Like all manufacturers, Nissan’s aim is to have carbon neutrality across all its products by 2050, with an important step to electrify all new models launched in major markets by 2030.
Heading towards that goal, the Japanese brand introduced e-Power, which uses a petrol engine to generate the electrical energy for the battery pack which powers the electric motor that drives the wheels.
It was first introduced in the hatchback Note in 2016, essentially taking a leaf out of another hatch, the Nissan Leaf, the battery-powered model that served as the EV flag bearer for the brand. Since then, the e-Power has been loaded into Nissan’s Kicks and Serena models.
The e-Power configuration may be more suited to local needs. You don’t need to wait around for the battery to get charged. And this would be a plus for the HDB dwellers.
With the latest facelift of the e-Power Note, a lot of refinements have been introduced to its operation. Running it as an A-B test with the Kicks model, which uses the same 1.2-litre petrol engine to power up the battery, the e-Power Note delivered a more refined ride.
The small hatchback delivers a smooth, albeit not wickedly quick, drive, but it does have that instant torque, which is helpful in creating that sense of momentum.
The silence of the cabin is only invaded by some wind noise and the tyre roar; the disadvantages of being in such a sepulchral environment. To maintain as much peace as possible in the cabin, the noise from the road triggers the petrol engine, to mask its operating sound.
While it’s a small car, the interior is reasonably comfortable and space is used smartly. The kit on offer is nothing fancy, given what’s expected in cars today, but it is functional and effective.
Cupholders in front are positioned near the air-con vents, so you have a cool drink to reach out for.
The Zero Gravity seats help in fighting fatigue, though if you’re of a larger frame, the seats will be fighting the effects of body mass and gravity.
The centre console is clean with few distractions other than what’s required for the driver to use, without having to feel for the correct button, like someone trying to read braille.
The smartly laid out displays form a continuous flow from the 7” digital display, delivering drive statistics and information, to the 9” touchscreen infotainment system.
USB ports allow you to plug in your smartphone, which, coupled with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, give you access to your preferred media options.
And a glimpse into the future is provided by the intelligent rear-view mirror, which switches to camera mode should the driver’s view be obscured by passengers or large objects in the back.
Coupled with its external design elements — the mesh grille with the new logo and V-shaped front — the $121,800 Premium e-Power Note cuts a sharp figure.
There is a Lite option that costs $3K less, but you get fewer options, including reduced warranty cover.
The automotive world is going nuts about electric cars. Living in the throes of a world seeking sustainability, dealing with climate change and not really coping with a pandemic, there seems to be a major guilt trip being placed on the human race. Well, all the fault fingers point back to it, so it might as well try to fix things.
The global quest to reduce CO2 emissions has been cranked up significantly, even if it seems that countries are adding more hot air to the discussion than real solutions.
Specifications
Engine: 1,198 cc, 3-cylinder 12-valve DOHC
Battery: Lithium-ion
Transmission: Single speed reduction gear
Max output: 85 kW
Max torque: 280 Nm
Fuel consumption: 4.6 L/100 m
CO2: 104 g/km
Gross weight:1,220 kg
Fuel tank: 36 L
Length: 4,055 mm
Width: 1,695 mm
Height: 1,520 mm
VES banding: A2
*Confirm price with dealer