Overview

The Nissan Note gives normal hatchback buyers food for thought. Although it’s a similar small people carrier like the Vauxhall Meriva and Renault Modus – and comes with a versatile and family-friendly interior – it’s significantly larger but manages to retain the look of a more conventional hatchback. In fact, it’s spacious enough and such good value that canny Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra buyers should give it serious consideration too.

That’s because the Note is a good all-round package. In addition to its exceptionally useful interior, it’s fun to drive, well equipped and cheap to run. It was facelifted in January 2009 with tweaked exterior styling and slightly more economical engines.