Nissan Note review
The Nissan Note is a super-practical and brilliantly clever small car that offers MPV-like space in a compact, easy-to-drive package.
Author: The Cazoo editorial team
6th Jan 2026 – 8 mins read
Sometimes, you need a car that just makes sense. A car that’s practical, cheap to run, and easy to live with every day. The Nissan Note is one of those cars. It might not be the most exciting car to look at or drive, but it’s a masterclass in clever design, fitting an incredible amount of space into a small footprint. Think of it as a small hatchback that’s been to the gym and come back with the practicality of a much larger MPV. The second-generation Note, launched in 2013, really honed this formula. It’s a car that’s all about making your life easier. With features like a sliding rear bench seat, a user-friendly interior, and incredibly efficient engines, it’s a brilliant choice for families on a budget or anyone who values space and low running costs above all else. It’s an unsung hero of the small car world.
Pros
- Deceptively spacious and practical interior
- Very cheap to run with frugal engines
- Packed with user-friendly features on higher-spec models
Cons
- The diesel engine can be a bit unrefined
- Interior design is more functional than fashionable
- It's not as fun or engaging to drive as some rivals
Interior
Dashboard & tech
The interior of the Nissan Note is designed with function firmly in mind. The layout is simple, logical, and easy to get the hang of, with chunky, user-friendly controls for the heating and stereo. While the materials feel a bit hard and plasticky in places, they are also incredibly durable and feel built to withstand the tough life of a family car.
Higher-spec models like the Acenta Premium and Tekna feel a bit more special, with a 5.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes satellite navigation and DAB radio. Nissan also offered various personalisation options, so you might find examples with colourful trim pieces that liven up the otherwise sensible cabin.
Comfort
The Note provides a comfortable and relaxed driving experience. The ride is generally smooth, and its tall body and large windows give you a great view out, making it feel light and airy inside. It’s an easy car to drive around town, with light steering and a compact size that makes parking a breeze. The seats are supportive enough for longer journeys, and the cabin is reasonably quiet on the motorway.
Quality
The quality of the interior is a mixed bag. Everything feels solid and well put together, as you’d expect from a Nissan, but the materials used reflect its budget-friendly price tag. You’ll find plenty of hard, scratchy plastics, which, while not very pleasant to touch, are very hard-wearing and easy to clean. It’s a cabin built for durability rather than luxury.
Practicality & boot space
Interior space
This is where the Nissan Note really shines and stands out from its small hatchback rivals. Thanks to its tall, MPV-like shape and clever design, the amount of interior space is simply huge for a car of this size. There is more than enough head and legroom for four adults to travel in comfort, which is something you can’t say about many of its competitors. It’s a small car on the outside, but a big car on the inside.
Boot space
The boot is a good size, but the Note’s real party trick is its sliding rear bench seat, which is available on higher-spec models. This allows you to slide the entire back seat forwards or backwards. You can either maximise rear legroom for your passengers or slide the seats forward to create a much larger boot. In its biggest configuration, the boot is very generous and can easily handle a big weekly shop or luggage for a family holiday.
Versatility
The Note is one of the most versatile small cars you can buy. Its Tardis-like interior and flexible seating make it an incredibly practical choice for small families. It has the low running costs and easy-to-drive nature of a supermini, combined with the space and practicality of a car from the class above. It's a brilliant and sensible solution for anyone who needs maximum space for minimum outlay.
Driving
Driving experience
The Nissan Note is a safe, sensible, and predictable car to drive. It’s not a car that will set your pulse racing on a fun country road, but that’s not what it was designed for. It’s competent and easy to manage in all situations. Despite being quite a tall car, it doesn't lean too much in corners, and the steering is light and accurate, which is great for navigating tight city streets and car parks.
The focus is firmly on comfort and ease of use. It’s a car that gets the job done with no fuss, making it a relaxing and stress-free companion for everyday driving.
Performance
The engine lineup is focused on efficiency. There are two 1.2-litre petrol engines to choose from. The entry-level version is fine for town driving, but the more powerful supercharged ‘DIG-S’ version with 96bhp is a better all-rounder, offering a bit more punch for motorway driving.
The star of the range for high-mileage drivers is the 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine. It’s not the quietest or most refined engine, but it offers plenty of pulling power and incredible fuel economy. Most models come with a five-speed manual gearbox, which is pleasant to use. An automatic CVT gearbox was available, but it can feel sluggish and is best avoided if possible.
Running costs
Fuel economy & CO2 emissions
This is a huge selling point for the Note. All the engines are incredibly frugal. The diesel version is particularly impressive, capable of returning up to 80mpg in official tests, making it one of the most economical small family cars you can buy. The petrol engines are also very efficient, with both able to achieve over 50mpg. Low CO2 emissions also mean that road tax is either free or very cheap, depending on the model.
Value for money
The Nissan Note offers exceptional value for money. It was affordable when new, and it’s an absolute bargain on the used market. For the price of a typical used supermini, you get a car with far more space and practicality. Its low running costs, thanks to great fuel economy and low insurance groups (ranging from 6 to 10), make it a very smart and budget-friendly choice.
Reliability & Warranty
Nissan has a good reputation for reliability, and the Note is generally a dependable car. The interior is built from durable materials that should stand up well to the rigours of family life. From new, all Nissans came with a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty. Some earlier diesel models had some reported reliability issues, so it’s always important to check for a full and complete service history.
Safety
Safety features
The Nissan Note is a safe choice for a small family car. When it was crash-tested by the safety experts at Euro NCAP in 2013, it was awarded a solid four-star rating.
Higher-spec Tekna models came with Nissan’s advanced ‘Safety Shield’ technology pack. This includes features that were very advanced for a small car at the time, such as a 360-degree camera system, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning, all designed to help prevent an accident from happening in the first place.
Trims & Engines
Trim levels
The Note was available in a range of trim levels, all of which offer good value.
- Visia: The entry-level model, which is quite basic.
- Acenta: The most popular trim, adding features like 15-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, and Bluetooth.
- Acenta Premium: Adds the 5.8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen with sat-nav, automatic lights and wipers, and the flexible sliding rear seat.
- Tekna: The top-of-the-range model, packed with technology including the Safety Shield pack, a 360-degree camera, keyless entry and start, and part-leather trim.
Engines
The engine lineup is simple and focused on efficiency.
- 1.2-litre petrol: The entry-level engine, offering the lowest running costs for petrol models.
- 1.2-litre DIG-S petrol: A more powerful, supercharged version of the petrol engine that provides a better balance of performance and economy.
- 1.5-litre dCi diesel: The most fuel-efficient engine in the range, perfect for those who cover a lot of miles.
All engines come with a five-speed manual gearbox as standard, with a CVT automatic available as an option on some petrol models.