10 Reasons the 2016 Nissan Versa Note Wins Autobytel Buyer's Choice Best Hatchback Award

2016 nissan versa note ・ Photo by Nissan

Punching above its weight, the 2016 Nissan Versa Note—a subcompact contender—has bested all rivals in both its own segment and the compact category, earning the 2017 Autobytel Buyer's Choice Award: Hatchback recognition. Note: This Versa also has a four-door counterpart in the Nissan Versa sedan, so don’t get them confused.

#10: More content in the middle of the range

Already well equipped in its 2015 edition, the 2016 Nissan Versa Note SV welcomes extra standard content like NissanConnect with Mobile Apps, a 5-inch color display, Bluetooth for streaming audio, a rearview monitor, a Divide-N-Hide floor, and a hands-free text-messaging assistant—all while seeing a $50 drop in price.

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#9: Exceptional aerodynamics

The 2016 Nissan Versa Note stands out with an especially aerodynamic exterior that was created to boost both fuel economy and eye appeal. As a result, standard design details include a large front spoiler, a “kicked-up” rear roof edge, front and rear tire deflectors, and in CVT models, active grille shutters.

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#8: Cargo capacity

Though small on the outside, the 2016 Nissan Versa Note has more cargo space behind its rear seats—18.8 cubic feet—than you get in many midsize “family” sedans. Then, if you fold down the car’s back seats, cargo capacity more than doubles, to 38.3 cubic feet.

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#7: Divide-N-Hide cargo management

The 2016 Nissan Versa Note also has a notable versatility enhancer in its available Divide-N-Hide cargo-management system. With this, owners can raise and lower the load floor in the vehicle’s rear cargo hold. In its highest position, the adjustable floor can cover up valuables stowed deeper in the cargo well.

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#6: Passenger space

Nor does the 2016 Nissan Versa Note trade away occupant space to make room for cargo. The cabin boasts 94.1 cubic feet of passenger volume, which compares to rivals from Ford and Toyota both at 85.1 cubic feet. That works out to more than 10 percent more space for Versa Note riders.

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#5: The sporty SR edition

Hatchback shoppers seem to love cars with aggressive appearance upgrades, and for those drivers, there’s the 2016 Nissan Versa Note SR. It builds on the Versa Note’s aerodynamic shape with a model-exclusive grille design, restyled front and rear fascias, side sills, a rear spoiler, a dark headlight treatment and mirror-mounted turn-signal indicators.

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#4: Nissan’s Around View Monitor

At this stage in the game, a rearview camera is an expected technology for all cars, but the 2016 Nissan Versa Note surprises with the first Around View Monitor in the segment. When this system is on board, four small cameras work together to create a nearly 360-degree view of the car’s immediate surroundings.

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#3: High-tech infotainment

For customers who put a priority on infotainment, the 2016 Nissan Versa Note can be ordered with a NissanConnect system that boasts a 5.8-inch touchscreen, navigation, voice recognition and the automaker’s Mobile Apps interface—for access to Facebook, Twitter and more. Also in the mix: available SiriusXM radio and info subscriptions.

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#2: A fuel-sipping engine

If you’re focused on fuel-economy, the 2016 Nissan Versa Note can achieve EPA ratings of 31 mpg city/39 mpg highway/34 mpg combined with its available continuously variable transmission. The standard gearbox, a five-speed manual, is good for ratings of 27 mpg city/36 mpg highway/30 mpg combined.

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#1: Big-time value

Buyers get plenty of bang for their buck with the 2016 Nissan Versa Note: The starting price for the standard S grade is a practical $14,230, and that includes modern-day must-haves ranging from air conditioning to a Bluetooth handsfree phone system. Fancy Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges are standard, too.

Read about the 17 Most Wanted Vehicles of 2016 for the full list of the 2017 Autobytel Car Buyer's Choice Award recipients.

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