Car Statistics: Nissan - Note  Series 06 (4 stars)

Styling (3 stars)

Hardly a head-turner, but functional design means plenty of usable room on board - ideal for growing families.

Handling (4 stars)

It's no hot hatch but the Note feels athletic and agile with light, direct steering and alert chassis responses.

Comfort (3 stars)

The Note's suspension was tuned specifically for European roads - the result is a firm but compliant ride motorway ride.

Quality (4 stars)

Too many cabin plastics are hard, but the Note feels solidly built and robust enough to handle the rough and tumble of family life.

Performance (3 stars)

Although the 1.6 litre petrol engine is zesty and keen, it's also noisy at higher revs, while the diesel feels sluggish and dull.

Roominess (5 stars)

This is where the Note excels - the cabin is lounge-like in size and crammed with intelligently configured stowage spaces.

Costs (4 stars)

Both petrol and diesel engines are fruga, insurance and maintenance costs will be low.

Value (4 stars)

Another bullseye - Note buyers get plenty of safety and luxury gear on even the base model, and certainly won't feel short-changed.

Stereo (3 stars)

All models come with a decent-sounding CD player, while the top-spec Note gets a six-speaker stereo that swallows six CDs. There's no satnav available.

Other

Replacement: 2012

NCAP rating: 4

JD power stars: 4

Overall Rating (4 stars)