Is the Nissan Aura noisy? Thorough explanation of the evaluation of engine sound and the actual state of quietness

The Nissan Aura is based on Nissan's Note compact car, but the interior and exterior texture have been greatly enhanced, and the Nissan Aura has appeared as a higher-quality "premium compact". Its sophisticated design, meticulous interior, and smooth and powerful driving with e-POWER have earned it high praise from many users.

In particular, the high level of quietness, which is hard to believe in the compact car class, is also considered to be one of the major attractions of the aura. However, on the other hand, if you look for reviews and reviews on the Internet, you may find a small number of negative voices about quietness, such as "the aura is noisy" and "the engine noise is worrisome".

Why does an aura that is supposed to sell quality feel "noisy"? The main reason for this is the characteristics of Nissan's unique e-POWER electric powertrain, especially the sound of the engine when generating electricity.

In this article, in order to find out the truth about the keyword "Nissan Aura noisy", we will thoroughly analyze the evaluation of the quietness of the Aura, focusing on the engine noise problem of the e-POWER. What kind of quietness measures are in place compared to notebooks, how do actual users feel, and are there any countermeasures if they feel "noisy"? We will explain in detail the reality of the quietness of the aura and the points you should know before purchasing. If you are considering buying an Aura and are concerned about its quietness, this is a must-see.

• The main reason why the Nissan Aura is said to be "noisy" is the engine noise when generating electricity from e-POWER
• The Aura has strengthened quietness measures such as the addition of sound insulation materials than the notebook
• However, some people are concerned about the engine noise in the gap between the quiet motor running and the
• The way you perceive the sound is subjective, so the most important thing is to check it during a test drive

</box02]

Is the Nissan Aura really noisy? The actual state of engine noise and quietness of e-POWER

Is it true that "the aura is noisy"? Rating reviews and reviews

luxeauto・image

• As for the overall evaluation, the majority of voices say "quiet" and "high-quality"
• However, some people pointed out that "the engine noise is worrisome" and "noisy in certain situations"
• There are individual differences in how you feel, and the gap between the expected value and the expected value may also have an effect.

First, let's take a look at real user testimonials and reviews about the rating of quietness to the Nissan Aura. If you read many review sites and test drive reports, you can say that the rating for the quietness of the Aura is "very high" overall.

"It's so quiet that you can't think of it as a compact car," "It's really close to silence when the motor is running," and "It's clearly quieter than the notebook." The majority praise its quietness.

It only advocates a premium compact, and it can be seen that a lot of effort has been put into quietness.

However, on the other hand, it is also true that some people feel that the aura is noisy. Although it is a minority opinion, "It is noisy when the engine starts", "The engine noise is more worrisome than I expected", "The engine noise is on the highway ..." Negative comments are mainly made about the sound of e-POWER power generation engines when they are running.

In addition, there seems to be a dissatisfaction that comes from the gap between high expectations and "it was not as quiet as I expected". Why are there such divergent evaluations?

That is This is thought to be due to the fact that the perception of "sound" is very subjective, and the sound generation pattern peculiar to the e-POWER system is affected. In the quietness that the majority of users appreciate, there is a hidden factor that some users feel is "noisy". That may be the reality of the quietness evaluation of the aura.

Overall, there are a lot of evaluations of "quiet"! I was a little relieved. It's a premium compact, so you'll be disappointed if it's not quiet. But is it also true that there are people who are interested?

Why does it feel "noisy"? Engine noise problems during e-POWER power generation

luxeauto・image

• The e-POWER is powered by a battery charge or when the engine is under heavy load.
• Discomfort from the sudden addition of engine noise from quiet motor running
• Since the engine speed and vehicle speed are not linked, the sound may feel unnatural

The biggest reason why the Aura feels "noisy" is the characteristics of Nissan's unique electric powertrain, "e-POWER". The e-POWER is a series hybrid system in which the engine is dedicated to power generation and is driven by a 100% motor.

Therefore, when the battery is sufficient or when driving under low loads, the engine is shut off and the motor is used only for a very quiet ride.

The problem arises when you need to recharge the battery or when you press the accelerator hard and need a lot of power. In these situations, the engine is started to generate electricity.

The sudden addition of the sound of the engine running to the car, which was previously very quiet, makes the sound seem louder or more abrupt than necessary. In particular, ears accustomed to quiet environments may easily perceive even the slightest engine noise as noise.

In addition, e-POWER does not allow the engine to drive the tires directly, so Engine speed and car speed do not always coincide. For example, in order to charge the battery, the engine may continue to run at a relatively high rpm even during low speeds.

This discrepancy between the driver's senses and the pattern of engine noise is one of the reasons why the driver feels "unnatural" and "noisy".

Nissan is also aware of this. We have introduced optimization of engine operation timing and control to adjust engine speed according to road noise. It is also true that some users feel that it is not completely resolved. How to capture the "engine noise during power generation" unique to e-POWER is the key to evaluating the quietness of the aura.

Three-cylinder engine sound and vibration Measures and evaluation in Aura

luxeauto・image

• The Aura (and Note) power generation engine is a 1.2L three-cylinder
• Some are concerned about the sound quality and vibration peculiar to 3-cylinders, but ...
• The Aura has more sound insulation, sound absorption, and vibration control measures than the notebook

The e-POWER power generation engine installed in the Aura is a 1.2-liter inline 3-cylinder gasoline engine, just like the Note. In general, compared to four-cylinder engines, three-cylinder engines have a unique beaty sound quality and are more prone to vibration.

Therefore, some people are concerned that the sound of the three-cylinder engine is cheap, or that the vibration is worrisome. In particular, the Aura pursues high quality as a premium compact car. Some have questioned whether the use of this three-cylinder engine is appropriate for the character.

However, Nissan has taken measures in this regard as well. First of all, there are measures to suppress the vibration of the engine itself (balancer shaft, etc.). More importantly, in Aura, compared to the notes on which it was based, Sound insulation, sound absorbing materials, vibration damping materials, etc. have been added and strengthened more extensively.

For example, the use of highly sound-insulating glass for the front door glass and the placement of additional sound-absorbing materials on the roof, dashboard, floor, etc., effectively suppress the intrusion of various noises, including engine noise, into the vehicle.

By this When you actually ride the Aura, many users feel that it is clearly quieter than the Note, and that the sound and vibration of the three-cylinder engine are skillfully suppressed. Of course, there are individual differences in how you feel, and if you listen carefully, there may be situations where you feel like a three-cylinder.

however For many users, the general assessment is that the Aura is quiet enough and the fact that it is a three-cylinder engine is not a major negative factor.

When you hear the word 3-cylinder, you probably have a slightly cheap image ... You say that the aura is countermeasured, but isn't the 4-cylinder fundamentally quieter and smoother? I'm thinking.

How does it compare to a notebook? Measures to improve the quietness of the aura

luxeauto・image

• The aura is based on the notebook and greatly improves the quietness
• The main measures are the adoption of sound-insulating glass and the addition of sound-insulating and sound-absorbing materials
• When you actually compare the rides, you can clearly feel the difference in quietness

The Nissan Aura is a model developed based on the Note compact car, but it is not just an advanced version of the Note. In particular, in terms of "quietness", a significant improvement has been made from the Note, increasing its value as a premium compact car.

Specifically, what kind of quietness enhancement has been done to the aura?

At first The front door glass uses "sound insulation enclosed glass" that is not used in the Note. This effectively reduces the intrusion of noise from outside the vehicle, especially wind noise. In addition, more and thicker "sound insulation materials", "sound absorbing materials", and "vibration damping materials" are added to each part of the body.

For instance These materials have been added and strengthened in the dash panel that separates the engine compartment from the interior, under the floor carpet, on the roof (ceiling), and inside the rear fender. As a result, engine noise, road noise, rain noise, etc. are less likely to be transmitted to the inside of the car. With these measures, it is said that when you actually compare the Note and the Aura, the difference in quietness is at a level that many people can clearly feel.

Especially In situations where various noises are likely to occur, such as when driving at high speeds, the quietness of the aura stands out.

Even if you have the experience of riding the Note e-POWER and feeling that the engine noise is bothersome, that impression may change with the aura. The reason why Aura calls itself "Premium Compact" is The reason for this is that we spend money on these invisible parts and improve the basic performance of comfort, which is quietness.

What about road noise and wind noise? Overall quietness in the car

luxeauto・image

• In addition to engine noise, measures against road noise and wind noise have been enhanced.
• Noise from tires and wind noise at high speeds are also relatively suppressed
• The overall quietness of the interior of the car is at the top level for a compact car

Engine noise is not the only thing that is important in assessing the quietness of a car. Road noise (the sound produced by the tires coming into contact with the road surface) and wind noise (the sound produced by the collision of the car body with the air) that occur while driving also greatly affect the quietness of the vehicle.

The Nissan Aura has enhanced countermeasures against these noises even from the base note. For road noise, In addition to the aforementioned addition of sound-absorbing and vibration-damping materials to the floor, sound insulation measures around the tire house are also considered to be effective.

The amount of road noise varies depending on the type of tire installed, but compared to general compact cars, noise from the road surface is often evaluated as being well suppressed. As for wind noise, we have adopted sound-insulating glass for the front door, optimized the shape of each part of the body, and improved the sealing around the door. Even when driving at high speeds, harsh wind noise is suppressed.

Of course, it is not completely silent, and as the speed increases, these noises increase, but we can say that their level is low enough.

With these measures, the interior of the car of the aura Various noises such as engine noise, road noise, and wind noise are reduced in total, and a very quiet space is realized. Except for the specific situation of engine noise during power generation, The overall quietness of the interior is beyond the class of compact cars, and in some cases it is even rated as comparable to a car model one class higher.

This total quietness is a major factor that supports the quality of the aura and a comfortable ride.

Not only the engine sound, but also the road noise and wind noise are quiet! That's a high point. If it's generally quieter, you'll be able to enjoy the drive and music more. As expected of a premium compact!

Does the BOSE Personal Plus sound system have anything to do with sound quality?

luxeauto・image

• The Aura is equipped with a sound system jointly developed with BOSE (optional)
• Speakers are also built into the driver's and passenger's headrests.
• Improved quietness is also the basis for taking advantage of this high-quality sound

One of the distinctive features of the Nissan Aura's interior is the BOSE Personal Plus Sound System (available as a manufacturer option). This is a premium audio system designed specifically for the Aura, developed in collaboration with the renowned acoustic manufacturer BOSE.

In addition to the speakers placed in various parts of the car, this system The main feature is that the headrests of the driver's and passenger's seats also have built-in small speakers (ultra near-field speakers).

This gives the driver and front passenger a immersive, personal sound experience as if they were listening through headphones.

So how does this BOSE sound system relate to its quietness, which is the opposite of its reputation as "noisy"?

It is not a function that directly increases quietness, but if you look at it from a different perspective, The high quietness of the aura is an important "foundation" for maximizing the capabilities of this BOSE sound system. It can be said. The quieter the interior of the car, the clearer you can hear the fine sounds and subtle nuances of the audio, and the more immersive you are in the music.

Conversely The fact that Nissan has set up a sound system that is so particular about the Aura may be a sign of confidence that the Aura's cabin is quiet enough to fully demonstrate its performance.

If you are a music lover and choose the BOSE sound system option, The high quietness of the aura should provide the best environment to fully enjoy its high-quality sound.

It's not just about quietness! The charm of the aura and measures against "noisy" ratings

The unique charm of Aura (1) High-quality interior and exterior design and texture

luxeauto・image

• Differentiated from the Note, the exterior has a wide presence
• Interior materials such as wood-grain panels and tweed-like fabrics
• Beyond the compact car class, it has a premium atmosphere

We've seen ratings for the quietness of the Nissan Aura, and that's not the only attraction of the Aura. The "high design and texture of the interior and exterior", which has evolved greatly from the notebook on which it was based, is also a major reason for choosing the Aura.

The exterior design shares the basic skeleton with the notebook. The overall width has been enlarged (3-number size), and a specially designed front grille, wide fenders, and distinctive LED headlamps have been adopted to achieve a wider, lower center of gravity, and more present-looking styling.

It's decidedly more advanced than the Note and gives it a premium feel.

The improvement in the texture of the interior is even more pronounced. The dashboard is soft padded and stitched to the touch, and depending on the grade, Realistic wood grain panels and tweed-like fabrics used for high-end clothing are adopted.

The seat material is also available in high-quality fabric and genuine leather (optional), which not only enhances the comfort of the seat but also the luxurious appearance.

The design around the center console and the texture of the shift knob and steering wheel have also been upgraded from the Note. The "goodness of tailoring" in these interior and exterior This is a major factor in making the Aura feel more like an independent "premium compact car" than just a high-end version of the Note.

For users who want to be particular about the texture of a compact car and enjoy driving in a high-quality space, the interior and exterior of the Aura should look very attractive.

Certainly, the interior of the aura is more luxurious than the notebook. Wood grain and tweed are fashionable. But it's also expensive. Considering that the base is a notebook, some people may feel that it is a little expensive.

The unique charm of the aura (2) The powerful and smooth running of the e-POWER

• Equipped with a motor with a higher output than the Note e-POWER
• Achieve stronger, more generous acceleration
• A new driving experience like an EV

As I mentioned in the quietness section, the main attraction of the Aura is the "powerful and smooth driving" of the e-POWER. What's more, the e-POWER system installed in the Aura is even more powerful than the Note e-POWER on which it is based.

The maximum output and maximum torque of the drive motor are higher than those of the Note e-POWER. It is even more powerful and delivers generous acceleration performance.

If you actually compare them, you should be able to feel the power of the aura in various scenes, such as when starting off and intermediate acceleration. Despite its compact body, when you step on the accelerator, you can enjoy a reliable acceleration feeling as if you were riding in a higher-grade car.

And its acceleration is as smooth as it gets, and it has nothing to do with shifting shocks. This unique EV-like driving feel is so appealing that once experienced, some people feel that they can't go back to traditional gasoline or hybrid cars. In addition, the driving sensation of the e-Pedal Step is very easy once you get used to it, which leads to the enjoyment of driving.

Although there is an issue of engine noise during power generation, Aura's e-POWER more than makes up for it by providing a pleasant and new-age driving experience.

Not only is it fuel efficient, but it is also clearly differentiated from the Note in terms of "driving quality". It increases its value as a premium compact car.

The unique charm of Aura (3) Equipment as a premium compact

luxeauto・image

• Set advanced equipment that is not available in the Note or is optional
• A typical example is the BOSE Personal Plus sound system.
• Providing a more comfortable and satisfying car life

The Nissan Aura is only based on the concept of "premium compactness", and it is also attractive that it has advanced equipment that is not available in the base Note or is optional. This makes it possible to achieve a more comfortable and satisfying car life while being a compact car.

A typical piece of equipment is the aforementioned "BOSE Personal Plus Sound System". The specially designed audio system, including speakers with built-in headrests, is not available on the Note and is a special feature unique to the Aura. It can be a very attractive option for those who want to enjoy music in high quality.

In addition, as for the interior materials, the Aura has genuine leather seats (optional) that cannot be selected in the Note, wood grain panels, tweed-like fabrics, etc., which greatly enhance the texture of the interior.

As for driver assistance systems, ProPILOT (with NaviLink function) may be equipped with more grades as standard than notebooks, or there may be more optional settings. (* Equipment contents vary depending on the model year and grade).

In addition, measures to improve quietness in invisible areas, such as the use of sound-insulating glass and the addition of sound-absorbing and vibration-damping materials, can also be said to be premium equipment (ingenuity) unique to Aura.

These Equipment that the notebook does not have, or is more substantial than the notebook, justifies the price difference in the aura, It satisfies the ownership desire of users who want to drive a nice compact car. It's not just about size and breadth. For those who want to be particular about the quality and content of their equipment, the Aura is an attractive option.

I'm curious about BOSE speakers! It's also attached to the headrest, isn't it? I wonder what kind of sound it makes. With this kind of aura-specific equipment, you may be able to understand the price difference from the notebook!

Is it possible to prevent engine noise? Utilization of driving modes, etc.

luxeauto・image

• By selecting the driving mode (ECO/NORMAL/SPORT), the frequency of engine operation can be adjusted to some extent.
• If there is enough battery power, the motor can be forced to run in "EV mode"
• However, it is not a fundamental solution, and there are limits

It is true that some people are concerned about the engine noise during power generation with Aura's e-POWER. So, is there anything you can do to suppress this engine noise as much as possible? There are several possible ways to do this, but it may be difficult to solve the root cause.

The first is the selection of driving modes. The Aura usually has a driving mode such as "ECO", "NORMAL" and "SPORT". When the "ECO" mode is selected, the The accelerator response tends to be mild, and the engine tends to be relatively difficult to start.

If fuel economy is your top priority and you want to drive as quietly as possible, you can take advantage of the ECO mode. Conversely, in "SPORT" mode, the accelerator response is more acute, and the engine is more likely to operate aggressively. Also, if there is enough room in the battery, press the "EV mode" switch to It is also possible to temporarily force the engine to stop and run on the motor alone.

It is useful in residential areas in the early morning or late at night, especially in situations where you want to drive quietly. However, when the battery is low, EV mode is automatically deactivated. In addition, the "Charge Mode" allows you to force the engine to start and recharge the battery.

For example, it is possible to charge the battery in advance in a situation where engine noise is relatively unnoticeable, such as while driving on a highway, and then run in EV mode when entering the city.

However, these methods are only temporary measures and control the frequency of engine operation to some extent. It does not mute or diminish the sound itself when the engine starts. The reality is that one of the characteristics of e-POWER is that it is necessary to tolerate a certain amount of engine noise.

Judge whether you feel "noisy" by test drive! Verification points

• The feeling of quietness is largely subjective, so a test drive is essential
• Check the engine sound in various driving scenes (starting, acceleration, cruising, climbing)
• If possible, a comparative test drive with the Note e-POWER is also effective

Whether or not you find the Nissan Aura's quietness, especially the e-POWER's engine noise, to be "noisy" ultimately depends largely on your personal feelings. Reviews and word-of-mouth on the internet can be helpful, but it's important not to take them with a grain of salt, but to check them out with your own ears.

For this purpose, a "test drive" is indispensable. During the test drive, keep the following points in mind to check the quietness of the aura.

If possible Experimenting with different driving modes (ECO/NORMAL/SPORT), EV mode, and charge mode will help you better understand the changes in engine operation patterns and sounds.

Also, if possible, As a comparison, it is also very useful to test drive the Note e-POWER and experience how much quietness has been improved by the aura.

Through the test drive, Make sure you can tolerate the "sound" of the aura and be satisfied with its quietness.

You have to check the engine sound carefully in the test drive. Especially the moment when the engine starts, and the sound when it keeps turning. If you feel like you're too picky, you're likely to regret it, no matter how good the rest of it is.

What about the engine sound of the NISMO model?

luxeauto・image

• The Aura NISMO has sportier driving performance and a dedicated design
• The engine and e-POWER system are the same as the standard model
• However, depending on the special tuning and equipment, the sound may be heard differently.

The Nissan Aura also has a lineup of sporty tuned "NISMO" models. It is a model that pursues more driving fun with special aero parts, suspension, interior, etc., but what about the engine sound?

Compared to the standard model, does it sound sportier and more powerful?

First of all, regarding the basic powertrain, the e-POWER system installed in the Aura NISMO and the power generation engine (1.2L 3-cylinder) itself Basically, it is the same as the aura of the standard model.

Therefore, the sound quality generated by the engine itself does not change dramatically. However, in the NISMO model, there are several factors that are different from the standard model that can affect the perceived sound.

For example, specially tuned suspensions, improved body rigidity, or different tires may affect how road noise is transmitted and how sound resonates in the car. Also NISMO models may have dedicated drive modes to create a sportier driving feel.

This may change the response of the motor to accelerator operation and the control pattern of the engine (power generation), resulting in the engine sound appearing to be heard more frequently or loudly.

However Just because it is a NISMO model does not mean that it is equipped with a muffler that makes the exhaust noise louder. It is a sound within the framework of e-POWER.

For the sound of Aura NISMO, It is best to compare the differences with the standard model by test driving, but it is better to think that it basically has sound characteristics unique to e-POWER.

Summary: Evaluation of the quietness of the aura and how to face it

Thank you and advice from the operator of this site.

Hello, I'm an operator who believes that "quiet cars are justice!" Thank you for reading to the end of this article on the subject of the Nissan Aura's "noisy?" problem, which is a little worrisome!

It's just an aura, a premium compact, and the texture of the interior and exterior is very good! It has a high-quality atmosphere that is a little different from the notebook. And that smooth and powerful running of e-POWER! It's really fascinating.

However, it is also true that there are voices that say that such an aura is "noisy" ... In particular, the sound of the engine during that power generation. Since it is usually very quiet, the "buzzing" sound when the engine starts may be unnecessarily attached to the ears. I have also had an experience with other e-POWER vehicles that bothered me a little.

At the end of the day, I think how to evaluate the quietness of the aura depends on how you perceive the characteristics of e-POWER. Do you think, "For the merits of running on a motor (driving, fuel economy, quietness)], the occasional engine noise is acceptable," or "No, no, if it's a premium compact, it needs to be quieter, including the engine noise!" This is really different for each person, isn't it?

That's why, if you're considering the Aura, definitely take it for a test drive! Moreover, if possible, try to drive a little longer and on various roads. In the city, bypasses, slopes... In this way, it is best to carefully check the "sound" and "running" of the aura with your own ears and body.

And "yes, this doesn't bother me at all!" or "In fact, this run is the best!" If you think so, choose your aura with confidence! It will surely enrich your car life.

However, if you feel, "Well, I'm worried about the engine noise ...", don't overdo it. We recommend that you compare it with other options (e.g., Toyota's Aqua or Yaris Cross HV, Honda's Fit HV, etc.).

We sincerely hope that you will find the best compact car for you!