The redesigned Nissan subcompact hatchback, now called the Versa Note, arrived for 2014, two years after the corresponding Versa sedan model got its remake.

For 2014, the Note’s starting price is $13,990 for the base model S with a five-speed manual transmission; Nissan recently released the 2015 prices, and this model begins at $14,180.

To get an automatic transmission means a step up to the Note S Plus model, which begins at $15,240 for the 2014 version, and $15,430 for the 2015. It comes with a continuously variable transmission, or CVT.

The Versa Note is the second installment of Nissan’s redesign of the Versa line, after the launch of the sedan, prices for which begin at $11,990 for the manual model, and $12,990 for the CVT version.

As for the Note, its main competitors include the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Chevrolet Sonic and Ford Fiesta.

This time, the two Versa models are different beyond just the hatchback versus sedan styling. The Note, which is more than a foot shorter than the sedan, has its own distinct look, and actually is on a different chassis.

Among its key features are the class-exclusive Around View Monitor; a new exterior design that includes a steeply sloped windshield and sculpted body panels; best-in-class EPA ratings of 31 mpg city and 35 combined; class-leading cargo space; and the optional NissanConnect navigation/infotainment system with Bluetooth streaming audio.

The two versions do share the same engine and transmissions. Under the hood of all models is an advanced 1.6-liter, inline four-cylinder engine with 109 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque.

The automatic on the S Plus and SV models is Nissan’s next-generation Xtronic CVT, a smooth-shifting transmission with no discernable shift points.

For this report, we tested the Note SV model with the CVT, which had a base price of $17,690.

There was plenty of power from the 1.6-liter engine, and the CVT shifted seamlessly with little effort. Even uphill freeway ramps were no challenge, and the car zipped along at highway speeds with no problems. It’s also very quiet inside for a car in this price class.

Fuel economy is impressive. With the CVT, the EPA ratings are 31 mpg city/40 highway/35 combined. They’re not as high with the manual, though — 27/36/30.

One of my biggest surprises was how roomy this car is. There is room for five people in the spacious interior. Even with the driver’s seat way back, there was plenty of rear leg and knee room. Up front, there are comfortable bucket seats, with a center console that has two cupholders, USB/auxiliary inputs and a rear tray accessible to rear-seat passengers.

With the SL upgrade, rear passengers have a fold-down center armrest with dual cupholders, which eliminates the middle seating position, but makes it more comfortable for the two outboard passengers.

In the cargo area, there is an optional Divide-N-Hide adjustable floor (included in the SL package); with the 60/40-split fold-down rear seat folded, there is a large, flat cargo area all the way to the front seatbacks.

Under the cargo floor is a hidden storage area, which also creates a deep well for taller cargo.

Standard are cloth seats, four-way manually adjustable front bucket seats (six-way adjust is included with the SV), Fine Vision instruments, AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers, 12-volt power outlet, front door pockets with bottle holders and 15-inch wheels.

The navigation system has a 5.8-inch color touch-screen dash display, hands-free text messaging, streaming audio, Pandora radio capability (iPhone only) and points of interest (by Google).

Safety and security features include front seat-mounted side air bags, roof-mounted side-curtain air bags for both rows, electronic stability control with traction control and tire-pressure monitoring. Nissan’s Easy-Fill Tire Alert system is optional.