Nissan Note Tested Feb 2006

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Environment Rating Lowest carbon dioxide emissions achieved with the 1.5dCi diesel option and 136g/km. Not exceptional compared with the Note's European rivals. Overall Rating Recommended. Versatile, affordable, robust and spacious - the Note is unlikely to win any design awards, but it's a family car ideally suited to real families.

Summary

Don't be put off by its whimsical name - the Nissan Note is a straightforward and hugely effective family car aimed squarely at parents who want something big enough to swallow their children and all the lifestyle paraphernalia that goes with them.

The unexceptional design means that it's no head-turner, which is a shame given the company's recent styling direction as exemplified by the 350Z and Murano. There are some nice details, though, including boomerang rear lights. The interior sticks to the same script, dull but functional with solid construction and excellent standard safety equipment. Passenger space is brilliant, with more than enough room for four six-footers and a rear bench seat that slides backwards and forwards to boost leg or luggage room. The boot offers decent size and there are plenty of oddments stowage spaces, plus an aircon-cooled glovebox.

It drives well, too. The Note is a neat, tidy handler with less roll in corners than you would anticipate for such a tall car. The steering is light and direct and, on twisting roads, the chassis feels amusingly agile. It even rides well, too - the long wheelbase giving it a well-damped compliance over rough roads, although it can feel a bit clumpy over bumps tackled at lower speeds in town.

Two petrol engines are available, both offering decent performance - although the brawnier 1.6 litre motor has a useful edge, even if it does sound loud higher up the rev range. The diesel is a disappointment, though - sounding clattery and lacking the punch we expect from a modern turbodiesel. Both engines have gearboxes that feel remote and baggy.