear seat passengers would prefer you bought the Note!

Tons more cargo space, too, especially with the seats folded down.


Fuel economy...

Surprisingly, the Versa Note with the automatic transmission has the best fuel economy rating - even better than the Micra 5-speed for both city and highway.

• Micra 5-speed: 8.6 city / 6.6 hwy
• Versa Note CVT: 7.5 city / 6.0 hwy

This is mainly because the CVT lets the engine settle down to a low, fuel-saving RPM when power is not required.

Have you driven the CVT? Some people don't like them because there's a "disconnect" between the engine RPM and acceleration. They're like a snowmobile or a motorboat: open the throttle and right away you get lots of noise, but it takes a while for the speed to build up.


Driving dynamics...

Aside from the automatic transmissions they should be very similar.

• Engine is the same: 109 hp, 1.6L
• Manual transmission: same
• Curb weight: Micra has about a 100 lb advantage: in 5mt S trim, Micra = 1044 kg (2302 lbs), Note = 1096 kg (2417 lbs). In SV automatic trim, Micra = 1077 (2375) ; Note = 1129 (2489).
• Front & rear stabilizer bars standard on both cars, all trims
• Tires (S & SV): Micra = P185/60R15, Note = 185/65HR15 (specified as low rolling resistance)
• Steering: the Micra may have a faster steering ratio
• Wheelbase: Micra = 2,450 mm (96.5 in.), Note = 2600 mm (102.4 in.)
• Drag coefficient: Micra = 0.315, Note = 0.308

Given these differences, the Micra probably has a slight edge in terms of delivering a "responsive / fun" drive, especially in the automatic: lighter, lower profile tires, shorter wheelbase, possibly quicker steering ratio.

Meanwhile the Note is smoother riding and quieter (especially with the CVT, which revs quite low once at cruising speed).

I did consider the Note, until I drove the Micra, then it was no contest!

I actually haven't driven the Note... but with the same drivetrain & chassis design, are they really that much different?

Though I'm sure the shorter wheelbase makes the Micra more nimble in tight spots.

that was exactly it, add in the styling, the price and the fact that the Micra is a less common sight then the Micra...

also, the lighter weight of the Micra makes it feel quite sportier.

a versa note engine in a smaller, better looking, cheaper car? no contest.

yes there is slightly less space, but i like small cars anyways.

also, i think that price under micra sv auto trim is a typo...the one under 'includes shipping and dest"

Much more attractive styling, better driving dynamics and performance, and the legacy of driving a car that's had the same name since the 1980's...though if there was no Micra in Canada, I probably would've gone for the Note.

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Originally Posted by micrapolis

i think that price under micra sv auto trim is a typo...the one under 'includes shipping and dest"

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Thanks - fixed the typo.

Updated post #1 with a look at standard features on the Nove SV that either aren't available (or are optional) on the Micra SV.

Have a look, and remember the price difference is $2567.

I was expecting a much bigger difference in specs.

Also added a section for "Performance / Driving dynamics..." to post 1.

definitely no because the Note came with a CVT.

Understood. I'm still leery of them as well. But I'd only ever buy a manual anyway, so it's a moot point to me.

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Here's another reason people would be choosing the Note over the Micra

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at the time of this writing, Nissan is offering a $1,850 cash purchase incentive on the Versa Note. For about the same price, which would you rather take?

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Source: http://www.cp24.com/talk-shows/auto-...icra-1.2186819

However this Note advantage is going to disappear permanently in about 9 months when the 2016 Micras start arriving and discounts crop up on the remaining 2015's. Rinse & repeat each year thereafter.

Unfortunately for me I would have preferred the manual but my wife who occasionally would be driving the car isn't comfortable with a manual transmission. Even with the 4 speed auto the Micra isn't too bad.

I did not consider the Note and would not have considered it even if it was the same price as the Micra because I don't like the look of tubular car. I like the more european look of the Micra with a definite angle on the front windshield and the hood. In a tubular looking car like the Note, the windshield seem to be a continuity of the hood and I don't like that. I get it that it's more aerodynamic but that look is now way too common and almost all the small cars are like that. I considered the Fiat and the Mini Cooper, and also the Kia Soul. That was it.

I have to admit I am impressed with how much interior room was in the Note. But the CVT was the deal breaker.

I got a private message from a member who recently traded his Micra for a Note.

He says they went for the Note because...

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Wanted GPS and once I got looking at the SL I fell in love with the options it has for a car that is still under 20K.Also got a good trade in price since only had 19 K kms on the 2015 Micra. I take delivery of the 2017 in a couple weeks.

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I found the seats in the Note to be quite different to the ones in the Micra SV. I did not like the ones in the Note nor did I like the view out the front. The Micra I did like and bought one.

I drove the Versa Note before driving the Micra and I liked it, but I didn't want a heavier car with the same engine. The extra room would be nice but not enough for me to switch.

The CVT was a big reason for not choosing the Versa. I liked the extra room in the back seat and trunk but I just couldn't get comfortable behind the wheel. In an earlier post I said I didn't like the versa seats but they are probably the same. However the combination of seating, view and general feeling I got made the Versa a non starter.

The Micra is now 15 months old and I still like it as much as when it was new. 12,000 km and the only thing wrong that I notice is the under car rattle on a cold morning start up. I think it is a heat shield and it stops within a few seconds.

I had a deal going on a note. Almost bought it but I couldn’t get comfortable in the note. The dealer said to try the Micra and I was more comfortable. The note had a lot more kit but about $3k more. I didn’t mind the note and I liked the CVT. Comfort won over and I’m still enjoying the Micra. It is a little more nimble and easier to drive and park over the note. My next car will have more legroom though. Waiting to sit in the new Kicks which looks like a jacked up Micra. Driving downtown Toronto you really come to appreciate these small cars.

you want the Micra for sure. Versa.... The reason why it comes out Versa is really back down to 06-08 era when corolla, civic count as a compact, and Nissan pull this car, more roomy than those gen's civic & corolla, but count as a sub compact.

This gen's versa is much smaller than the previous one, and much more expensive. For this price, I can get a larger compact car for this price.

Another thing, try the rear seat for this gen's Micra, and Versa. Specially when you wearing your winter coat.

Got this e-mail from a member (MicraJohn) who has traded up to a Note:

(Posted with permission)

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I enjoyed the forum on the Micra but have since traded up to the Versa Note this year. I enjoyed the forum, it was always interesting to read.

Since the Micra was technically the wife's car I was not allowed to go farther than custom rims tinted windows and remote start and actually a trailer hitch. I had a small motorcycle trailer for when we traveled and went camping.

I was also a high mileage driver with the car racking up over 100,000 km in the first year alone.

So far the Versa Note has the remote starter and tinted windows.

The main reason for the change in vehicles was because of the mileage on the Micra, plus the extra room in the rear seat area. I am a large person and as I do fit in the rear seat but just. With the Versa Note there is no comparison in room.

Although I am not a big fan of the CVT transmission ( wife needs the automatic transmission ) I am getting used to it.

But as for the Micra, I did enjoy the drive and it was actually a fun car to drive. But my Micra also came with a few issues:

- First there was the front wheel bearing. That was an issue from the first oil change but they said it was not an issue. But it turned out to be an issue later. LOL

- Then there was some electrical issues. Ended up being a short on an electrical connection that was not covered by the extended warranty.

But other than that great car.

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Originally Posted by neovision1981

definitely no because the Note came with a CVT.

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I didn't like the CVT either. I previously had a Versa 2010 (before the note) and I ended up having lots of issues with. One of them was the dash rattling badly in winter because of the cold. When I test drove the Note on a not that cold fall evening, I heard a little rattle and it was all it took to discourage me. The Micra will occasionally make a few noises first thing in the morning if it's very cold but it's nowhere as bad as what I had with my Versa.

I don't own either, but I test drove both last Monday, back to back. Here's my thoughts on the two.
Micra SV 5sp - FUN!! I love the feel of the 5 speed. There's a very positive feel when you shift into each gear, vs. the rather vague feel of some other cars in the segment. I like the way it shifts. I'm a hair (or a quarter inch of hairs) under 6 feet tall, and had no issues with leg or head room in the driver's seat. Telescopic steering would be nice, but for the price, what do you want?? The power to weight ratio is great. It has plenty of pep. Biggest down side to me was it being a bit noisy at highway speed. Not the worst in the segment by any means (looking at YOU, Chevy Spark), but not the greatest.
Versa Note SV CVT - It's an appliance. I really like the gauge cluster - a LOT. The seats, I found a little more comfortable than the Micra, but negligible. Head room/leg room are close to the Micra from the driver's seat. I didn't like the steering feel at all. Found it very vague, didn't want to come back to centre, and would occasionally just start drifting in the lane, requiring a notable correction. But the worst thing about it was the CVT. There is just no response from it vs. the 5 speed in the Micra. Can't blame the engine, they're the same. It's all transmission. Maybe it would have been better with a stick. About 10 minutes into my test drive, I let out a sigh and said to myself ... I'm driving a refrigerator. It's an appliance. It rolls, it goes from point A to point B, but there is no life to it. It's purely utilitarian. And that disappointed me.

Anyway, those were my back to back driving impressions on the two vehicles. I drove the Hyundai Accent hatch right before (6 speed) and the Kia Rio5 (auto) right after. While I overall was most impressed with the Rio5, possibly because it was the quietest and had heated seats and steering, I'll admit, the Micra was still the most fun to drive of the bunch. I also drove the Chevy Spark yesterday ... and OMG I wasn't 200m down the road when I said "NOPE!" It's truly terrible. From flimsy doors that you have to slam shut to road noise that rivals a top-down convertible.

Welcome to the forum, WalkingBlackBear!

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Originally Posted by WalkingBlackBear

The seats, I found a little more comfortable than the Micra

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Interesting! If I had to bet, I would have said they're the same seat.

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the worst thing about it was the CVT. There is just no response from it vs. the 5 speed in the Micra. Can't blame the engine, they're the same. It's all transmission. Maybe it would have been better with a stick.

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Definitely would have been better with the manual. The CVT is good for a couple of things: fuel economy is far better than a slushbox automatic, and at highway speeds it drops RPM down quite low for pretty relaxed & quiet cruising. But I would always choose the stick myself.

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overall was most impressed with the Rio5, possibly because it was the quietest and had heated seats and steering, I'll admit, the Micra was still the most fun to drive of the bunch.

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Interesting: I took a friend of mine car shopping and she said the same thing: Micra 5-speed was the most entertaining, the Rio was shockingly refined. But she ended up going with an Accent.

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I also drove the Chevy Spark yesterday ... and OMG I wasn't 200m down the road when I said "NOPE!" It's truly terrible. From flimsy doors that you have to slam shut to road noise that rivals a top-down convertible.

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Brand new Spark? I read the redesigned version was supposed to be more refined than the Micra.

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Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Welcome to the forum, WalkingBlackBear!

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Thanks!

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Interesting! If I had to bet, I would have said they're the same seat.

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I would have thought so too, since they were both SV trims ... but my posterior sensed a difference. Maybe it was all in my head though.

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Definitely would have been better with the manual. The CVT is good for a couple of things: fuel economy is far better than a slushbox automatic, and at highway speeds it drops RPM down quite low for pretty relaxed & quiet cruising. But I would always choose the stick myself.

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Ditto. The CVT does a bit better with mileage, but at the cost of removing ALL fun from the commute. Sales guys always give me that puzzled dog head tilt look when you ask them if they have anything in stock with a stick. "You WANT a manual??" Heard that 4 times at 4 dealers in one morning. lol

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Interesting: I took a friend of mine car shopping and she said the same thing: Micra 5-speed was the most entertaining, the Rio was shockingly refined. But she ended up going with an Accent.

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Maybe the Hyundai guys gave her a better deal. They're mostly the same car ... just different styling and interiors at the end of it all. Same motor/trans combos.

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Brand new Spark? I read the redesigned version was supposed to be more refined than the Micra.

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Yep. New 2018. Other than the better sound system/bigger screen/CarPlay+Android Auto setup (with a capacitive screen that DOES NOT WORK if you are wearing gloves ... is this Canada?? Do we not winter here??) it's overall really terrible. I suppose I'd give it an edge in the look/feel of the interior ... but that all goes away once you put it in gear and start moving.

So I'm fairly convinced at this point that I'm going to put a Micra in my driveway later this year. Just wish I could get an S with AC and the 5 speed. Why you can get an S auto with AC, but not the stick boggles my brain cell. Why to manufacturers (all of them, no exceptions) enjoy punishing those of us who prefer a manual transmission??? IE: no more 5 speed with the SR trim! WHY???? Can't we want all of the equipment of the top trim AND a manual?? The one thing that makes me the most insane when looking at cars right now. And so far, only Hyundai has offered to dealer install AC on a base trim. Problem is, they charge almost as much as it is to go to the mid-trim version anyway! But at least they'd do it.

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Originally Posted by WalkingBlackBear

Maybe the Hyundai guys gave her a better deal. They're mostly the same car

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Yes - year end special on a 2017. So it's not the new version. Probably for the best -- buying the first year of a new model invites problems.

re Versa seats...... They look like the ones in the Micra..... Both cars are made at the same plant with the same sub contractors....And yet.......... And yet when I sat in the Versa it felt less comfortable. I think the general ergonomics of the Versa is possibly the problem. I could not find the right position in the Versa and I may well have said "Must be the seat." No way would I have bought a Versa. Overall the drivers position did not fit my average frame. I liked the roomy back seat and bigger cargo area.