Nissan

Note

Boasting cutting edge technology, the Note really is a small car with a big future. With tons of space and some excellent features throughout, it offers a deceptively spritely drive with great handling in town and on the open road.

Test Drive

Nissan Note 1.5dci TEKNA (2013)

Reduced running costs and an impressive range of top notch safety innovations are all part and parcel of the new Nissan Note.

The mini-MPV market is a fiercely competitive segment but the new generation model will certainly make its mark. There’s no denying the fact that buyers want value for money – they want to drive away from a showroom believing they have secured the deal of a lifetime and that’s why manufacturers really have to make their products stand out from the ever-growing crowd.

The Nissan Note does just that because it offers a richly-equipped car that is economical to run and boasts a £16,950 asking price that doesn’t break the bank.

Add in safety features such as an around view monitor that gives a bird’s eye view when parking, blind sport warning system, lane departure warning and moving object detection and it’s clear to see why Nissan has such high hopes for its new Note.

The four-door model looks striking thanks to 16-inch alloys, daytime running lights, body-coloured door mirrors and door handles, sweeping light clusters and flashes of chrome trim.

And once inside, the Note offers plenty of creature comforts along the way in what has to be described as a simplistic, uncluttered yet effective cabin area.

Technology which comes fitted as standard includes automatic wipers, automatic headlights, climate control, cruise control with speed limiter, a colour touchscreen infotainment system, a six-speaker audio with MP3 and AUX input plus plenty more besides.

There is an ECO mode and auto stop/start to maximise fuel economy and Nissan claims the Note can achieve combined fuel efficiency of 78.5mpg with emissions of just 92g/km.

The Note can reach 62mph from a standing start in 11.9 seconds and has a top speed of 111mph.

Although it’s not the quickest out of the starting blocks, the acceleration through the 5-speed manual transmission is nice and responsive and the road holding also impressive.

Storage will not be an issue either as the boot can hold 325 litres which can be increased to 2,012 with the 60:40 split rear seats folded flat.

I found the Note was a little noisy at times but mainly when the 1.5-litre diesel-powered engine was pushed hard. At other times it was relatively quiet.

Apart from all the new safety specifications, the Note comes complete with anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability programme and numerous airbags.

All in all, the new Note is quite an all-rounder with plenty of built-in technology as standard, great economy and excellent residual values being predicted by the experts.

Test Drive

Nissan Note 1.5 DCi Tekna

The Nissan Note is never going to attract the attention of boy racers but that’s really not a bad thing because this vehicle can find a home in so many useful niches.

In recent months there seems to have been a general influx of good quality family all-rounders and that’s exactly what the Note is, but more.

You see, these days there is more pressure on drivers to look after the planet and taking notice of such suggestions brings with it a wealth of financial rewards for the greener motorist.

The Note’s carbon emission figures are very low, fuel economy is outstanding and to top that, the initial asking price won’t break the bank either.

And if you thought holding back on the cash would lead to an inferior spec list, you’d be wrong. For Nissan has crammed the Note with top notch features such as cruise control, rear parking sensors, climate control with pollen filter, automatic headlights, plus the very impressive Nissan Connect – an integrated audio and navigation system with a touch screen. The only feature I found lacking a little was the front screen de-mister which seemed to take a little too long to function adequately

Designed with a sturdy, solid build in mind, the Note is never going to win many beauty competitions, but who cares really!

A family these days will happily sacrifice the striking dazzling good looks of a sporty number that is hell to get a child seat in for a much more capable and versatile all-rounder and that’s just where the Nissan Note fits in.

With 40/60 split folding rear seats, the load capacity is dramatically increased and throughout the cabin is a host of useful storage compartments including a secret storage tray under the passenger’s seat (not a secret anymore though!)

The Note performed well both in and around town and out on the more open road where the 1.5-litre engine delivered plenty of power and road-holding was impressive too.

It comes fitted with Nissan’s excellent range of safety features such as anti-lock brakes, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability programme and numerous airbags throughout.

There is an ever-increasing demand for these quality all-rounders and the Note is certainly helping to meet that demand.