Nissan Note (06 on) - Review

Four adults can travel in surprising comfort, despite the Note's compact proportions. The rear legroom is exceptional (see gallery), with more than enough room for six-footers, even when the front passenger seat is slid right back. Up front there's plenty of room too. Every car has a CD stereo, with an autochanger six CD in-dash autochanger on SVE models.

The Note's trump card is that it's one of the most practical small cars on the market. Although it looks like a standard hatchback (it's not particularly high for instance), the interior is actually incredibly flexible. Firstly, the seats fold flat at the pull of a lever for an impressive amount of load space (1,332 litres) and they also slide forward and back to give extra legroom or more luggage space. The legroom is so good that most buyers will probably keep the seats as far forward as possible for maximum loadspace. New for a Nissan is a 'Flexi-board' (see gallery) on SE and SVE models. When it's in place it covers a hidden storage area and creates a fold flat floor. One side is carpet, the other is wipe-clean, for muddy boots or a dog. It can be easily removed to free up all the boot space. You also get a huge glovebox that's big enough to store 12 drinks cans, a storage box under the passenger's seat and seat-back 'kangaroo' pockets that are expandable.

The driving position is comfortable, with well-placed pedals, a supportive seat and an armrest. However, it's not without its flaws. The steering wheel adjusts for height only (not reach), although there is seat-height adjustment available on SE spec (later Acenta) and above. Due to the characteristic shape of the rear pillars and small rear screen, rear visibility can be restricted. This is especially noticeable during tricky parking moves. Parking sensors would help, but are not available. Aside from that, the cabin is a user-friendly delight. Black and beige are the two interior colour schemes that are on offer, although the black plastics give a sombre appearance, the cabin isn't without flair, with numerous cubbies and stylish design touches.