24/03/08

• Price12,440
• We like...Smooth ride, slidey seats
• We don't...Blind spots when reversing

If you're a fan of the Micra, you'll feel instantly at home in this super-practical, good value small hatch

We like cars that have a ‘family’ feel. Fords have this, whether you’re piloting a Ka or a Mondeo estate. It means that once you’ve found a make that you like, you can confidently stick with it. But Nissans haven’t had this. Until now.

Step into a Note and, if you’ve driven a current Micra, you’ll feel comfy and familiar. The slightly upright driving position, the big swoopy screen, the corners of the headlamps peeking over its base, remind you of Nissan’s littlest car. Even most of the controls are the same.

Except that the Note is big inside... and also pretty clever. Cleverness comes in the rear bench that slides a good 18ins back and fore to swap cabin space for a bigger boot. Shove it fully forward and the load space is ginormous, although rear legroom all but disappears. Tug it back and a huge rear lounge appears, with airline-style tables that spring from the front seats. There’s a trio of full three-point belts, as you’d expect, but it’s a bit tight with that many aboard, unless they’re skinny, or children.

In the boot, there’s also a floor you can set at varying heights to create double-deck storage. Finally, there’s a hidey-hole under the front passenger seat, perfect for a handbag or day pack.

That diesel is a slugger, not a revver, but it sings the Note along at a relaxed tempo. It’s economical, offering up to 55mpg overall and its CO2 emissions are a low 135g/km. The motor’s not too rackety once it has warmed and drops to a hum once at motorway speeds. The tops of the front lamps help you find your spot on the road easily, although big, bluff rear corners make reversing chancy.

The sweetest thing about this mid-sized hatchback, though, is its ride. It’s tuned for comfort in town and takes the bumps smoothly. No wonder: its shares its underpinnings with the Renault Clio, another smooth-riding car. The Acenta sits mid-range and has every gadget you’d expect – an OK stereo/CD, air conditioning, six airbags and remote central locking. 

Size-wise, it’s an in-betweenie: smaller than a Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf, but longer than a Polo. Thanks to its clever use of what cabin space there is, you won’t feel cramped. Best of all, if you love the Micra – and there are many reasons why you should – owning a Note’ll feel like coming home.

• Engines1.5 dCi
• Power85bhp
• 0-60 mph13.0sec
• Economy55.4mpg
• CO2g/km135
• Insurance groupsgroup 4
• EuroNCAP
• Airbags6
• Seats5

Motors.co.uk value verdict: