Buying a small car doesn’t have to mean compromising on space – just take a look at the current crop of supermini MPVs. The market has grown in popularity so much that last year we introduced a new award specifically for these smaller multi-purpose vehicles. And it’s 2006’s winner, the Nissan Note, which retains its crown.

From launch it was obvious that the Japanese company had hit the nail on the head when it comes to family-friendliness. The model also set new benchmarks for equipment, space and driving dynamics.

The sharp styling, arching roofline and prominent nose give it an athletic look that’s anything but MPV.