Automakers keep having the same problem over and over again. They build a small car. Said small car is a hit, but people want it to be bigger. The next generation gets bigger. Original small car is no longer a small car.
That's the snag that Nissan hit with the Versa, it keeps getting bigger. That's why there's room below the Versa in the Nissan lineup for a smaller car. Oh hey, look, here's one now.
The Versa Note slots in right below the Versa, and it is tiny. In Europe and Japan, the Note is only sold with inline three cylinder power connected to a CVT transmission. We're not sure of what will be powering the US-bound cars.
On the inside, it sure looks inexpensive. And guess what? I like that. This is the car with everything you need and nothing that you don't. Basic motoring at its best.
Look for the Note to be insanely cheap when it goes on sale. I'm gonna guess this fall.
DISCUSSION
You know what I like less than the successive bloat of existing model names?
The use of an existing name to create something completely different. Others have pointed out that it makes marketing easier (Versa/Tiida is already recognizable), but I still find it odd. Doubly so when it's a separate platform altogether, or at least a substantially different variant — I'll give Camry Solara and Passat CC (both names now defunct) a pass, but Pathfinder Armada (also defunct)? Or Accord Crosstour (still active)?