Introduction
The Nissan Note E11 (2005–2012) and E12 (2012–2020) are two generations of the same compact five-door hatchback, but buying an E12 becomes more complicated once e-POWER enters the frame. Unlike conventional petrol Note, an e-POWER model has a petrol engine that generates electricity, while an electric motor drives the wheels. In other words, it feels more like an electric car from behind the wheel, even though you still fill it with petrol.
That’s why simply searching for a “Nissan Note hybrid” can be misleading. Not all Note is powered the same way, and the differences can affect fuel consumption, maintenance, driving feel, and the price you should be willing to pay for a used example.
The E11 is the simpler, older choice, while the E12 gives buyers more options, including e-POWER. Understanding that split is the first step toward choosing the right Note.
Best Suited For
The Nissan Note makes the most sense when its compact size, and efficient powertrains match your daily routine. I would narrow it down to these buyers.
The high-mileage city driver: E12 e-POWER. If you spend hours in traffic and cover many kilometers each month, this is my first choice. The electric-motor drive feels particularly natural in stop-start conditions, and potential fuel savings become more meaningful as your monthly mileage increases.
The budget-conscious commuter: E11 1.5L petrol. For someone who mainly wants inexpensive, straightforward transport, I’d look for a well-maintained E11 with the HR15DE 1.5-litre petrol engine. It lacks the newer e-POWER technology, but that’s also part of its appeal: fewer hybrid-specific components and usually a lower purchase price.
The mixed city-and-highway driver: E12 1.2L petrol. If your driving is split between urban errands and longer highway journeys, I’d favor the conventional petrol E12. You get the newer generation’s improved interior, and equipment without paying extra for e-POWER, which may not provide as much benefit on long, steady runs.
The buyer who wants a small, easy-to-live-with hatchback: E12 petrol. If parking space, running costs, and everyday maneuverability matter most, the E12 is the Note I’d choose.
The Note is not the car I’d recommend for someone regularly facing deep ruts, poor ground clearance, heavy towing, or needing seven seats. In those situations, its strengths simply aren’t the right ones. And if you’re comparing compact hatchbacks, it’s worth seeing how the Nissan Note compares with the Honda Fit before making the final call.
Quick Reference: Nissan Note at a Glance
| E11 (2005–2012) | E12 (2012–2020) | E12 e-Power (2016–2020) | |
| Engine | 1.5 HR15DE (JDM); 1.4 CR14DE | 1.2 HR12DE; 1.2 supercharged HR12DDR | 1.2 HR12DE used only as a generator, plus an EM57 electric motor |
| Drives the wheels | Petrol engine | Petrol engine | Electric motor only |
| Power (approx.) | ~109 PS (HR15DE) | ~79 PS (HR12DE); ~98 PS (HR12DDR) | ~109 PS / 254 Nm at the motor |
| Transmission | CVT, some 4-speed auto | CVT | Single-speed, direct motor drive |
| Drivetrain | FWD; 4WD on some JDM | FWD; 4WD on some JDM | FWD |
| Claimed economy (JC08) | ~18–19 km/L | ~24–26 km/L | ~34–37 km/L |
| In one line | Taller and roomier, the simplest to service | Lower, lighter, a big jump in economy | Drives like an EV, no charging, thrives in traffic |
Nissan Note Generations Explained
First Generation Nissan Note E11 (2005–2012): The Practical Original
The E11 is the straightforward Note: a roomy little hatchback built around conventional petrol power and everyday practicality.
Most Japanese-market E11s use the HR15DE 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, paired with a CVT, although smaller engines and different transmissions were offered in some markets. There was also the HR12DE 1.2-litre three-cylinder in later applications. Compared with many small hatchbacks of its era, the E11 made clever use of its interior space, with a relatively tall cabin and flexible rear seating.
The E12 that followed was more modern and generally more efficient, with a sharper interior, newer safety equipment and a more contemporary driving experience. The E11’s advantage today is its price: a clean example can be considerably cheaper to buy, and its conventional petrol drivetrain is familiar to independent mechanics.
At high mileage, inspect the CVT carefully for shuddering or hesitation, listen for suspension knocks, and check the condition of the engine mounts, air-conditioning, and steering components. Parts for the HR15DE are generally straightforward to source because the engine was used across several Nissan models.
One small E11 detail worth knowing: the rear bench can slide, allowing you to choose between extra passenger legroom and additional luggage space. It’s one of those features that seems minor until you’ve actually loaded a Note for a long trip.
Second Generation Nissan Note E12 (2012–2020): Smaller Engine, Better Economy
The E12 turned the Note into a more modern and efficiency-focused hatchback, with smaller engines and, from 2016, the unusual e-POWER system.
Japanese-market E12 petrol models commonly use the HR12DE 1.2-litre three-cylinder, with a CVT, while some versions received the supercharged HR12DDR 1.2-litre three-cylinder. The major addition came in 2016, when Nissan introduced e-POWER. It combines the HR12DE petrol engine with a generator and electric motor, meaning the petrol engine produces electricity while the electric motor drives the front wheels. There is no conventional plug-in charging.
Compared with the E11, the E12 is slightly lower and wider in feel, with a more contemporary cabin and improved equipment. Later cars could also be fitted with Nissan’s Around View Monitor and Safety Shield technologies, depending on the grade. The result is a Note that feels noticeably more sophisticated without becoming difficult to drive.
For a used buyer, the E12 is my preferred generation. Petrol versions remain relatively simple, while e-POWER models are particularly appealing for heavy urban use. For a high-mileage example, I’d check the CVT on conventional petrol cars and, on e-POWER versions, look carefully for warning lights, unusual noises, and evidence of neglected servicing. Suspension wear, engine mounts, and air-conditioning performance are also worth checking.
The interesting detail is that an e-POWER Note can feel almost like an electric car in traffic even though you’re still buying petrol at the station. That’s why I wouldn’t judge it by the badge or the word “hybrid” in an export listing alone.
If you’re choosing between small Japanese hatchbacks, the Toyota Vitz vs Nissan Note comparison is a useful next comparison, but for me, a clean E12 remains the Note I’d search for first.
What Nissan Note e-Power Actually Is
The Nissan Note e-POWER is a petrol-powered car in which the petrol engine never drives the wheels; it acts as a generator, while an electric motor provides the driving force. That’s the key to understanding why the Note feels so different from an ordinary petrol hatchback. Nissan describes the system as a series hybrid: electricity from the engine and battery powers the motor, which accelerates the wheels.
From the driver’s seat, the effect is noticeable almost immediately. The motor responds with the instant torque you’d expect from an EV, making the Note particularly pleasant in traffic, at junctions, and during repeated acceleration and braking. There’s no need to plug it into a charger; the petrol engine generates electricity on board. Regenerative braking also charges the battery when the brakes are applied.
This is where the Nissan Note hybrid can confuse buyers. A Toyota-style parallel hybrid can use the petrol engine, electric motor, or both to turn the wheels. In e-POWER, the petrol engine isn’t mechanically connected to the wheels at all. That makes the driving experience more electric-like, but it doesn’t magically make the car equally efficient in every situation. Its biggest advantage is stop-start urban driving; sustained high-speed running can reduce the efficiency advantage.
For a used buyer, the battery deserves attention. Don’t assume that an e-POWER car is healthy because it starts normally. Ask for a diagnostic check and look for warning messages or unusual battery behavior. A replacement high-voltage battery can be an expensive repair, and there isn’t one universal price because parts availability, labor, and whether a complete or refurbished pack is used vary widely.
The other question is just as important: can your local mechanic actually work on it? Routine suspension, brakes, tires, and petrol-engine servicing are familiar territory for many workshops. The high-voltage battery, inverter and electric-drive electronics are different. If specialist support is difficult to find where you live, I’d factor that into the purchase decision before paying extra for e-POWER.
Nissan Note Fuel Consumption: Real-World Figures
If fuel cost is a major part of your decision, the E11 1.5 petrol, E12 1.2 petrol, and E12 e-POWER are the three versions worth putting side by side. The figures below are kept separate: official test results are not presented as if they were everyday driving.
| Version | Fuel consumption | Figure type |
| E11 1.5L HR15DE | 19.4 km/L (5.2 L/100km) | Manufacturer-claimed |
| E12 1.2L HR12DE | 22.6–23.4 km/L (4.4–4.3 L/100km) | Manufacturer-claimed |
| E12 1.2L HR12DDR DIG-S | 24.0–26.2 km/L (4.2–3.8 L/100km) | Manufacturer-claimed |
| E12 e-POWER | 37.2 km/L (2.7 L/100km) | Manufacturer-claimed |
| E12 e-POWER | 22 km/L city; 19 km/L highway | Owner-reported |
Nissan’s official figures put the E12’s conventional HR12DE comfortably ahead of the older E11 1.5 in testing, while the supercharged HR12DDR goes further still.
The e-POWER figure needs the biggest reality check. One road test recorded 18.2 km/L, while another owner reported about 22 km/L in city driving and 19 km/L on the highway.
That difference matters when you’re calculating monthly fuel spending. At 2,000 km per month, 10 km/L means buying about 200 liters; 20 km/L cuts that to roughly 100 liters.
For frequent urban driving, I’d choose e-POWER. For a lower purchase price and simpler ownership, the E12 HR12DE petrol is the sensible middle ground.
Common Nissan Note Problems and What to Check
The CVT is the main mechanical item I’d investigate before buying a petrol Nissan Note, particularly on an older E11 or E12. A tired CVT rarely feels right on a test drive: you may notice a shudder when moving away, hesitation when selecting Drive, a whining sound, or the engine revving without a matching increase in speed. A minor service may be manageable, but serious internal wear can mean a transmission replacement costing several thousand dollars. If the CVT is already behaving badly, I’d walk away rather than gamble on it.
Worn suspension parts are far less concerning. Older E11s can develop tired bushes, ball joints and shock absorbers. Clunks over potholes or uneven tire wear are clues. These are normal age-related repairs and wouldn’t stop me buying an otherwise good car.
On an E12 with the HR12DE, listen carefully during a cold start for an unusual metallic rattle. Timing-chain tensioner wear can produce this noise. It’s worth investigating, but it’s not automatically a deal-breaker if the rest of the car is healthy.
For e-POWER, battery condition deserves special attention. Look for warning lights, unusual changes in the battery charge display and inconsistent electric-motor performance. A high-voltage battery can cost roughly US$2,000–4,000 to replace, depending on the source and whether you use a new, refurbished or used pack.
Finally, test the air conditioning, electric steering and all electrical equipment. These problems are usually much easier to budget for than a bad CVT or e-POWER battery.
What a Used Nissan Note Costs
For a used Nissan Note, I’d set a rough FOB budget of US$1,500–3,000 for older E11 models, US$1,700–4,000 for E12 petrol versions, and around US$3,000–5,500 or more for newer, low-mileage E12s and e-POWER models. These are budget ranges, not fixed prices. A particularly clean car can sit well above the usual range, while a high-mileage example may be considerably cheaper.
The biggest price differences usually come down to mileage, auction grade, condition, trim and powertrain. An e-POWER Note will normally cost more than a comparable petrol version, while low mileage, better auction grades and higher equipment levels can add to the asking price.
Also remember that FOB is not the same as the amount you eventually pay. Shipping, import duties, taxes, port charges and local age restrictions can all change the final landed cost.
Rather than chasing price, I’d set your maximum budget first and then compare the cars available within it. BE FORWARD’s current Nissan Note stock is the best place to see what is actually available when you’re ready to buy.
Final Verdict
If I were in the market for a Nissan Note, my pick would be an E12 Nissan Note with the 1.2L HR12DE petrol engine. For me, it hits the best balance between purchase price, everyday economy, mechanical simplicity, and the newer E12 cabin. It’s the version I’d be most comfortable recommending to a buyer who wants a used Note without making the drivetrain unnecessarily complicated.
As for e-POWER: yes, it’s worth paying extra for if you drive a lot in town. The electric-motor response suits stop-start traffic, and the fuel savings can justify the higher purchase price when the car covers serious mileage every month. If most of your driving is steady highway work, I wouldn’t pay the premium simply for the e-POWER badge.
My one caveat is specialist support. A conventional E12 is easier to understand and repair almost anywhere; e-POWER requires someone who knows its high-voltage system.
If it were my money, I’d choose a clean E12 HR12DE—and only step up to e-POWER if my driving pattern would actually repay the extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
A well-maintained Nissan Note can be a very dependable small car. The older petrol models are relatively uncomplicated, and the E12 is the one I’d favor for a used purchase. The part I’d pay the closest attention to is the CVT. A car that shudders, hesitates or makes unusual transmission noises during a test drive is one I’d leave behind.
Is the Nissan Note e-POWER a hybrid?
Yes, but it isn’t the same type of hybrid as a Toyota Prius or Aqua. In the Note e-POWER, the petrol engine’s job is to make electricity; the electric motor is what turns the wheels. You don’t plug the car in, either. That setup is particularly pleasant in traffic, where the motor’s immediate response makes repeated stops, and starts feel effortless.
How many kilometers per litre does a Nissan Note do?
Around 15–20 km/L is a sensible real-world target for many Nissan Notes, although the exact result depends heavily on the version, and how it is driven. An E12 1.2L petrol can be quite economical, while e-POWER tends to make the most sense when the car spends plenty of time in town. Highway speed and a fully loaded car will push consumption higher.
Is the Nissan Note good for rough roads?
It’s fine on ordinary gravel, dirt and uneven roads, but I wouldn’t buy a Note for genuinely rough terrain. The low body and road-focused suspension are the limiting factors. Occasional bad patches are one thing; deep ruts, rocks, mud and regularly damaged tracks call for a vehicle with more ground clearance, and tougher off-road hardware.
I am a Telecom & ICT specialist with a career spanning over 15 years in the demanding Tanzanian telecom industry.
I am also an avid DIYer with a good knack for everything technical and a wealth of vocational skills, with automotive being the top, and here I am writing about cars.
In 2017 a guy created a WhatsApp group called MyCar for the sole purpose of members helping each other with all matters regarding cars. I joined this group in 2018, and with my enormous wealth of knowledge regarding cars, and my readiness to share the knowledge with others, I became a top contributor, and that didn’t go unnoticed, as one member thought I was a potential writer and had contacts with Be Forward Japan who were looking for writers then. Fast forward to January 2020, I began writing for the Be Forward blog with 2024 being my fourth year.
As far as I can remember, I love cars, and growing up in the farming and tourist city of Arusha Tanzania in the ’80s and ’90s, I ended up being drawn to the Ranger Rover Classic for leisure and Land Cruiser 70 pickup as a workhorse. These were tough cars then, cars that could take you anywhere any time no matter the weather.