[NEW] Toyota Ractis vs. Nissan Note: Fuel Consumption, Specs & More | toyota ractis – Australia.xemloibaihat

The first-generation Toyota Ractis and Nissan Note are both compact hatchbacks, competing for the same type of car shopper, and both are equally popular used Japanese imports in Africa. While the two hatchbacks share many similarities, they are often compared to each since they are made by competing companies—Toyota and Nissan. Each car is wealthy in its own way, as side-by-side comparison below shows, but which one is right for you? Keep reading to find out!

Toyota Ractis vs Nissan Note: Side-by-Side Breakdown

 Toyota RactisNissan Note

Capacity5 Seats5 Seats

Average Fuel Economy~18.2 km/L~15.9 km/L

Key FeaturesSpacious

High ground clearance

Keyless entry

Fog lightsRemote central locking

Cruise control

Alloy Wheels

Average Used Pricing$1,350 – $3,350$1,320 – $7,203

What is a Toyota Ractis?

The Toyota Ractis started production in 2005, and soon became a hit in African countries such as Malawi. Meant to be a replacement for the Toyota Funcargo that was discontinued in 2005, the Ractis is bigger, better, more luxurious and more efficient. The Ractis also features more space thanks to the high roof and the ability to flat-fold the back seats to create more cargo space, all of which have proven to be unbeatable.

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What is a Nissan Note?

The Nissan Note looks like a cross between a hatchback and a small multipurpose van. The first Nissan Note was released in 2006 and was in production until 2013 when it would later be replaced by the Nissan Invitation, an improvement on the Note hatchback. The first Note was based on the Nissan Tone. In 2007, the Note underwent an update, and most notably it began to target the European market more closely. Some of the improvements included armrests for the driver’s seat, DVD navigation, door and seat trim fabric, and many more.

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Price Comparison

Toyota Ractis

Average Used Price: $900 – $3,000

Nissan Note

Average Used Price: $500 – $4,000

Interior & Exterior 

Toyota Ractis

The Toyota Ractis is a 5-seater hatchback with only second row seats, no third row. This is a very comfortable car, which is one of the many reasons for its popularity. Its high roof and big cabin space are a plus for many people who are looking to buy it for business as well as for family use. Leg and headspace are unequalled in this hatchback, in addition to lots of cabin storage for mobile phones, books and other small items.

The Ractis features a total trunk/boot volume of 285 kg, which is bigger than most other hatchbacks will offer. If you find yourself needing extra space for cargo, just fold the rear seats. They fold down flat to essentially convert this vehicle from a hatchback into a compact minivan and increase its cargo space tremendously. With folded rear seats, the cargo space increases from 285kg to 429kg.

The Toyota Ractis comes with some really great features that make driving this car a lot of fun. The 2010 model of the Ractis 1st generation, as an example, is a marvel to look at. It has six airbags, CD and radio player, and keyless entry. GPS navigation is an option, but comes standard on some model grades.

The exterior of the Ractis is indeed pleasing if you love alloy rims, fog lights and some fantastic grooves along the body. The bonnet is nicely slanted and has two visible groove lines that form a v-shape, which meets at the middle of the front. Looking at this hatchback from the front, you will love the streamlined shape.

The ground clearance of 5.7 inches is high enough to clear any speed bumps you will find on the road without any trouble. The Ractis is a 5-door hatchback, (including the boot door) with central locking, and wheels are 16 inches for both rear and front. This car is available in 4WD or 2WD (rear wheel drive).

Toyota Ractis Feature Specs

– Seating: 5

– Boot Space: 285kg – 429kg

– Noteworthy Features: Large amount of space / High ground clearance / Keyless entry / Fog Lights

Nissan Note

The interior of the Nissan Note is particularly appealing. It is not as spacious as the Ractis due to a lower ceiling, but it still offers a lot of comfort. It is a 5-seater hatchback, and there is enough space for up to five medium sized adults. If you are buying it as a family car, you will be happy to know that it can accommodate a child’s seat easily thanks to the wide opening doors, and provides a lot of legroom at the back.

People say that this car could seat seven people, but Nissan deliberately declined adding a third row of seats to give the five passengers lots of room. The trunk space is 280 kg/liters. However, this can be increased much more to 437 kg worth of cargo space when the sliding rear seats are pushed forward. If you are carrying bigger items, you can recline the front passenger seat to a flat position in order to hold bigger cargo.

As for the interior features, there are many. First, there are the storage features that include the glove compartment and cupholders, along with a place for your cellphones and expanding pockets located on the back of the rear seats.

Then there are folding trays, similar to what you would find on an airplane, mounted on the back of the front seats. Other interior features include 4 airbags, remote central locking, airbag switch for passenger, electric windows, cruise control and center armrest. High quality stereo speakers and electric folding mirrors make up some of the other many features.

The exterior of the Nissan Note is styled after the Nissan Murano. While Toyota has been known for investing more in functionality than looks, Nissan invests in looks, and that is why the Note looks so pleasing. Additionally, the Boomerang rear lights make it look like it shares the same features as the Nissan Juke. The beautiful boxy look makes this car very appealing. The seats are part leather and part fabric,  and the steering wheel is coated in genuine leather in most models. It is a 5-door mid-sized car with 15-inch alloy wheels.

Nissan Note Feature Specs

– Seating: 5

– Boot Space: 280kg – 437kg

– Noteworthy Features: Remote central locking / Cruise control / Boomerang-shaped headlights / Alloy Wheels

Engine & Fuel Efficiency

Toyota Ractis

On average, earlier models of the Toyota Ractis are available in two engine types: the 1.3-liter 2SZ engine, and the 1.5-liter 1NZ engine. The latter is available for the 4WD options and the former for the 2WD options. The 2-wheel drive one is most popular and is actually a front wheel drive. This is a 4-cylinder engine, and the fuel system is multi-point fuel injection.

Its fuel tank capacity of 42 liters works nicely with the average consumption of this car, which comes out to an average of 18.2 kilometers per liter (highway and city combined). It can be used as a personal car during the office days, and then be converted into a family car for long weekend drives. The drivetrain type is front wheel drive and the transmission is automatic 5-speed. The top speed for the Ractis is 200km/h.

Engine Specs

Fuel Consumption: Avg. ~18.2km/L

Engine: 4-cylinder

Fuel Tank Capacity: 42L

Fuel Type: Petrol

Nissan Note

The very first engine on the Note was a 1.4-liter petrol engine but later there would come 1.6-liter engines. However, the 1386cc (1.4L) CR Twin Cam engine that is so popular with Nissan is the favorite for most people. It is a 4-cylinder engine and, like the Ractis, runs on a multi-point injection fuel system.

The Note has a tank capacity of 46 liters. It uses petrol, with an average consumption of 15.9 kilometers per liter. The drive train is two-wheel drive and the transmission can either be manual 5-speed gear or automatic. The top speed is 165 km/h.

Engine Specs

Fuel Consumption: Avg. ~15.9km/L

Engine: 4-cylinder

Fuel Tank Capacity: 46L

Fuel Type: Petrol

Which is Best?

So what should you buy? Based on this review, it depends on what you are looking for in a hatchback. If you are looking for more cargo space, features and performance, it seems like the Nissan Note is the ideal car for you, as it has a lot of extendable space. It also boasts good performance with the 1490cc engine, slightly more powerful than the 1300cc Ractis.

If you are looking for fuel efficiency, then the 1300cc Ractis is the better choice. The availability of spare parts in places like Africa is the same for both cars. For your budget, the Nissan Note on average is cheaper than the Ractis. Toyota prices go up because most people say they have a resale value, but you are not buying a car to sell. You are buying a car to use.

Strengths & Weaknesses in a Nutshell

Toyota Ractis

✓   Fuel efficient

✓  Good availability of parts

x   More expensive

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Nissan Note

✓   Bigger cargo space

✓   Stronger engine and more features

x    Fuel efficient

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Choose BE FORWARD for All Your Hatchback Needs

Looking for even more hatchback comparisons? Take a look at our Suzuki Swift vs. Suzuki Alto,  Toyota Allex vs. Toyota RunX, and Toyota IST vs. Toyota Vitz comparison articles for even more information of hatchbacks to help you choose the best used hatchback for you!

The Toyota Ractis features a unique combination of space, power, and fuel-efficiency. Its spacious interior can comfortably fit a small-to-medium sized family—ideal for a two-box compact car. Immensely popular across the world thanks to its smaller size, fuel-efficient engine, and overall range of added features, the Toyota Ractis is a favorite among drivers from all walks of life. Its exterior gives off a sense of movement and activeness, in part due to its polished contours, distinct wheel arches, and cat eye headlights. At the same time its well-designed interior boasts spaciousness in addition to a variety of convenient bells and whistles.

But there is so much more to the Toyota Ractis that meets the eye. Let’s take an in-depth look at how the Ractis has evolved over key years 2005 to 2011.

2005 Toyota Ractis

BROWSE LOW COST 2005 TOYOTA RACTIS MODELS

The 2005 Toyota Ractis is a member of the model’s first (XP100; 2005–2010) generation, with the model code DBA-SCP100, and an average fuel economy of 18.2 km/l.

The Ractis is Toyota’s high-quality compact car built for high-speed and high-capacity driving. Under the hood is a 2-unit inline 4-cylinder DOHC 1.3L and 1.5L engine with a capacity for 87-110 hp respectively. You have a choice between a super intelligent 4-speed 4WD automatic transmission or 2WD Super CVT-i. Some models include the L Package, which is a smart entry and start system, CD player with an AM/FM multi-electronic radio, a 6-speaker sound system, and anti-theft system. Advanced G grade models include a front spoiler and side mudguard. The Sporty S Package includes a rear bumper spoiler, front fog lamp, and special seats. Models built with the Panorama Package come with a panorama roof that emphasizes the open and spacious feel. The interior is equipped with an optitron meter that displays a shift position, odometer on a large LCD, and a rear center multi-tray function that rotates the rear center cushion a full 180 degrees.

2006 Toyota Ractis

BROWSE LOW COST 2006 TOYOTA RACTIS MODELS

The 2006 Toyota Ractis is a member of the model’s first (XP100; 2005–2010) generation, with the model code DBA-NCP100, and an average fuel economy of 18.2 km/l.

The Ractis is Toyota’s high capacity yet compact hatchback, with a design that focuses on driving performance, packaging, and styling. Under the hood is a 2-unit inline 4-cylinder DOHC 1.3L and 1.5L engine with a capacity for 87-110 hp respectively. The newly-developed active CVT is equipped with Super CVT-i that promotes low fuel consumption and smooth driving, while the 7-speed sports sequential shiftmatic with paddle shift enhances your driving pleasure. In addition to the L Package and Panorama Package options from the previous year’s model, there are more special feature selections like the G HID and GL Package/ HID, which feature discharge headlamps (complete with auto-leveling function) and light blue mica metallic for outer panel color. This Ractis also packs a powerful sound system, adding two tweeters to the front for a full 6 speakers audio system.

2007 Toyota Ractis

BROWSE LOW COST 2007 TOYOTA RACTIS MODELS

The 2007 Toyota Ractis is a member of the model’s first (XP100; 2005–2010) generation, with the model code DBA-NCP100, and an average fuel economy of 18.2 km/l.

This Ractis takes the compact concept and combines it with high utility for the utmost convenient and comfortable driving experience. Under the hood is a 2-unit inline 4-cylinder DOHC 1.3L and 1.5L engine with a capacity for 87-110 hp respectively. As with previous model years, the active CVT is equipped with Super CVT-i that promotes low fuel consumption and smooth driving, while the 7-speed sports sequential shiftmatic with paddle shift enhances your driving pleasure. The L Package, Panorama Package options are all included, as are the special feature selections like the G HID and GL Package/ HID.

This model year includes a minor design change. The front headlamp, rear combination lamp, and wheel cap have all been updated, as have the front grille, rear license garnish colors, and all eight body colors including the new metallic cobalt blue. The interior leaves a bright and elegant impression in addition to the conventional dark gray seat and door trim color, and the driver’s armrest come standard.

2008 Toyota Ractis

BROWSE LOW COST 2008 TOYOTA RACTIS MODELS

The 2008 Toyota Ractis is a member of the model’s first (XP100; 2005–2010) generation, with the model code CBA-NCP105, and an average fuel economy of 18.2 km/l.

Under the hood is a 2-unit inline 4-cylinder DOHC 1.3L and 1.5L engine, the active CVT is equipped with Super CVT-i, and it comes with the 7-speed sports sequential shiftmatic. This Ractis runs on petrol with a 42L total tank capacity. It packs a powerful-for-its-size 87-110 hp on top of 16” wheels that makes this vehicle practical as well as fun to drive. It seats up to 5 adult passengers.

The L Package, Panorama Package options are all included in this model, as are the special feature selections like the G HID and GL Package/ HID. It features minor cosmetic updates based on the X and G packages for HID Selections. These updates include specially equipped discharge headlamps and driver’s armrest and warm silver paint. The door’s switch base and the plated inside door handle were both revised in comparison with previous model years. In addition to the powerful 6-speaker sound system, there are all of nine new body colors to choose from, including a beautiful deep metallic amethyst mica.

2009 Toyota Ractis

BROWSE LOW COST 2009 TOYOTA RACTIS MODELS

The 2009 Toyota Ractis is a member of the model’s first (XP100; 2005–2010) generation, with the model code DBA-SCP100, and an average fuel economy of 18.6 km/l.

This model year features more than just cosmetic improvements. While all the basic specs and special features of the previous years still apply, Toyota also made the Ractis more environmentally friendly and cheaper to drive. In the 2WD vehicles equipped with the 1.5L engine, Toyota increased the 10/15 mode fuel efficiency to 18.6 km/l (a +0.4-0.6 km/l improvement on average compared to conventional models) by improving the way the engine handles, the transmission, alternator, and more. You can feel good about owning one of these vehicles, as these improvements also mean the Ractis complies with the tax system for promoting environmentally friendly vehicles.

2010 Toyota Ractis

BROWSE LOW COST 2010 TOYOTA RACTIS MODELS

The 2010 Toyota Ractis is a member of the model’s second (XP120; 2010–2017) generation, with the model code DBA-NSP120, and an average fuel economy of 18.6 km/l.

This year’s Ractis takes comfort above and beyond while maintaining the charm of the first Ractis model. While the 5-number size remains the same, the width of the interior is expanded by 40 mm. The rear packs a large amount of luggage space that can be further expanded by folding down the rear seat with a remote tiltable lever. This type of lever is the first in the compact car class with its 6:4 split-down mechanism. The 1.3L and 1.5L engines are the same great quality as the previous years, with a 4WD option for 1.5L model. The 2010 Ractis comes with the standard/basic X grade, the fully equipped G grade front bumper and grill, or the luxurious L’epice model with upgraded interior colors. The S sport version with a dedicated euro suspension and paddle shift is also available. X and G grade models are wheelchair-specification vehicles (Type I). The rear passenger’s side seat is set for wheelchair compatibility, making it the first wheelchair type-designated vehicle in Japan. Panoramic moonroof options are also available to enhance the feeling of spaciousness and freedom when you drive.

2011 Toyota Ractis

BROWSE LOW COST 2011 TOYOTA RACTIS MODELS

The 2011 Toyota Ractis is a member of the model’s second (XP120; 2010–2017) generation, with the model code DBA-NSP120, and an average fuel economy of 18.6-21.5 km/l.

This Ractis includes all the changes that came about with the second generation models—the expanded interior space, luggage space that expands with the foldable second row seats, basic X grade with G grade front bumper and grill, and the L’epice with interior colors, and the S sports grade model with a dedicated euro suspension and paddle shift. G and X grades are also considered welfare, or Type I wheelchair compatible, vehicles with a special setting in the rear passenger-side seat. As with the 2010 model, this car comes with the envied panoramic roof.

Changes for some models include a soft UV padding on the instrument panel and upper front door, and super UV cut glass that blocks about 99% of UV rays on the front doors. This Ractis is equipped to maximize your indoor comfort.

Special models are equipped with the G Smart Stop Selection and the Toyota Stop & Start System, which is an idling stop function. It achieves an even higher fuel efficiency than the previous year’s base model by about +2.9 km/l. Additionally, it adopts S-VSC & TRC to heighten driving stability, rear LED combination lamps, and attractive specifications with enhanced environmental and safety performance.

Is the Toyota Ractis the Best Hatchback on the Market?

As we’ve outlined above, the Toyota Ractis is a great option in terms of convenience, fuel economy and performance. How does it match up against the competition? One compact car that often gets compared with the Toyota Ractis is the Nissan Note. See how they stack against one another in our comparison below.