Aimed at those who want a compact run-around that offers oodles of practicality - the Nissan
Note is basically a supermini with the personality of an MPV.
As this is the case, the Note challenges popular superminis like the Ford Fiesta but also hopes
to take sales from mini MPV’s like the Honda Jazz and Vauxhall Meriva.
Okay, it may not be the most stylish supermini-sized car on the market, but its looks have definitely
evolved over the years for the better.
The Note’s interior hardly pops when it comes to design, but its layout is very systematic
and, unlike some superminis, all the features are easy to locate.
As you can see on our model we have the Nissan Connect colour touchscreen system, which has
sat-nav, DAB digital radio and a reversing camera – and this is available from Acenta
Premium models and upwards.
But every model still gets the likes of cruise control, USB compatibility and front electric
windows.
Family car buyers in particular may want to invest in Nissan’s Safety Shield technology
as it brings Moving Object Detection, Lane Departure Warning and Blind Spot Detection
- great for motorway driving.
Quick note on the seating position, this arm rest is a great addition, especially when
it comes to comfort on long journeys, but the lack of reach in the steering column means
some will have to fiddle around with the seat a bit to get comfy.
One last thing worth mentioning is the cool blue light that appears above the instruments
when you start the engine and this also appears if you activate ECO mode – and the ECO mode
helps you achieve greater fuel economy by numbing the throttle response and working
hand-in-hand with the start stop technology.
Thanks to a slightly boxy shape, the Note’s head room in the rear is generous and with
the ability to slide the rear seats back, leg room is brilliant.
Bear in mind though, if you do slide the rear seats back, it eats into boot space.
But conversely, if you need a bit more boot space then you can push the seats forward,
and even utilise this under floor storage.
In terms of facts and figures, the Note’s boot offers up to 411 litres with the seats
up and 1,495 litres with the seats down.
One important thing to consider however is that entry-level models don’t get the sliding
seats or under floor storage.
As the Note is based on the Micra supermini, it is hardly invigorating to drive as the
steering lacks feel and is hard to get excited about - but that’s not what the Note’s
about.
The Note is all about comfort and I can confidently say that its soft suspension and airy cabin
mean that it is surprisingly relaxed on long journeys.
There are however a few niggles, like the wind noise from the A pillars – I actually
found myself double checking the window was closed – and the fact that you almost feel
like you have to stretch to put it into first gear, but maybe that’s just me.
There are just three engines to choose from, a 79bhp 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated petrol,
a supercharged 97bhp version of the 1.2-litre petrol and an 88bhp 1.5-litre diesel.
The natural-aspirated petrol we are driving is fine for nipping here and there, but its
lack of oomph means it is hard to do universal driving in and you will find yourself constantly
changing down the gears trying to find the power band’s sweet spot when overtaking.
The supercharged version will help when it comes to added power, but the diesel is still
the no brainer in the range as it is more appropriate for motorway driving, the power
is much more evenly spread and it emits just 98g/km of CO2 and claims to return as much
as 80mpg.
The Note is hardly a ‘stand-out from the crowd’ type of car, but it should definitely
be on your list if you are after a practical, supermini-sized model.
However, if you are a stickler when it comes to reliability, then the Honda Jazz may be
more to your liking.
But what do you think of the Nissan Note?
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