It seems like it was an age ago that Nissan showed us its new small family car, though that was only last year, at the
Paris Motor Show. The car's name has been changed from Tone, to the official production name of Nissan Note and makes its debut in this form at the
Frankfurt Motor Show.
There have been no major changes to the show car, with the Note loosely resembling the Renault Modus, with touches of the
current Micra, especially around the nose. As expected, the Note does not replace the Micra, fitting into the Nissan range above the supermini, but below the forthcoming Almera replacement. Its wheelbase is longer than the
VW Golf's, which should ensure plenty of space for up to five occupants. The interior is modern and well thought out, with loads of oddments space.
When the Note goes on sale early in 2006, there will initially be a choice of two 1.5-litre dCi (diesel) engines of 67bhp and 85bhp outputs, along with two petrol engines. The entry-level model will be fitted with a 1.4-litre petrol engine with 87bhp and the range-topping Note will feature the new Micra 160SR's 1.6-litre 108bhp unit. It is thought that the Note will compete with some of the models in the
Fiat Grande Punto range, as well as more upmarket superminis such as VW's Polo. Nissan is marketing the Note at small families that want a certain level of practicality (hence the inclusion of a sliding/folding rear bench seat), but a car that remains interesting to drive and cheap to run. We'll see for ourselves next year. Watch out for our review on the
Nissan Road Tests page.
Shane O' Donoghue - 26 Aug 2005