Nissan Note 1.6 Acenta

Oct 5 2008 Robin Roberts

HONESTY pays - and the Nissan Note gives you change as well.

It is not the most attractive or inspiringly named model, but make no mistake the Nissan Note is a very practical and well made five-door hatchback.

It is one of the first of the modern crossover creations, blending hatchback with midi-MPV styling and giving priority to room and versatility.

The comparatively compact Note series spans the price range from around £10,200 to £15,000 and is powered by a choice of 87bhp 1.4 or 108bhp 1.6 petrol engines and 85bhp 1.5 diesel engines with automatic available for another £900 on the larger petrol versions.

There are Visia, Acenta and Tekna trim levels with safety features, entertainment and stability controls available as you move up the range as well as different upholstery.

This model was a1.6 petrol and the most popular in the range and it was a good powertrain combination delivering eager, smooth and quiet performance even if it was not outstanding in terms of acceleration.

The light clutch, direct short gearchange and ratios meant you were never under pressure to change in town or to make it cover the miles out of town.

The sophistication of the powertrain was matched by that of the braking system, which only needed moderate pedal effort to bring about strong deceleration and a very controlled stop. The handbrake also held it securely on steep hills.

The steering is not the most feelsome of systems, but it had a good turning circle, did not suffer vibration at speed, nor was it twitchy at speed.

Secondary switches are where you would expect them to be and operate with a lightness many appreciate, while the simple instruments are fairly clear if not marked in detail.

For the Note, the heating and ventilation is straightforward and did a good job at cooling or warming the interior and there are powered windows on all but the entry level model.

It is worth mentioning that all versions come with MP3 connectivity and CD player, while the top versions get multi-cd heads.

Oddments room is fairly good throughout and the boot space rises from 280 to 1,332 litres with the benefit of split back seats. There's a centre rear three-point belt and the Note takes Isofix-equipped seats for babies.

Access is good as you would expect with a tall, utility design and those in front have plenty of room if the passengers behind find knee-room on the tight side. You can reach into the load area very easily and it's a good shape for taking items.

The Note is not a performance model in any way and this is apparent in the handling department because it is entirely safe, predictable and not very exciting to drive.

It does absorb road bumps better at higher speed, but you can hear how hard the car is working away underneath at all times.

Acceleration is very modest through the gears and while the Nissan cruises without a problem at the motorway limit it struggles near the maximum. Economy is good, even if you drive hard.

The Nissan Note is a straightforward model with no pretensions and you can see what you're getting with few frills. It is a very likeable car.

FAST FACTS

Nissan Note 1.6 Acenta 5dr

Price: £12,395

Mechanical : 108bhp, 1,598cc, 4cyl engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox

Max speed : 114mph

0-62mph : 10.7 secs

Insurance group : 5

Combined mpg : 43

CO2 emissions : 156g/km

BiK rating : 19%

Warranty : 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust