2017 Nissan Note facelift leaked, new hybrid variant

The new Nissan Note has been leaked thanks to livedoor, revealing significant updates to the model’s styling. Aside from that, the Note (known as the Versa in the United States) looks set to receive a hybrid powertrain in Japan as well.

At the front, the Note features the prominent Nissan V-motion grille, which meet up more seamlessly with the reshaped headlamps. Meanwhile, the lower apron now has new rectangular fog lamp enclosures, and a wider intake.

Elsewhere, the side mirrors have small protrusions on the bottom, which could either be for cameras or sensors to support a blind spot monitoring system. Though we don’t get a view of the facelifted Note’s rear, the taillights appear to clear now, rather than red on the current model.

There are changes under the hood as well, where one of the images reveal a hybrid setup. The accompanying charts show that the internal combustion engine acts as a range extender for the electric motor, operating as a generator for recharging the battery. Unlike conventional hybrids, the Nissan Note Hybrid is driven only using electric power, and could be marketed as the Note e-Power.

With these leaked images, a domestic (Japanese) launch of the new Note looks to be imminent, with reports claiming an October reveal. It will likely make its way to international markets after that, although it remains to be seen if the new Note will be destined for Malaysia. If it arrives, the Note will compete against the Honda Jazz, Ford Fiesta and Mazda 2.

Back in 2013, Tan Chong Motor revealed at the KL International Motor Show that the second-gen Nissan Note will be launched locally within two years. In fact, we’ve even sighted the model (as a barely-disguised hatchback) on Malaysian roads shortly after. However, the model has yet to go on sale here, but with the new one on its way, will you still be interested?

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