Breakdown
Environment
Similar CO2 figures to the Micra, but it is quite a bit bigger. Average for this type of vehicle.
Styling
Hardly a head-turner, but functional design means plenty of usable room on board - ideal for growing families.
Handling
It's no hot hatch but the Note feels athletic and agile with light, direct steering and alert chassis responses.
Comfort
The Note's suspension was tuned specifically for European roads - the result is a firm but compliant ride motorway ride.
Quality + reliability
Too many cabin plastics are hard, but the Note feels solidly built and robust enough to handle the rough and tumble of family life.
Performance
Although the 1.6 litre petrol engine is zesty and keen, it's also noisy at higher revs, while the diesel feels sluggish and dull.
Roominess
This is where the Note excels - the cabin is lounge-like in size and crammed with intelligently configured stowage spaces.
Running costs
Both petrol and diesel engines are fruga, insurance and maintenance costs will be low.
Value for money
Another bullseye - Note buyers get plenty of safety and luxury gear on even the base model, and certainly won't feel short-changed.
Stereo / Sat nav
All models come with a decent-sounding CD player, while the top-spec Note gets a six-speaker stereo that swallows six CDs. There's no satnav available.
