[robj80]

Interesting. I like the idea of that segment where his wife reviews the car. She would be the average every day Joe while he is the enthusiast. Only wish she wrote the articles as opposed to him relaying what she thought. Sometimes things get missed or not translated properly.

The heat does suck in any of the 1.6 powered vehicles. This engine just does not warm up. I have no clue how that can be fixed. Set the cold idle higher? Change the opening temp on the tstat? I figured the newer notes with active grill shutters would help but apparently it doesn't. Maybe even that can be adjusted to help with the heat.

Nissan addressed some of the issues with the SR model like seat fabrics, and some refinements. The cluster and center stack are much nicer on the SR model. Had they just used their new tiny turbo engine I am betting every single complaint would have been taken care of. The car would feel like it had more then enough power. Also with a turbo spooling under the hood, which makes heat, I bet the coolant going to the heater core would heat up a wee bit quicker. Not at idle but as you start driving.

 

[robj80]

any small car with a tiny engine will get weighed down. I think maybe the CVT adds to the down on power feeling. I know I drive an altima coupe with CVT. Most of the time the thing feels awfully slow.

I really wish someone would do a subcompact comparison including dyno, track times, 1/4 mile time, 0-60 as well as braking. I mean everyone says how slow the note is and how it makes so much less power than the competition yet I see times posted in magazines that puts it middle of the pack and not at the bottom like people say. Plus numbers online are all over the place really. I've seen the same car get tested at 8 second to 60 then another review almost 10.

I need to drive one of these notes to get my own view on it.

 

[robj80]

I honestly think it has alot more to do with the steering feel, soft suspension, and that CVT transmission than it does the actual power of the car. Do I wish it had more power? Sure I do. I think it should have more power. At least 115, which the HR16DE seems to make everywhere else but North America.

Too bad there are not too many tests on the 5spd Note since it's the base model. It has to be quicker than my 2009 HR16 Versa. Considering the engine has a couple more ponies and the car is 200lbs lighter. I believe the transmission is identical. Here is how my car stacks up to the Fit according to Motor Trend tests.

2009 Versa 1.6 5mt
8.9seconds (0-60)
16.8 sec @ 81.5 mph (quarter mile)

2012 Fit Sport 5mt
8.2 seconds (0-60)
16.3 sec @ 83.3 mph (quarter mile)

The Fit is much faster. Some might not think that is much but I do. But if the Note 5mt is slower than my car I would be shocked.

to see where I got my specs you can check these links
2012 Honda Fit First Test - Motor Trend
2009 Hyundai Accent vs. 2009 Nissan Versa - Comparison - Motor Trend

I really do think the CVT is what give everyone the down on power feeling. It does make the car slower and feel even slower I assume going by my experience driving the altima CVT.

Here is Motor Trends specs for the 2014 Note CVT
10.1 seconds (0-60)
17.8 sec @ 78.2 mph (quarter mile)

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests...ersa_note_sv_with_sl_tech_package_first_test/

 

[robj80]

The car and driver also noted alot of wheel hop with the note. I think that was the difference. I think it will do an 8.9 or few tenths less if the launch is clean.