Made for the electrified age says Nissan, this new concept draws from traditional Japanese design to convey a more artisanal touch. The V-motion grille is still present, but the overall execution is cleaner and simpler. At the corners are 16-inch wheels with a design reminiscent of a sword blade, while 13 body color variations including two-tone options have been made available.

Inside, Nissan’s competitor to the Yaris, Fit, and Mazda2 features a minimalist interior. Overall space far exceeds segment norms with plenty of head- and legroom. Passengers are also treated to Zero Gravity seats (reclinable even for the rear passengers) which offer enhanced comfort. The hatch also opens wide to a spacious trunk making loading and unloading much easier.

Technology is at the center of the all-new Note, and this is seen in the full digital gauges and a center console that offers wireless charging. Towards the center, it has a downsized electronic shift lever with a space below it for additional storage.

Riding on an all-new platform, the Nissan is the first model to use ultra-high tensile steel (1,470 MPa) for both weight reduction and improved safety performance. It also is available solely with an electrified powertrain. In this case, the Note uses the brand’s second-generation e-Power which is basically an EV with a small gasoline engine that acts as a range extender. The HR12DE engine packs 82 horsepower and 103 Nm of torque, while the EM47 electric motor (the one connected to the wheels) offers 116 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque.

This e-Power engine features an all-new electric motor and inverter. Electric motor torque has been increased by 10 percent, and output by 6 percent. Meanwhile, the inverter is both 40 percent smaller and 30 percent lighter. In a world first, electrical energy generation is controlled according to road conditions. When road noise increases due to surface conditions and vehicle speed, the engine switches on to charge the battery pack. This reduces the need for the engine to operate under otherwise quieter conditions.

Later on, it will be joined by a truly electric version. This all-wheel drive Note will have dual electric motors at the front and rear supplying power to all four wheels.

Nissan is also offering its latest advanced safety technology on the Note. The Nissan ProPILOT synced to the navigation system. This means it can detect speed limit signs automatically, and can even accelerate and decelerate the vehicle based on the angle of upcoming bends and corners.

The all-new Nissan Note goes on sale in Japan this December. So far, the company has not made any mentions whether they will be selling it outside of their home country.