The entry-level 1.2-liter produces power and torque figures of 80 PS (79 hp, 59 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 110 N·m (81 lb-ft) of torque at 4,000 rpm. This translates to combined fuel economy of 50 mpg US, while CO₂ emissions are 109 g/km.

Further up the range is the 1.2-liter DIG-S engine that generates 98 PS (97 hp, 72 kW) at 5,600 rpm and 142 N·m (105 lb-ft) of torque at 4,400 rpm. This engine offers the economy of a traditional diesel, but delivers a driving experience normally associated with a mid-size, four-cylinder gasoline engine, Nissan says Among the technical highlights of this engine is the supercharger. Equipped with an electronic clutch system, it can be disconnected from the engine while driving at low speeds, boosting economy and reducing any unnecessary friction within the engine.

To further reduce inefficient power loss within the engine operating system the Miller Cycle is incorporated. By allowing the inlet valve to stay open longer, along with a higher compression ratio, the compression stroke becomes more efficient.

Despite its strong performance, CO₂ emissions are 99 g/km with the manual gearbox (119 g/km with CVT transmission). Fuel consumption is 54.7 mpg US (with manual transmission) on the combined cycle.

Completing the Note engine range is a newly engineered four-cylinder 1.5-liter turbo diesel. This 90 PS (89 hp, 66 kW) Renault-Nissan Alliance developed unit emits 95 g/km of CO₂ and offers a combined fuel economy figure of 65.4 mpg US.

Performance figures for all engines will be announced closer to launch.

AVM and Safety Shield. New Note is also the first car in the B-segment to offer Around View Monitor (AVM)—Nissan’s multi-camera helicopter view parking aid giving clear visibility around the car. Using four separate cameras, the 5.8-inch dashboard mounted screen displays an image of the new Note from above. This helps the driver to visually confirm the car’s position in relation to the surrounding area—making maneuvers easier and safer.

The new Note also sees the global B-segment debut of Nissan’s new Safety Shield—a package of technologies that would previously only have been available on more costly premium sector models. The Nissan Safety Shield pack comprises the following three technologies:

• Blind Spot Warning. A feature once reserved for cars in the premium sector, Nissan’s system uses the rear wide view AVM camera to detect vehicles in the hidden blind spot areas on both sides of the Note. If a vehicle is detected in either blind spot, a discreet warning light illuminates in the glass of the Note’s wing mirror. If the driver indicates to change lanes and the system detects a vehicle in the danger area, the light flashes and an audible warning is given.

• Lane Departure Warning. Another premium feature making its debut in the B-segment, Lane Departure Warning detects if the car is starting to drift out of lane. The Note again uses only its rear wide view AVM camera. Advanced computer programming detects even faint road markings allowing the car to determine if it is drifting out of position without indicating. If it does, a warning is given to the driver to correct their road position. The system automatically adjusts its sensitivity when on rural roads to allow for the different required driving style.

• Moving Object Detection. Building on the capabilities of Around View Monitor, this new function helps drivers look at what might be approaching the path of their reversing Note. While conventional parking aids warn the driver of an object in their way, Moving Object Detection gives an audible and visual alert if someone or something is moving behind the car.

With all three Safety Shield technologies plus the rear wide view of Around View Monitor relying on the tailgate mounted camera, maintaining a clear view from this device is paramount. Nissan engineers have developed a built-in camera wash and blow dry system. Algorithms analyze the image and identify any dirt visible on the rear camera. If required, a small amount of water squirts at the lens along with a jet of compressed air to avoid any drips. As a result all of the Safety Shield pack functions are on hand whatever the weather and the rear view in AVM is clear.

Both AVM and Safety Shield are incorporated into the new Note’s enhanced Connect satellite navigation, Bluetooth and audio system. Now benefiting from a larger 5.8-inch touch-screen display, the latest system includes Google Send to Car navigation software allowing routes planned at home to be transferred directly to the car. Additional connected services include Google Points of Interest (POI), nearest fuel prices, plus flight and weather information.

Production of the new Note will start in the summer, with first deliveries scheduled for autumn 2013 depending on specific markets.