Nissan Note Weight: Complete Guide by Generation, Engine, and Trim

The Nissan Note weight is not represented by one universal number. Depending on the generation, engine, transmission, drivetrain, trim level, equipment package, and country of sale, a Note may weigh a little over 1,000 kg or approach 1,400 kg.

That is quite a spread for a compact hatchback.

The lightest versions feel like nimble city shoes: easy to place, economical, and perfectly comfortable squeezing through narrow streets. Heavier e-POWER, diesel, automatic, crossover-inspired, and four-wheel-drive models wear thicker boots. They carry more equipment and technology, but they also bring extra mass.

Across the model’s history, most Nissan Note versions have a curb weight of approximately 1,030 to 1,350 kg, or roughly 2,271 to 2,976 pounds. Certain market-specific cars may sit slightly outside that range, so the identification plate and official documentation for the exact vehicle should always take priority.

In this guide, we will explore Nissan Note weight figures across all three generations and major international markets. We will also clarify curb weight, gross vehicle weight, payload, towing considerations, fuel economy, performance, tyre pressures, and why two apparently identical Notes may not weigh the same.

How Much Does a Nissan Note Weigh?

A typical Nissan Note weighs between:

• 1,030 and 1,350 kg
• 2,271 and 2,976 pounds
• 1.03 and 1.35 metric tonnes

That range covers most widely sold petrol, diesel, DIG-S, e-POWER, front-wheel-drive, and four-wheel-drive versions.

However, a broad figure only gets us through the front door. The specific answer depends heavily on which Nissan Note we are discussing.

A basic second-generation Japanese-market Note S, for example, was listed at 1,030 kg, while its gross vehicle weight was 1,305 kg. A first-generation Japanese 15G FOUR weighed 1,170 kg, with a gross vehicle weight of 1,445 kg.

Those examples show why searching for “the Nissan Note weight” can produce different but perfectly legitimate answers.

Nissan Note Weight at a Glance

These are useful comparison ranges rather than universal homologation figures. Equipment, regional specifications, production dates, and legal measuring methods can alter the published result.

Understanding Nissan Note Weight Terminology

Before comparing generations, we need to separate several terms that are often mixed together.

Curb Weight

Curb weight is the weight of the vehicle in road-ready condition, normally including operating fluids and at least some fuel.

Depending on the market, it may include:

• Engine oil
• Coolant
• Brake fluid
• Standard tools
• A spare wheel or puncture-repair kit
• A specified percentage of fuel
• Standard factory equipment

It normally does not include passengers or ordinary luggage.

European brochures have sometimes defined Nissan kerb weight as the vehicle without a driver but including coolant, oils, fuel, a spare wheel, and tools. They also warn that optional equipment can reduce available payload.

Gross Vehicle Weight

Gross vehicle weight, sometimes called maximum authorised mass or gross vehicle weight rating, is the maximum permitted weight of the fully loaded car.

It includes:

• The vehicle itself
• Driver and passengers
• Luggage
• Accessories
• Cargo
• Any downward load applied by a trailer

Think of curb weight as the empty backpack and gross weight as the maximum safe weight once we have packed it.

Payload

Payload is broadly calculated by subtracting curb weight from gross vehicle weight.

For example, the Japanese-market E12 Note S had:

• Curb weight: 1,030 kg
• Gross vehicle weight: 1,305 kg
• Difference: 275 kg

However, this simple subtraction should not always be treated as a guaranteed real-world cargo allowance. Different regulations may include a nominal passenger allowance in published gross-weight calculations.

Dry Weight

Dry weight usually excludes fuel and certain fluids. It is rarely the most useful figure for an everyday Nissan Note owner because we do not drive the car without oil, coolant, or fuel.

Kerb Weight Versus Curb Weight

“Kerb weight” is the usual British spelling. “Curb weight” is common in North America and other markets.

In normal vehicle discussions, they describe essentially the same concept, although the exact regulatory definition can vary.

First-Generation Nissan Note E11 Weight

The first-generation Nissan Note, known by the E11 chassis code, arrived in Japan in 2005 and was later sold across Europe and numerous export markets.

Its unusual tall-hatchback shape offered more cabin space than many conventional superminis, yet its weight remained modest.

Early Japanese Nissan Note E11 Weight

Nissan’s Heritage Collection lists a 2005 Note 2WD 15S at 1,070 kg, or approximately 2,359 pounds.

That car used a 1.5-litre petrol engine and represented one of the lighter early configurations.

Japanese E11 models could become noticeably heavier when equipped with:

• Four-wheel drive
• Automatic transmission
• Higher trim equipment
• Larger wheels
• Additional safety features
• Comfort packages

An official Japanese specification page lists the 15G FOUR at 1,170 kg, approximately 2,579 pounds, with a gross vehicle weight of 1,445 kg.

That 100 kg jump is not small. It is roughly comparable to carrying a large adult passenger everywhere we go.

European Nissan Note E11 Weight

European-market E11 models were offered with several engines, including:

• 1.4-litre petrol
• 1.6-litre petrol
• 1.5 dCi diesel

Depending on equipment, engine, and transmission, typical European kerb-weight figures ran from roughly 1,090 to 1,250 kg.

A European 1.5 dCi version is commonly listed at approximately 1,165 kg, with a maximum vehicle weight around 1,610 kg.

Diesel cars were generally heavier than comparable petrol models because they required more robust engine components and often carried additional emissions-related hardware.

Why the Diesel E11 Weighed More

A diesel engine is built to withstand higher compression pressures. That typically means:

• A stronger engine block
• Heavier internal components
• A substantial turbocharger system
• Additional cooling hardware
• More complex emissions equipment

The difference may not sound dramatic on paper, but we can feel it through slightly heavier steering, a firmer front end, and a different balance during fast direction changes.

E11 Weight Range in Pounds

For readers using imperial measurements, most E11 versions weighed approximately:

• 2,359 pounds at the lighter end
• 2,750 pounds toward the heavier end

Some figures may be higher or lower depending on how the market defined kerb weight.

Second-Generation Nissan Note E12 Weight

The E12 generation was introduced in Japan in 2012 and reached other markets soon afterward. It looked sleeker and more aerodynamic than the E11, while its underlying design placed a stronger emphasis on fuel efficiency.

The E12 is also the generation that transformed the Note’s identity through the introduction of e-POWER.

Standard Petrol Nissan Note E12 Weight

Basic Japanese petrol versions were among the lightest Nissan Notes ever sold.

The official Japanese specification for a 2013 Note S lists:

• Vehicle weight: 1,030 kg
• Gross vehicle weight: 1,305 kg
• Seating capacity: five people

That low mass helped the modest 1.2-litre engine feel acceptable in urban traffic. It was never a rocket, but it did not have to drag a grand piano behind it either.

Higher E12 petrol trims could weigh more because of:

• Supercharger equipment on DIG-S models
• Larger alloy wheels
• Automatic climate control
• Enhanced interior materials
• Safety cameras and sensors
• Four-wheel-drive hardware
• Additional sound insulation

A Japanese four-wheel-drive E12 variant was listed at 1,110 kg, with a gross vehicle weight of 1,385 kg.

European Nissan Note E12 Weight

European E12 models were sold with petrol and diesel engines, with equipment levels varying considerably between countries.

Typical European weights included approximately:

• 1,035–1,100 kg for lighter petrol cars
• 1,080–1,170 kg for well-equipped petrol versions
• 1,150–1,250 kg for some diesel configurations

A 2016 European 1.2-litre version is listed at about 1,036 kg, or 2,284 pounds, before accounting for trim and market-specific differences.

Another specification source lists an E12 1.2 petrol at 1,185 kg with a gross weight of 1,510 kg, illustrating how published figures can differ according to trim, country, and measurement method.

This is not necessarily a contradiction. One source may describe a base model under one homologation standard, while another refers to a more fully equipped vehicle or a different kerb-weight definition.

Nissan Note DIG-S Weight

The DIG-S used a supercharged 1.2-litre petrol engine. It usually weighed slightly more than the basic naturally aspirated 1.2 because the forced-induction system added:

• A supercharger
• Extra intake plumbing
• Different cooling components
• Supporting engine hardware

Even so, DIG-S models remained relatively light. Most sat comfortably within the broader E12 petrol range.

Nissan Note E12 Diesel Weight

The European 1.5 dCi engine offered strong economy and useful low-speed torque, but it carried more weight over the front axle.

A diesel E12 generally weighs more than a comparable petrol version due to its:

• Heavier engine construction
• Turbocharger
• Diesel injection system
• Emissions-control hardware
• Different gearing
• Additional sound insulation

For long motorway journeys, the diesel’s fuel economy may compensate for the extra mass. Around town, however, a lighter petrol Note can feel more responsive and easier on its front tyres.

Nissan Note E12 e-POWER Weight

The e-POWER system changed the mechanical recipe.

In a conventional petrol Note, the engine mechanically drives the wheels. In an e-POWER Note, the petrol engine primarily generates electricity, while an electric motor drives the vehicle.

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That requires a more complicated hardware package, including:

• Petrol engine
• Generator
• Electric drive motor
• Inverter
• High-voltage battery
• Power-control electronics
• Additional wiring and cooling components

Naturally, this adds weight.

Typical E12 e-POWER Weight

Most E12 e-POWER models fall within approximately 1,190 to 1,320 kg, depending on trim and equipment.

Heavier examples include:

• e-POWER NISMO
• e-POWER NISMO S
• Medalist versions
• AUTECH editions
• Cars with premium equipment
• Models equipped with larger wheels or specialist seating

Nissan documentation for certain late E12 e-POWER specifications notes that vehicle weight could change with installed equipment and references cars reaching 1,320 kg or more.

Why e-POWER Still Feels Quick

A heavier car normally accelerates more slowly when power stays equal. Yet e-POWER models can feel lively because electric motors provide torque immediately.

There is no need to wait for a conventional petrol engine to climb through the rev range. Press the accelerator and the response arrives like a light switch.

The extra mass is present, but the electric motor masks much of it during normal urban driving.

Third-Generation Nissan Note E13 Weight

The third-generation E13 launched in Japan for the 2021 model year and adopted e-POWER as its central identity.

Unlike earlier Notes, the E13 was not simply a traditional petrol hatchback with an electrified option sitting beside it. The e-POWER system became the heart of the range.

Nissan Note E13 2WD Weight

Most front-wheel-drive E13 models weigh approximately 1,220 to 1,280 kg, or around 2,690 to 2,822 pounds.

A commonly published specification for the E13 1.2 e-POWER places curb weight at 1,220 kg, or 2,690 pounds.

The exact result depends on:

• X or lower-market trim
• Interior equipment
• Wheel size
• Safety technology
• AUTECH styling
• Rotating passenger-seat conversions
• Country-specific equipment

Nissan Note E13 FOUR Weight

The Note FOUR uses an additional rear electric motor and associated all-wheel-drive components.

That means extra:

• Motor hardware
• Control electronics
• Wiring
• Mounting structure
• Rear drivetrain components

As a result, Note FOUR models commonly weigh approximately 1,340 to 1,390 kg.

The difference from a basic two-wheel-drive version can exceed 100 kg. Again, that is similar to carrying another passenger permanently.

Nissan Note AUTECH Crossover Weight

The AUTECH Crossover combines e-POWER hardware with SUV-inspired styling and equipment.

Depending on specification, it may include:

• Raised suspension
• Different wheels and tyres
• Exterior cladding
• Revised body components
• Premium cabin trim
• Additional comfort features
• Four-wheel drive on applicable models

These additions can make it one of the heaviest Note derivatives.

Does Extra Weight Make the E13 Worse?

Not necessarily.

The E13 feels more substantial and mature than the earliest Note. Extra mass can contribute to:

• A calmer ride
• Better noise isolation
• Greater high-speed stability
• More advanced crash protection
• Improved cabin refinement
• Additional traction in FOUR models

The trade-off is reduced lightness. An E11 feels airy and mechanically simple; an E13 feels denser, quieter, and more sophisticated.

Neither approach is automatically superior. They serve different priorities.

Nissan Note Weight by Market

The same Nissan Note can carry different published weights in Japan, the United Kingdom, continental Europe, Singapore, New Zealand, the Caribbean, or another export destination.

Japanese-Market Weight Figures

Japanese specifications commonly publish:

• Vehicle weight
• Gross vehicle weight
• Seating capacity

The published gross figure often reflects local certification conventions. For five-seat models, the difference between vehicle weight and gross weight may appear smaller than a European buyer expects.

United Kingdom and European Figures

European brochures commonly refer to kerb weight under an applicable EC standard.

Depending on model year, the figure may account for:

• Fuel
• Fluids
• Standard tools
• Spare wheel or repair kit
• Sometimes a standardised driver allowance under the certification method

That is why we should avoid comparing figures from different countries without reading the footnotes.

Import-Market Nissan Notes

Used E11, E12, and E13 Notes are exported widely from Japan.

Import listings frequently copy figures from:

• Auction sheets
• Japanese registration documents
• Dealer databases
• Third-party specification sites
• Another trim with a similar model code

A listing may therefore show a weight that is close but not exact.

For an imported Note, the most reliable sources are:

1. The vehicle identification plate
2. The registration document
3. The owner’s manual
4. An official Nissan brochure for the chassis code
5. Homologation or inspection records

Why Nissan Note Weights Vary So Much

Several hundred kilograms can separate the lightest and heaviest Notes. Where does all that mass come from?

Engine Type

A small naturally aspirated petrol engine is usually lighter than a diesel or complete e-POWER system.

Transmission

Automatic and continuously variable transmissions can weigh more than a simple manual gearbox, although the difference varies by design.

Two-Wheel Drive Versus Four-Wheel Drive

Four-wheel drive adds mechanical or electric drive components. On E13 models, the extra rear motor and associated hardware are major contributors.

Trim Level

A higher trim may add:

• Larger alloy wheels
• More speakers
• Cameras
• Radar sensors
• Heated seats
• Premium upholstery
• Sound insulation
• Electric accessories
• Glass-roof hardware

One feature may add only a few kilograms. Twenty features begin to resemble a passenger.

Safety Equipment

Newer Notes carry more advanced structural protection and electronic systems than early models. Additional airbags, cameras, sensors, reinforced structures, and driver-assistance hardware all contribute.

Tyres and Wheels

Larger alloy wheels can be heavier than small steel wheels, particularly once wider tyres are included.

Wheel mass also matters because it is unsprung and rotating weight. A heavier wheel can affect steering response and ride quality more noticeably than the same amount of mass placed inside the cabin.

Special Conversions

Japanese welfare-mobility versions may include rotating seats, powered seating systems, ramps, or other accessibility equipment.

These conversions can alter both curb weight and payload.

How Weight Affects Nissan Note Fuel Economy

All else being equal, a heavier vehicle needs more energy to accelerate.

In stop-and-go traffic, weight matters because we repeatedly accelerate the entire car from low speed. On a steady motorway, aerodynamics and gearing become more influential.

A lighter Note may offer:

• Lower urban fuel consumption
• Less strain on brakes
• Reduced tyre wear
• Quicker response from modest engines

However, e-POWER complicates the comparison. Regenerative braking recovers part of the vehicle’s kinetic energy when slowing down, so the weight penalty may be less noticeable than in a conventional petrol car.

Still, regenerative braking does not repeal physics. A heavier car requires more energy to get moving, and energy recovery is never perfect.

How Weight Affects Performance

Imagine pushing an empty shopping trolley and then the same trolley filled with bottled water. The wheels have not changed, but the effort certainly has.

The same principle applies to a Nissan Note.

A heavier version may:

• Accelerate more slowly with the same power
• Feel less eager on steep hills
• Require more braking force
• Lean more during fast cornering
• Place greater loads on tyres and suspension

Electric-drive Notes compensate with instant torque, while diesel versions use strong low-rpm pulling power.

Power-to-Weight Ratio

Power-to-weight ratio tells us how much power is available for each kilogram or tonne of vehicle mass.

Two Notes may use similar-looking engines, but the lighter car often feels more energetic because each unit of power carries less weight.

This matters most when:

• Joining a motorway
• Overtaking
• Climbing hills
• Carrying five passengers
• Driving with a full luggage compartment

How Weight Affects Braking

A fully loaded Nissan Note will not stop exactly like an empty one.

Greater mass means greater momentum at the same speed. The brakes, tyres, and suspension must manage more energy.

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When the vehicle is heavily loaded, we should:

• Leave a larger following distance
• Brake earlier
• Avoid abrupt steering
• Check tyre pressures
• Secure heavy cargo
• Respect gross-weight limits

Brake condition matters especially on long descents, where repeated braking can generate substantial heat.

Nissan Note Payload Capacity

The usable payload depends on the exact model.

A rough payload estimate can be obtained by subtracting curb weight from gross vehicle weight, but local definitions must be considered.

For example:

The repeated 275 kg difference in these Japanese specifications reflects the local method used for five-seat gross-weight calculation rather than a universal “luggage-only” allowance.

Never assume that five adults plus a packed boot are automatically within the limit.

What Counts Toward Payload?

Payload can include:

• Passengers
• Suitcases
• Shopping
• Child seats
• Roof-box contents
• Aftermarket audio equipment
• Accessories
• Tools
• Trailer nose weight

Everything added to the car has to be carried somewhere in the weight calculation.

Can You Overload a Nissan Note?

Yes.

A Nissan Note may look spacious enough to swallow an impressive amount of luggage, but volume and weight are not the same thing.

A boot full of pillows is bulky but light. A boot full of tiles, bottled water, books, or machine parts can exceed the safe limit while leaving empty space.

Overloading may cause:

• Longer stopping distances
• Unstable handling
• Excessive rear suspension compression
• Tyre overheating
• Premature wheel-bearing wear
• Reduced ground clearance
• Legal penalties
• Insurance complications

The gross vehicle weight and axle limits shown on the identification plate should never be exceeded.

Nissan Note Weight and Tyre Pressure

Tyre pressures may differ between normal and fully loaded conditions.

A heavily loaded Note may require a higher rear pressure, as specified by Nissan, because the rear tyres are carrying more weight.

The correct information is usually found on:

• The driver’s door frame
• The B-pillar label
• The fuel-filler flap
• The owner’s manual

Do not use a generic internet number when the vehicle label is available. Wheel size, tyre specification, and loading conditions can change the recommended pressure.

Nissan Note Weight and Towing

The Nissan Note was designed primarily as a practical compact passenger car, not a heavy tow vehicle.

Some European versions were approved to tow a modest trailer, while some Japanese-market and e-POWER versions may not have an official towing rating for a particular country.

Before towing, confirm:

• Maximum braked trailer weight
• Maximum unbraked trailer weight
• Maximum nose weight
• Gross train weight
• Local licensing rules
• Tow-bar approval
• Cooling and transmission requirements

The trailer’s nose weight forms part of the load carried by the car and therefore affects its gross vehicle weight.

Never infer an e-POWER model’s towing ability from a conventional petrol E11 or E12.

Is a Lighter Nissan Note Better?

A lighter Note offers several advantages:

• Sharper low-speed response
• Potentially better fuel economy
• Less brake and tyre wear
• Easier urban manoeuvrability
• Lower mechanical complexity in basic petrol models

But lighter is not automatically better.

A heavier Note may provide:

• More technology
• Improved traction
• Greater refinement
• Better sound insulation
• Additional safety systems
• A smoother, more settled ride
• Strong electric-motor response

The best weight depends on what we expect from the car.

For inexpensive city driving, an early 1.2 or 1.5 petrol Note may make excellent sense. For quiet, modern commuting with instant torque, a heavier E13 e-POWER can be the more appealing machine.

How to Find the Exact Weight of Your Nissan Note

Because model variations are so numerous, the exact vehicle should always be checked directly.

Check the Identification Plate

The plate may show:

• Maximum gross vehicle weight
• Maximum combination weight
• Front axle limit
• Rear axle limit

Its location varies, but it is often found on a door pillar or in the engine bay.

Check the Registration Document

Many registration documents show:

• Mass in service
• Unladen mass
• Maximum permissible mass
• Gross vehicle weight

Imported-car paperwork may use translated or locally adapted terminology.

Check the Chassis Code

Useful Nissan Note chassis codes include:

• E11
• NE11
• ZE11
• E12
• NE12
• HE12
• SNE12
• E13
• SNE13

A single letter can identify an important difference in engine or drivetrain.

Use the Full Model Number

The VIN, model code, trim, engine, transmission, and drivetrain provide a more accurate match than the registration year alone.

Two cars registered in the same year may belong to different production phases or carry very different equipment.

Kilograms-to-Pounds Nissan Note Conversion Guide

To convert kilograms to pounds, multiply by approximately 2.205.

These conversions are rounded for readability.

Which Nissan Note Generation Is the Lightest?

Basic second-generation E12 petrol models are generally among the lightest Notes, with certain Japanese versions weighing approximately 1,030 kg.

Some early E11 cars were close, but their taller body and older mechanical packages often placed them slightly above the lightest E12 versions.

The E12 achieved its low weight through:

• A compact three-cylinder petrol engine
• Front-wheel drive
• Relatively simple equipment
• Efficient platform design
• Small wheels and tyres on basic trims

Which Nissan Note Is the Heaviest?

Four-wheel-drive third-generation E13 variants and highly equipped crossover or AUTECH derivatives are usually among the heaviest.

Late E12 e-POWER special editions may also be surprisingly heavy because they combine:

• Petrol-generator hardware
• Electric motor
• Traction battery
• Performance equipment
• Larger wheels
• Reinforced or upgraded components
• Premium trim

The heaviest Note is not necessarily the slowest, because electric-motor output and immediate torque can offset the additional mass.

Nissan Note Weight Compared With Similar Cars

The Nissan Note generally sits between a small supermini and a compact family hatchback.

Its weight is broadly comparable to vehicles such as:

• Honda Jazz/Fit
• Toyota Yaris
• Toyota Aqua/Prius c
• Ford Fiesta
• Vauxhall Corsa
• Renault Clio
• Suzuki Baleno
• Mitsubishi Colt
• Kia Rio

Early petrol Notes are often close to the lighter end of this group. E13 e-POWER and FOUR models may outweigh basic petrol rivals because they carry electrified drivetrain hardware.

The Note’s tall roof and flexible interior can make it feel larger than its exterior footprint suggests. That practicality is one reason owners accept a little extra weight.

Final Thoughts on Nissan Note Weight

The Nissan Note weighs approximately 1,030 to 1,390 kg, or about 2,271 to 3,064 pounds, across its many generations and specifications.

The first-generation E11 normally sits around 1,070 to 1,250 kg. The second-generation E12 ranges from very light petrol models near 1,030 kg to substantially heavier e-POWER and performance editions. The third-generation E13 generally begins around 1,220 kg, while FOUR and crossover-inspired variants can move closer to 1,400 kg.

Yet the number alone never tells the whole story.

A lightweight E12 petrol model feels simple and agile. An E11 diesel carries extra mass but offers useful torque. An E13 e-POWER weighs more, yet its electric response makes it feel eager and polished.

The important lesson is simple: match the weight figure to the exact generation, chassis code, drivetrain, trim, and market. When payload, towing, tyre pressures, or legal limits matter, rely on the vehicle identification plate and official paperwork rather than a general online figure.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the average Nissan Note weight?

Most Nissan Note models weigh approximately 1,100 to 1,300 kg, or around 2,425 to 2,866 pounds. Basic petrol models are lighter, while e-POWER and four-wheel-drive versions are heavier.

2. How much does a Nissan Note E11 weigh?

A first-generation E11 usually weighs roughly 1,070 to 1,250 kg. Nissan lists a 2005 Japanese Note 2WD 15S at 1,070 kg, while an official 15G FOUR specification shows 1,170 kg.

3. How much does a Nissan Note E12 weigh?

The E12 generally weighs between 1,030 and 1,320 kg. Basic petrol models sit near the lower end, while diesel, four-wheel-drive, e-POWER, NISMO, and AUTECH versions weigh more.

4. How much does a Nissan Note e-POWER weigh?

Most e-POWER Notes weigh around 1,190 to 1,390 kg, depending on generation, trim, and drivetrain. A commonly published E13 2WD curb-weight figure is 1,220 kg.

5. Where can I find my Nissan Note’s exact weight?

Check the identification plate, registration document, official Nissan specifications, or homologation paperwork. Use the full chassis and model code because the year and trim name alone may not identify the correct weight.

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