NISSAN NOTE

With its distinctive looks the Note straddles the sectors and aims to be a family car with a difference. It has the comfort and equipment levels of a C segment vehicle and yet drives like a B segment hatchback. Nissan have tried to make it as uncomplicated as possible and there are just three trim levels (S, SE and SVE) as well as just three engines (1.4, 1.6 and 1.5 diesel). There's a no frills approach, even if the car is certainly a thrill to play with.

The styling is certainly strong and fresh with a powerful looking front end which encompasses a strongly defined grill and central badge mount, such as is the Murano, and those large headlight clusters. The top of the headlight has a focal point 'bubble' which you just see the top of when driving. It helps to place the front of the car when parking. There is an arched roofline, a Nissan family trademark at present, a high waistline and extended wheelarches. The rear hatch is curved, but nearly vertical with the rear light cluster either side of the glass in what are termed boomerang lights. The rear triangle shaped window is also a definitive feature. Body coloured bumpers and large door mirrors make up the distinct appearance.

On a patriotic note, this has been designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK, so it should appeal strongly to the home market and is aimed at families who want a distinctive, yet also practical and quality drive.

There are a number of 'noteable' features about the note, especially when considering storage. Security wise, you will find that the front passenger seat has an easy to access storage space, whilst on some models there are folding trays and expanding pockets. Some even have the option of a cooled glovebox which can handle up to a dozen cans of drink, or an awful amount of sweets and chocolate.

There is even a multi position trunk floor. Basically this means a false floor gives more space, but the floor is strong enough to withstand loads and can be reversed for a more durable surface to deal with muddy boots (or dogs). The rear seats will slide forward and I can confirm that this is easy to do and expands the storage area from 280 litres to 380 litres or even 437 if you take the false floor out completely. Then of course there are things such as power sockets and even six cup holders.

As part of Nissan's development they interviewed potential owners, but also passengers, such as those who would travel in their parent's cars. This has resulted in making sure leg room behind the driver was given importance, but also large door openings and individual reading lights.

The three trim levels all have anti lock brakes, EBD and four airbags as well as CD player, front electric windows, remote central locking, immobiliser, abd friendly lighting with battery save, but the higher trim levels include air conditioning, heated door mirrors, bigger alloy wheels, and even dark tinted rear passenger windows.

Looking at the engines, most have five speed manual gearboxes and very good consumption figures. The 1.4 which has a top speed of 103 mph returns 35.8, 53.3 and 44.8 mpg on the urban, extra urban and combined cycles, whilst the 1.6 can achieve 114mph with figures of 33.2, 51.4 and 42.8. An automatic version achieves slightly less all round. Finally the diesel will give a top speed of 104mph and figures of 47.9, 61.4 and 55.4 mpg.

Having driven a number of the launch models the 1.5dCi seemed to be favourite, but all are remarkably nippy and make for a comfortable yet enjoyable ride. It is fun to drive and with this amount of storage space looks set to be very versatile. It also has some of the lowest insurance premiums in its class ranging from 4E to 5E, and the prices range from just under £11,000 to £13,395. It's hard to see why the Note won't be popular as it has looks, style, vfm and performance.