New Nissan Versa Hatchback Previewed in Note

Nissan’s segment-leading Versa sub-compact will be getting some much-needed styling updates courtesy of the Japan- and Europe-marketed Note.

With a 22 percent share of the sub-compact segment, there isn’t much arguing with the brand’s formula for low-cost car success, but the hatchback is overdue for a makeover, which happened recently for the sedan, but not the five-door version. Nevertheless, a new version is on the way and set to draw influence from the Japanese and Euro-market Nissan Note, launched today.

Expect new styling sourced from the JDM car to be on tap, but with an American-focused interior. Wisely, Nissan still plans to cater features toward North and South American taste.

Unfortunately, Nissan didn’t specify what those differences will be, but the picture of the new Note, above, offers a preview of the next Versa hatchback.

Despite carrying the same name, the sedan and hatchback are different cars to the point that they run on separate model cycles. Mileage and the overall range it translates to was a huge selling point for the Versa when it was first introduced, but the 2012 model year’s 30/38 mpg city/highway isn’t terribly impressive anymore. Keeping that in mind, Nissan also announced that the 2013 sedan has been upgraded slightly to offer 40 mpg on the highway.

In Japan and Europe the Note will get a 1.2-liter supercharged 3-cylinder engine, though the US- spec Versa hatchback is expected to use the same 1.6-liter 4-cylinder as the sedan.

Specific dates for the revised hatchback aren’t available yet, but it seems reasonable to expect them sometime in 2014 given that the Note won’t even be available in Europe until next year.

Read AutoGuide’s 2012 Nissan Versa Review Here