Nissan Note Review
2017-2023
The Nissan Note (E12 Facelift and E13 3rd Gen Series) is one of Kenya's best-selling compact hatchbacks. Celebrated for its revolutionary e-Power hybrid powertrain—where a 1.2L engine acts purely as an on-board generator to power an electric motor—it delivers instant EV torque, whisper-quiet city driving, and exceptional fuel economy.
*This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car
What’s good
- Instant 280 Nm electric torque: Smooth, rapid acceleration away from Nairobi traffic lights.
- Exceptional 28+ km/L fuel economy: Slashes monthly commuter fuel bills by over 50%.
- Generous rear knee room: Cavernous rear passenger space despite compact 4.1m length.
What’s not so good
- 150 mm ground clearance: Requires care over tall speed bumps when fully loaded.
- Engine generator sound under heavy hill climbs: 1.2L engine revs up to charge battery during steep ascents.
Most popular: Note e-Power X / Medalist / Aura e-Power
5 doorsPetrol, HybridAutomatic, CVT
At a glance
- Model
- Nissan Note (E12 / E13 Series)
- Production years
- 2017–2023
- Body type
- Hatchbacks / Compact MPV
- Seating capacity
- 5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, e-Power Hybrid
- Engine sizes
- 1,198 cc (1.2L e-Power / DIG-S)
- Transmission
- Automatic (CVT / Single-Speed e-Power)
- Drivetrain
- FWD or e-4ORCE AWD
- Ground clearance
- 150 mm
- Source market
- Japan (RHD JDM spec)
Fuel consumption
Manufacturer / import-market figures: 28.0 km/L (e-Power) / 18.0 km/L (1.2L Petrol). Tank: 41 L (about 1148 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.
Running cost
- City driving
- KES 757 / 100 km
- Highway driving
- KES 908 / 100 km
- 1,000 km a month
- KES 8,106
- Full tank (41 L)
- KES 9,305
Based on petrol at KES 226.96/L, 15-10-2026 to 14-11-2026. Combined economy unless stated.
Work out a trip cost →Trims & variants
e-Power X / e-Power Medalist / Note Aura e-Power
- Setup
1.2L 3-cylinder generator + electric drive motor (116 hp / 280 Nm), FWD or e-4ORCE AWD, 28.0 km/L combined.
- Why it gets shipped
Dominates the Kenyan commuter market (KSh 1.1M – 1.9M) due to unmatched fuel economy and snappy EV acceleration.
Package tiers
Package options for JDM and UK imports.
| Package | Level | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| e-Power X | Core commuter | Smart key, e-Pedal one-pedal driving, climate control, and emergency braking. |
| Medalist / Aura | Premium luxury | Leatherette/tweed upholstery, 360 Around View Monitor, LED headlights, and digital rearview mirror. |
About the Nissan Note
Kenya enforces an 8-year age restriction from manufacture month and right-hand drive compliance. In 2026, 2019 to 2023 Note models sit cleanly in the direct import window.\n\nWith a 1,198 cc 3-cylinder engine (HR12DE), the Note qualifies for KRA's sub-1,200 cc tax valuation category, generating substantial import duty savings.
Disclaimer
Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.
