The Nissan Versa Note has been premiered at the Detroit motor show today. The new car is a North American version of the nex-gen Note arriving in European markets later this year.

The styling borrows heavily from the Nissan Invitation concept from last year’s Geneva motor show. The five-door hatchback will be sold alongside the Versa sedan in North American markets and is based on Nissan's global 'V' platform.

While Sunderland-built European models are tipped to carry the 1.2-litre supercharged engine from the Micra DIG-S, the Versa Note sold in North American markets will feature a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine developing 109bhp and 107lb ft. The car is offered with a five-speed manual or XTronic CVT gearbox, the latter delivering a best-in-class 42mpg, thanks in part to the introduction of Nissan's first-ever active grille shutter.

The Versa Note, which goes on sale in the summer, includes technology including a 360-degree parking camera and hands-free texting which could be featured on European-spec models.

The Versa Note is fourth of five model launches in just over twelve months. This product offensive has contibuted to US sales which topped 1m for the first time in 2012.

Thanks to: Autocar