The award committee granted the 2021-2022 title to four Note models, recognising the series for its electrified powertrain and e-Power powertrain as well as other features.

The last Nissan model to win car of the year was the Leaf electric vehicle in 2011.

An early player in EVs, Nissan last month announced plans to invest ¥2 trillion over the next five years to accelerate its rollout of electric models.

The Note series “dramatically changed the concept of the compact car”, said the award committee.

The all-new Note compact, which went on sale in December 2020, is the first fully redesigned version in eight years.

In August, Nissan rolled out the high-end Note Aura featuring a more luxurious interior and seats than are typical for cars in its price range.

Nissan’s proprietary e-Power system uses a battery-powered motor that receives electricity generated by a gasoline engine at high driving speeds.

The engine also charges the battery.

The system provides the feel of driving an electric vehicle with the greater range of a hybrid.

In Japan, the price of the Note compact starts at ¥2.02 million.

The Car of the Year Japan prize also went to the Aura Nismo and the Autech Crossover, the two-sport utility vehicle versions of the Note.