The Note scored four out of five stars when crash tested by Euro NCAP which is reasonable for a small car. All cars have dual front and side airbags, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution and Isofix child seat anchor points. SE/Acenta models have curtain airbags, while the SVE/Tekna gets an electronic stability programme. Security is taken care of with remote central locking and an immobiliser.

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.