Nissan Versa hatchback previewed by Japan-market Note

The Nissan Versa hatchback will be redesigned, with styling similar to that of the new Note subcompact that the automaker revealed in Japan on Monday.

Nissan said the Note will go on sale in Japan this fall and in Europe in 2013. The carmaker did not say when the Versa hatchback will go on sale, but the car is expected to reach showrooms early in 2013.

The redesigned Versa hatchback and the Note use Nissan's V global platform for small cars. The V platform debuted with the redesigned 2012 Nissan Versa sedan that has been on sale since summer 2011.

The 2012 Nissan Versa hatchback.

Nissan continues to sell today's Versa hatchback that uses the older B platform, shared with vehicles such as the Nissan Juke, Cube, Rogue and Sentra.

The V platform was engineered to be lighter, less expensive and easier to manufacture. The redesigned Nissan Sentra that debuts later this year will use a version of the V platform.

The Versa sedan is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing, rated at 109 hp and 107 lb-ft of torque. Buyers can choose between a five-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission. The Versa hatchback is likely to use the same powertrain.

By Dale Jewett