The second-generation Nissan Note (E12) adopted a sleeker aerodynamic hatchback silhouette while maintaining class-leading cabin dimensions. Built on the lightweight Nissan V platform, it focused heavily on downsizing and efficiency, introducing advanced three-cylinder powerplants, direct injection, and Miller cycle superchargers. It also served as the debut platform for Nissan's highly successful e-POWER series-hybrid drivetrain in 2016.
Japanese paperwork shows the first registration date, but African customs count age from the month of manufacture. Verify with the chassis serial before purchase:
Serial prefixProduction periodSeries
E12-0XXXXXXSep 2012 – Oct 2016Pre-facelift
E12-5XXXXXXNov 2016 – Nov 2020Facelift (Introduction of e-POWER drivetrain and V-motion front styling)
Import eligibility by country
Age limits are counted from the month of manufacture, not first registration. This E12 was produced 2012–2020; the statuses below are checked against Sep 2026.
KenyaCheck unit age
Only units manufactured Sep 2018 or later qualify (8-year limit).
UgandaEligible
Within the 15-year limit from manufacture.
TanzaniaEligible
No age ban; vehicles over 10 years pay additional excise duty.
ZambiaEligible
No age limit; surtax applies to vehicles older than 5 years.
MalawiEligible
No age limit; duty calculated on cc and age band.
Common questions about the E12
What is Nissan's e-POWER system in the E12?
Introduced in late 2016, e-POWER is a series-hybrid powertrain where a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine acts purely as a generator to charge an onboard battery. The wheels are driven 100% of the time by an electric motor, providing instant torque and EV-like driving dynamics.
What does the DIG-S badge stand for?
DIG-S stands for Direct Injection Gasoline Supercharged. It utilizes a highly efficient Miller cycle combustion process combined with an electronically controlled supercharger that decouples at lower speeds to maximize fuel economy.
Nissan Note — representative 2nd Generation image