Nissan Note (Nissan Note)

Member Name: chris212

Product:	Nissan Note
Date:	21/05/09 (424 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A Tardis inside

Disadvantages: Loses value fast

The Nissan Note has recently been upgraded to the new 08/09 model, with new names for the level of trim. These are the basic model Visia (£9900), the mid range Acentra (£1100) and the top of the range Tekna (£1200) [These are rough list prices as a guide but are not accurate]. The model we went for was the mid range Acentra, that provided more than the baisics but not the equipment that was not necessary or would not be used.

The Nissan Note is from the joint association and partnership between Nissan and Renault, therefore similarties can be seen between the Note and the Renault Modus in the shape and design. Another striking feature of the Note is the resembalense between the Note and its sister car the Nissan Micra. The Note and the new Micra share a number of features on both cars such as the interior and the front end shape and design. This is why both can be mistaken for each other, but the end of bonnet back the difference can be seen with an MPV shape.

Obviously the model type determins the level of quality and the equipment on the car. The baisc equipment that is included on all models including the Visia is a CD, electric front windows and the moving back seat (Which I will touch upon later). The level I would advise is the Acentra level which we purchased. At this level the car includes air conditioning, electric front and back windows, electric mirrors, 15" alloy wheels, bluetooth, aircraft style food trays for the back passengers and steering wheel controls for the stero, dash display and mobile phone via bluetooth; also included in the car we bought was UV ray protected tinted windows. Items included on the Tekna are fully blacked out rear windows, a six disk CD playe, heated wing mirrors and one or two other items. Items that have now been included on all new 2009 version cars from the Acentra up is crusie control and speed limiter.

The reason that I would recommend the Acentra over the other models is the level of interior quality is equal to that of the Tekna but more than the Visa while not having the unneeded equipment on the Tenka, that in my own opinion are not needed and can be done without.

Within the Acentra the level of comfort we feel is high, but this is incomparison to to an S reg Ford Fiesta. One of the best qualities of the Note is the amount of space that is provided. This is provided in the rear of the car by the entire back seat being able to slide backwards and fordwards depending on the amount of leg space needed and space in the boot. When pushed far back there is enough space for a tall perosn to sit in the back, I am over six foot and still have about half a foot to a foot of space before the front sheets. Even when fully pushed forward there is enough space for me to sit, or the space is equivilant to a 4th generation Fiest or a last generation Renault Clio. Also the high to the roof of the car is enough for a person that is over 6 foot tall.

The boot in the Note when the rear sheets are pushed backed is small length wise incomparison to other such as the Fiesta, but this has been resolved by the depth of the boot. The boot is deep and can be split into to two levels with two boards that are provided, each covers half the boot space, which is of great use.

In the front of the car, the instrumentation has again been transplanted from the Micra, with all instruments within easy reach for the driver to use.

There are three engine levels that Nissan offer, the 1.4 and 1.6 petrol engines and a 1.5 diesel. The engine that we chose was the 1.4, as this was the most economical petrol engine and hence value for money for the power provide from the engine. The 1.6, as been described by some people that we asked that had purchased the 1.6 is that is low miles per gallon and at the high rev range noise, especially doing 70 mph on the motorway. The 1.5 is economic compared to the petrols but lack in power in comparison to the petrol engines.

In terms of ride quality of the Note, I believe it is high, although I have noticed a caveat to this. The quality does slighty diminish when at slow sheets, below 20 mph and the road is of poor quality the ride can get bumpy. When on the motorway the ride quality is perfect, but due to its tall ride high, if the conditions of very strong wind the driver can feel the wind against the car. But I must stress this is almost minimal and does not affect the ride quality, unles the wind is extremely strong.

There are a range of colours that are avaliable to purchase. The colour that we liked was the Sunlit Copper, this is a burnt orange colour that we have found is almost universally liked by all, both young and old.

I would recommend the Nissan Note as a well built car that is ideal for both young and older families. But there are one or two caveats that I would advise, this is the tyres that are fitted to the car. Go for a 15" set not a 16", as the 16" wheels are hard to obtain and are not the cheapest to purchase; while the 15" are easy to source and purchase. I would advise the purchase of the Acentra model to enjoy a good comfort level. Another point to consider is the Note does not keep its value well, so should therefore be considered as long term purchase rather than short term. But this can also work in you favour as it did for us, as we picked up a 1 year old Note for half the list price for a low or near new milage car.

Summary: A well built car for young and older families

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