- Price£12,440
- We like...Smooth ride, slidey seats
- We don't...Blind spots when reversing
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.
Nissan Note Acenta 1.5 dCi 85bhp datafile
- Engines1.5 dCi
- Power85bhp
- 0-60 mph13.0sec
- Economy55.4mpg
- CO2g/km135
- Insurance groupsgroup 4
- Euro NCAP
- Airbags6
- Seats5
Motors.co.uk value verdict 
i am partially disabled one parent family part time carer for my father i am also a very caring parent hence i am mums mini cab i have a new nissan note that was bought especially with my dad in mind easy to get in/out of plenty of leg room nice to drive
I HAVE A NISSAN NOTE SVE. I HAVE PROBLEMS WALKINH ANY GREAT DISTANCES SO I USE MY CAR AS AN EXTENTION OF MY LEGS.
IT IS A BRILLIANTLY THOUGHT OUT CAR ONLY “ONE” PROBLEM I HAVE THE 1.6 ENGINE BUT THE PETROL TANK CAPACITY IS ONLY MICRA SIZE.
WISH IT HAD BIGGER TANK
I love This car, The ease with which you and get in and out , the engine runs like a dream fuel consumtion is vvery good to. Also I had reversing alarm fitted it is brill, and have Bluetooth installed at the touch of a button on the steering wheel I can answer my phone all round a great car boot space plenty. Just the best car I have ever owned.
i really do like this cara good drive whether short or long journey surprisingly plenty of room front or back seats excellent driving position easily achieved with easy ajustment there is though 1 or 2 problems which needs some attention the suspension it’s too hard can you please make it a little softer also make sure everything is correctly tightened i.e door inges and please put steering wheel controls i.e + & – audio and driving info MPG etc onto the right side of steering wheel
I like my car because it has a high driving position and the raised seat makes entry and exit easier for me, as I am disabled. I also like the performance and the economy.
i got my nissan note 1.6 automatic in august 2008.im disabled.i have found the car easy to drive and comfertable.it is the best car i have ever owned.it has loads of extras.i am 6ft 3ins.and find lots of room for a car of its size
I recently bought a Note after trading in my Micra, which I had from new,for 3 years, I saw the Note in the cafe latte colourway & fell in love! was going to but a new one but they had one a year old at considerably less than new & top of the range too, I couldn’t resist it & i’m not sorry, i’ts a cracking car, don’t think twice about getting one,
i swapped my ford c-max motability car for a nissan note auto.was a bit unsure if i would like it as much as the ford as it was slightly smaller,but i absolutely love my car.we have no space issues at all.its a fab little car.got mine in the faded denim colour.got the one withh the built in sat nav,its fantastic.as its a live system it tells you in advance of any traffic jams on your route.wont be wanting to swap this car.love it
I bought a two year old, extremely low mileage Nissan Note about six months ago after years of having Micras and I have to say I love it. Its very comfortable and easy to drive, I love the high driving position and its easy to spot in a car park! The rear darkened windows are great when we have our dog with us as it keeps it from getting too hot. Most of all, I just love the way everything comes on when set to automatic like the lights, windscreen wipers etc. Definitely value for money.
I’ve just bought a three year old Note SVE with very low mileage. At first the driving position seemed awkward, but now after a few weeks it is excellent with visibility to all four corners. Agree the tank could be bigger, but overall design very good given the small footprint. Only problem is an occasional squeal from the alternator belt. Intend to keep this car for some years.