Nissan has released the initial details on the all-new 2013 Nissan Note mini MPV, ahead of its Japanese launch in September. The new model features a more dramatic design and the Japanese automaker is calling the car's deep character line a "Squash Line". The car would form the base for a replacement to the North American market Versa (Latio) hatchback.

It may be a small car and but it is the first Nissan to be fitted with the Around View Monitor System, which was once only available in the high-end Infiniti models. However, one may wonder if the system is really necessary on this Jazz-sized subcompact. It would make more sense on a Teana.

For its domestic market of Japan, the Note comes with two engine options. The first is the 1.2-litre HR12DE which generates 79bhp and 108Nm of torque. More interestingly is a supercharged, direct-injected three-cylinder HR12DDR (DIG-S) motor.

The engine, which features Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS), makes 92bhp and 143Nm of torque while seeping petrol at a claimed rate of 25.2 km/L. These engines will be connected to a next-generation continuously variable transmission which promises to deliver class-leading fuel efficiency.

The new Japanese-market Note will be manufactured at Nissan Motor Kyushu while the European Note will be made at Nissan's Sunderland plant in the U.K.