Nissan Sounds a New Note

Nissan Motor Co. says its redesigned Note mini-MPV indicates the company's new styling direction and hints at the look of the company's redesigned Versa hatch due late next year.

Perhaps the most notable exterior design element is the car's pronounced boomerang-shaped "squash" line adorning its flanks. Nissan designers say the swoop symbolizes the car's more aerodynamic styling.

The next-generation Note goes on sale in Japan this autumn and reaches global markets in 2013. The B-segment five-door rides on Nissan's V-platform, which also carries the March/Micra mini and Versa small car. The platform also will be used will be used to relaunch the company's Datsun brand in 2014.

Nissan has been vague about the technical details of the upcoming Note, but it does say the car will be offered in Japan with a choice of two 1.2-liter, three-cylinder engines that are new for the nameplate.

The DIG-S, which also powers the March/Micra, is a 1.2-liter supercharged unit that delivers 59 mpg on Japan's test cycle, according to Nissan. Buyers also can opt for a normally aspirated version of the engine. Both powerplants will be mated to the company's latest continuously variable transmission and offered with an automatic engine stop-start system.