The Nissan Versa Note Sure Looks Like a Hatchback Introduced on Tuesday, Jan. 15 Nissan Versa Note A replacement for the Versa hatchback What they said: "As the entry segment is expanding with new models and nameplates, it's not enough to offer value alone. The new Nissan Versa Note shakes up the category by satisfying both the emotional and rational needs with features that are truly unexpected in the class, such as sleek styling and advanced innovation features like our Around View® Monitor parking assist system at an affordable price. It is also rated at 40 miles per gallon highway with the automatic (continuously variable) transmission. That is six miles per gallon better than the best the old hatchback could do. What they didn't say: We're not calling it a hatchback anymore because Americans have some bizarre and unfortunate aversion to hatchbacks, the origin of which is unclear but apparently involves incurable vehicular, mass hysteria. It shares key underpinnings with the Versa sedan introduced last year. Improving the fuel economy meant using a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder rated at 109 horsepower, instead of the 1.8 liter rated at 122 horsepower on the old model. The Note is also lighter. A 5-speed manual replaces a 6-speed, helping keep the price down on entry-level trim. The continuously variable transmission replaces the old 4-speed automatic. It also has front-wheel drive. The overall length is 163.7 inches, about 5.4 inches shorter than the previous model. However, the 21.4 cubic feet of cargo volume is up from 17.8 cubic feet on the older model. The Note is already on sale in Japan and Europe, and it goes on sale in the United States this summer. The least expensive model will be about $14,000. It will be assembled in Aguascalientes, Mexico. Smoother and not as odd looking as the old hatchback, but not a thing of beauty except to members of the cult of practicality.