Name: Nissan Note Review
Item: Nissan Note
Author: Gumtree.com

Designed as a sweet spot between small cars and MPVs, this British-built Nissan hits all the right notes for a family car. When it was launched in 2006, the Note immediately caught the attention of the hatchback market for its incredible practicality, without compromising on space and safety. Granted, it’s not as fun as other city cars, but the Note distinguishes itself as a good all-around package that offers superb value for money. If you’re looking for an efficient, good-looking car that takes you and your family from A to B quietly and comfortably, the Nissan Note fits the bill.

Visit the Nissan Note model page to explore available cars and learn more.

What we think about the Nissan Note

The Nissan Note is a practical small car that beats out a lot of competition with its incredibly low costs.

Pros

Lots of space

Efficient engines

Plenty of tech

Cons

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Lacking a dynamic driving experience

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Some engines are noisy at high speeds

The Note was first launched in 2006 and received a small facelift in 2009. It’s available in a choice of three engines: two petrols and a diesel. The second generation was released in 2013 and brought engine updates and design changes. With more than 11 trims on offer in the first-gen model and five in the second-gen, there’s plenty of scope for personalisation. The Note was phased out of production for the UK market starting in 2017.

Driving performance of the Nissan Note

Our Driving Rating7 / 10

Given that the Nissan Note is placed as direct competition to the Ford Fiesta, it’s worth noting that it lacks the Fiesta’s dynamic driving experience. That said, the well-proven V-Platform it’s based on serves the car well in delivering fine-tuned handling. Even better is the Note’s performance on the motorways, thanks to its smooth power delivery. Body lean is kept under control and the steering is weighted, making for a pleasant ride that’s perfect for a family car. If you’re looking for a bit more power, the turbo-diesel engine is your best bet.

Safety and reliability of the Nissan Note

Our Safety Rating8 / 10

Both the 2006 and the 2013 models achieved a commendable four stars out of five in the Euro NCAP safety tests. As you’d hope for a small family car, all versions of the Note are fitted with six airbags and Isofix child support points. You also get Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, which stabilises the car in emergency situations. Opting for the newer generation models will get you a car alarm, cruise control and electric mirrors. Nissan also offers several safety packs that improve on these offerings, and the Nissan Safety Shield kit comes as standard on the more expensive trims.

Under the bonnet of the Nissan Note

Our Engine Rating8 / 10

With the second generation, the Note kept engine choice simple: a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel unit and two 1.2-litre petrol units (of which one is supercharged). Naturally, the supercharged petrol is the fastest, conquering 0 to 60 mph in 11.8 seconds, but the diesel isn’t far behind at 12.6 seconds. On the older models, the entry-level 1.4-litre petrol is a bit tough for motorway usage but it is frugal. The 1.6-litre on the other hand is a cracking engine that takes just 10.7 seconds to go from 0-62mph. While the performance isn’t anything out of the ordinary, these engines are well put together and provide a gentle and refined ride for comfortable daily use.

What you'll find in the Nissan Note

Our Design Rating8 / 10

In terms of design, the Note stands out from rivals in this segment. The funky styling with plenty of peppy colourful choices makes it appealing as a city car. While the older model has a slightly more traditional MPV shape, the new generation is a lot closer to the looks of modern hatchbacks. As an added plus, body-colour bumpers are standard on all the newer models, and the N-TEC edition gets silver trims to up the styling considerably. All models get 15-inch alloys, with only the Black Edition boasting 16-inch wheels.

Comfort and interiors in the Nissan Note

Our Comfort Rating9 / 10

The Nissan Note scores big on comfort and practicality. Plenty of headroom and legroom all around means the car is a hassle-free ride for four adults. Wide door openings make it easy to step in and out, while the narrow length is an advantage when parking in the city. If you’re keen on passenger comfort, choose the Acenta option which offers sliding rear seats. A huge glove box, decent boot space and a few hidden storage units in the cabin make the Note highly appealing in the family car segment.

What features you'll find in the Nissan Note

Our Features Rating7 / 10

Nissan’s choice of drab-looking plastics undersells the interior, because the build quality is actually quite good. However, aluminium trims on the later models do help elevate the style. The older models get a CD multichanger, climate control and partial leather seats as standard, while the second generation includes AUX and USB inputs for in-car entertainment. Upgrading to the Acenta Premium trim brings in the NissanConnect 5.8-inch touchscreen system with internet radio. For a little more luxury, you can opt for the Comfort Pack that features a glass roof and keyless i-Key functionality.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Nissan Note

Our Fuel Consumption Rating9 / 10

All engines are incredibly fuel efficient on the second generation Nissan Notes. Be aware that the supercharged petrol unit, which offers 66 mpg, is more frugal than the entry-level petrol unit that delivers 60 mpg. The diesel unit claims an impressive 80 mpg. The older generation engines are slightly less efficient, with the entry-level 1.4-litre delivering just 45 mpg. Bear in mind that these figures are based on older testing systems, which means you may get slightly lower numbers with real-world usage.

Running costs of the Nissan Note

Our Cost Rating9 / 10

All the engines produce less than 109 g/km of emissions, so the insurance costs for the Note are impressively low. The diesel unit is a standout here again, producing just 90 g/km of CO2. The three-year 60,000-mile warranty package from Nissan also includes pan-European roadside assistance. Given that the fuel economy is great and Nissan has a good reputation for reliability, you can expect minimal expenditure on the Note. A tiny drawback is that the Note went out of production in 2017, when it was phased out to make way for the new Micra, so service time can be a bit long in case of serious damage.

Our verdict of the Nissan Note

4.5 / 5 Gumtree rating

Incredible practicality, decent looks and frugal engines make the Nissan Note a top choice if you're on the lookout for a reliable family car.

Nissan Note Review