Skip advert
Advertisement

Nissan Note 2014 review

Has Nissan captured the spirit of the original Note with this all new model?

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Nissan Note
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

With buyers of small MPVs switching to crossovers, Nissan has tried to reposition the Note as a traditional Fiesta rival rather than a compact people carrier. But the Ford has a higher-quality feel and drives better. The Note is practical and provides loads of space in a relatively small car, but it’s just not as good an all-rounder as the old Note, nor as cool as a Juke.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The original Nissan Note was a real all-rounder, with a spacious interior and a sharp drive. This new version with a 97bhp supercharged engine promises more of the same, but does it deliver?

Getting comfortable is tricky, as the steering wheel doesn’t adjust for reach. And while the ride is soft, at higher speeds the Note becomes bouncy, and the tyres fidget over bumps in the road. The engine, meanwhile, is quite loud, but it performs well enough in town; the gearshift just isn’t that precise.

On the plus side, Nissan has loaded the Note with tech. Blind-spot assist and lane departure warning systems sound good, but don’t function that well. The former illuminates a light in the door mirrors when a vehicle pulls alongside, although it’s too dim unless you’re driving in the dark, while the latter only beeps when you’re well into the next lane.

Nissan Note 2014 interior

The stop-start system is frustrating, too. When fully pressed down, the pedals slot into a recess in the bulkhead – if you’ve got big feet, the clutch won’t go down far enough to restart the engine.

While the drive disappoints, the Note still majors on practicality. There’s lots of space up front, while rear seat legroom is good, and the boot huge. It’s a shame this car doesn’t have the all-round appeal of the old Note. But with many buyers swapping small MPVs for SUVs, at least Nissan has the Juke ready and waiting.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,364 off RRP*Used from £8,595
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,773 off RRP*Used from £11,995
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,919 off RRP*Used from £14,800
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
BMW M5 Touring - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal

The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 29 June
News
29 Jun 2025
Electric car appeal is at its lowest since 2019
Opinion - Kia EV9 GT

Electric car appeal is at its lowest since 2019

From poor electric car sales to crashes in F1, Mike Rutherford thinks its been a crazy few weeks in the automotive world
Opinion
29 Jun 2025
New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught
Skoda Epiq vRS exclusive image

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught

Every future Skoda will get the go-faster treatment, with the brand also working on making cars sharper and more engaging
News
27 Jun 2025