Nissan Note 1.5 dCi SVE

	The Murano-inspired nose and high waistline disguise the Note’s supermini-MPV dimensions, while the sloping roofline and boomerang tail-lights give an athletic look

The Nissan Note has a selection of three engine options – 87bhp 1.4-litre or 109bhp 1.6-litre petrol powerplants, plus the Renault-sourced 85bhp 1.5-litre diesel unit. A trio of S, SE and SVE trims are available, but the top-specification 1.5 dCi SVE we try in this test is closest to the Roomster on price. Having beaten a Honda Jazz in Issue 903, the Note is clearly a very strong package.

According to Nissan, the Note was the brainchild of one of its designers, who was worried the arrival of his first child would mean he could no longer drive an attractive car. He wanted to create something that combines style and space, and the end product certainly encompasses both.

The Murano-inspired nose and high waistline disguise the Note’s supermini-MPV dimensions, while the sloping roofline and boomerang tail-lights give an athletic look. It’s the smallest car here, and when you open the hatch, the Nissan’s boot at first appears tiny in comparison – but a lower luggage compartment conceals extra space.

By normal standards, rear leg and headroom are generous, but in this company space is merely adequate. Up front, things improve, however. Here, the interior feels airy and the driving position is nearly as good as the Skoda’s – despite the lack of steering reach adjustment. Much of the switchgear is borrowed from the Micra, and everything is functional, if not particularly welcoming.

Still, the Nissan is great in town, thanks to its easy gearchange and electric power-steering, which becomes lighter at lower speeds. However, on the open road the set-up gets a little too light, and the ride isn’t as composed as the Roomster’s.

The 1.5-litre dCi engine is smooth and refined. It shows its limits on the motorway (a 30-70mph time of 14.6 seconds is the slowest here), but in-gear the Nissan feels as fast as its rivals, and there’s virtually no turbo lag. For less than the Skoda, our top-spec SVE has traction and stability control – so the Note won’t give up its crown without a fight.