The Nissan Note is a compact five-door hatchback with a surprisingly roomy cabin for its size. In Japan it is best known for the e-POWER version, where a petrol engine generates electricity and an electric motor drives the wheels.
Key takeaways
- Three generations: E11 (from 2005), E12 (from 2012, e-POWER added in late 2016) and E13 (from late 2020, e-POWER only).
- e-POWER needs no plug-in charging — you fill it with petrol like a normal car.
- Buyers choose the Note for its space, easy city driving and low running costs.
- For Kenya, look at cars first registered in 2019 or later.
Watch the video
The car in the video is a two-tone blue Note with a black interior — a good look at the modern Note’s styling and cabin.
What is the Nissan Note?
The Note is Nissan’s compact hatchback for the Japanese market, sitting in the same class as the Honda Fit and Toyota Aqua.
It seats five, has a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout (four-wheel drive is offered on some versions), and is designed to feel bigger inside than it looks. Its tall roof and wide-opening doors make it easy to get in and out, and the boot takes everyday shopping and luggage.
Nissan Note generations in brief
Knowing the generation helps you understand what you are buying.
- First generation (E11, 2005–2012): a practical small hatchback, mainly with 1.5-litre petrol engines.
- Second generation (E12, 2012–2020): a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, including a supercharged version. From late 2016 it was offered as the e-POWER, which quickly became the most talked-about Note.
- Third generation (E13, from late 2020): e-POWER only, with two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions. A more upmarket version, the Note Aura, followed in 2021.
You can browse the current Nissan Note stock on Autocom’s website.
How e-POWER works
e-POWER is a series hybrid. The petrol engine does not drive the wheels; it runs a generator that charges a small battery, and an electric motor drives the car.
That gives smooth, quiet acceleration like an electric car, especially in town. There is no charging cable — you simply refuel with petrol.
Why buyers pick the Note
It is a sensible all-rounder.
- Space: a roomy rear seat for a small car.
- City-friendly: compact, easy to park and light to drive.
- Running costs: small engines and the e-POWER system keep fuel use down.
- Choice: many Notes pass through Japanese auctions, so there is a wide range of years, grades and colours.
If you are comparing small hatchbacks, our Mazda Demio vs Honda Fit comparison and Toyota Aqua vs Honda Fit Hybrid guides cover close rivals. More Nissan models are in our Nissan car guides.
What to check before you buy
- Auction sheet: check the grade, mileage and damage map. See our auction sheet guide.
- Warning lights: for an e-POWER car, ask for a dashboard photo with the system on and no warnings.
- Your country’s age rule: check how your country counts age before you choose a year. Try our import age checker.
- Kenya buyers: only cars first registered in 2019 or later are accepted in 2026 — see the 2019+ Nissan Note stock and confirm the exact first registration date with our office before paying.
Pay only to Autocom’s official bank accounts in Japan — read how to avoid scams when buying cars from Japan.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to charge a Nissan Note e-POWER?
No. The petrol engine generates the electricity, so you only refuel with petrol.
Which Nissan Note can I import to Kenya in 2026?
Cars first registered in 2019 or later — that means late second-generation and third-generation Notes. Confirm the first registration date before you pay.
Is the Note a five-seater?
Yes. All Note generations seat five.
Is there a four-wheel-drive Nissan Note?
Yes, some versions were offered with four-wheel drive, including the third-generation e-POWER 4WD. Check the listing for the drive type.
