Nissan Note   Women's view

Nissans Supermini with a little extra, the Note, has much to recommend it, thinks June Neary

People move up to larger cars often without thinking. Just why do you need a Family Hatchback for example, when one of the latest MPV-style superminis would probably do just as well? These are small cars that are anything but small inside, instead boasting MPV-style versatility that would put most Focus-sized Family Hatchback-class cars to shame. Nissans Note is a typical example of the supermini-MPV breed and I thought Id put one to the test. First impressions were promising, the shape of the car looking practical but purposeful.

But you dont buy something like this for its looks.

I thought that the interior felt very spacious and an inspection of the PR blurb revealed this was because of the fact that the wheelbase of 2.60m is longer than that of cars like the MK5 Volkswagen Golf. This available space can be optimised between luggage and rear passengers with the aid of a sliding rear bench seat as well as the usual folding rear arrangement. The Notes most interesting feature, however, is the split level luggage bay.

Most would never know that beneath a flat loading deck theres a 250mm deep second layer that can keep valuables out of the way of prying eyes. Cup holders, bag holding hooks and umbrella stowing points also hint at the Notes attention to detail.

The compact dimensions and light steering make the Note quite a bit more manoeuvrable in tight corners than other small cars, while the multi-link suspension definitely makes light work of high street bumps - and we have more than a few around my nephew's school. The Note feels highly nimble on the road with body-roll well controlled, a firm ride and steering thats light but accurate. Its perfect for nipping through the city streets and it inspires confidence thanks to good all-round visibility and a tight turning circle. If you really value a comfortable ride, one of the Notes rivals may be a better option but if you like your small cars with a taught, sporty feel, this could be it.

The driving position is very comfortable indeed, thanks to carefully designed seats with adjustment controls that are easy. Under-confident drivers will be relieved by the fact that the headlights are visible from the drivers seat, giving an easy width reference. Three engine choices are initially being offered. The two petrol units comprise an 87bhp 1.

4-litre as well as a 108bhp 1.6-litre powerplant but the big seller is likely to be the diesel engine, a 1.5-litre dCi common rail unit borrowed from the conventional Micra supermini range with 85bhp on tap. This was the unit I tried and performance from the 1.

5-litre common rail diesel is respectable if not rapid, getting to 60mph in seconds, but of more interest to most customers will be a combined fuel economy of 55.8mpg. Naturally, this will dip if you load your Note up to the gunwales but not by a disastrous amount. Whats more, this engine has a beefy 147lb/ft of torque to rely on, which means that itll pull a loaded vehicle without too much rowing with the gear lever.

Thats as much as a BMW 320i by the way.

Three trim levels are available (S, SE and SVE) at prices starting from £9,990. Standard equipment includes anti lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, remote central locking, front electric windows, twin airbags, an electric tailgate release and a CD-based stereo. My test car came fitted with Nissans Smart keyless locking system which I found to be anything but Smart. Youre constantly fiddling with the thing and wondering why it wont start and what youve forgotten to do.

Theres also no way of knowing when you leave the car whether youve actually locked it, since the keyfobs sensors sense when youre close to the doors and unlock them automatically. Id avoid this option.

Overall, I liked the Note enough to question why anyone would buy a Micra or any other conventional supermini come to that. If youre shopping for a small car, you really owe it to yourself to check out this clever sub-niche of the market.