2013 Nissan Note 1.5 dCi first drive

The replacement for the spacious, if decidedly bland, Nissan Note. But while the first generation model followed a well trodden compact MPV path, the new model has evolved into a direct competitor to the likes of the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa.

So does that mean Nissan is alienating its loyal band of Note owners who liked the previous model's high seating position and general disposition? Not necessarily. Nissan says the new car will appeal to a wider range of buyers, and once current Note owners try the new car, they will find the seating position similar to that of their own car. That’s bullish, but bosses expect the Note to replace the Nissan Micra as the marque’s third most popular car after the Nissan Qashqai and Nissan Juke.

Either way, the Note has finally arrived in the UK after being previewed in 2012’s Invitation concept. Happily, the production model is largely unchanged. Nissan claims best-in-class aerodynamics, aided by the unique plastic front end offered to European buyers.

The car is based on Nissan’s V platform, which it shares with the latest Micra. It uses a MacPherson strut set-up at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, meaning that boot space is largely unaffected despite the sleeker lines.

Improved practicality stretches to rear doors which open to almost 90deg, and a rear bench with handles in the boot and in the cabin to slide the seats fore and aft. Despite appearances to the contrary, Nissan says the seats are mounted only fractionally lower than before, making it easy to climb in and out of.

Nissan also claims the new car has more cabin space and the best rear legroom in its class. Mid and top-spec models also feature a decent level of technology, something which Nissan hopes will attract a younger audience. The Acenta Premium model tested here, the third of a four-strong range, includes the latest generation of Nissan’s Connect multimedia system, which includes sat-nav and phone connectivity.

We’re testing the 92g/km 1.5-litre dCi diesel, which is expected to account for around 40 per cent of private sales. It is a familiar engine, and the only four-pot in the range; the petrol engines are naturally aspirated and supercharged versions of Nissan’s 1.2-litre triple.

Somewhere between a comfortable Volkswagen Polo and a sporty Ford Fiesta. Nissan has tuned the Note for European tastes, which in practice means a more planted drive than the original Note, but one with far better bump absorption to make for a reasonably relaxed drive.

Less impressive is the steering, which lacks feedback and is rather too light. But as a car to knock around town, that’s something that is forgivable. A tight 10.7m turning circle makes for good urban manoeuvrability.

The 1.5-litre diesel engine offers up a reasonably modest 89bhp and 147lb ft, meaning acceptable performance. What power it does produce is delivered smoothly, but it is a grumbly unit under acceleration. Better is its high-speed refinement, which is broken only by a modicum of road noise. Our test route saw it return an excellent 62mpg, which was achieved over a mix of roads.

Where the Nissan Note excels is with regards to practicality. The boot is generously deep once the false floor has been removed and, depending on the position of the sliding rear bench, offers up between 325 and 411 litres of space. The false floor can be raised to sit flush with the boot sill, and with the seats folded it forms a near-flat floor.