Our test Note was powered by the base engine – a 1.4-litre, 87bhp, 94lb ft petrol unit driving the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox – and we’ve no serious complaint with any element in the set-up. It’s quiet at idle and responds willingly, and although it’s not the last word in refinement, noise levels remain acceptable in general driving – until you seek to extract the engine’s maximum power or drive much above the motorway speed limit. Take a Note to 80mph (as, let’s face it, plenty of drivers will), and at 4000rpm or so there’s noticeable sound intrusion, although it’s rarely coarse.
At 1146kg, the Note is around 50 to 100kg heavier than some of the big new superminis, but even so we saw a best of 49mpg and managed 0-60mph in a competitive 12.9sec.
The Note’s gearbox is slick and smooth, with only a little notch between gears, while the pedals – if a touch on the light side of nicely weighted – offer deft progression and are evenly matched in feel.
Dynamic performance is also up there with the class best. The secondary ride (ability to deal with bumps, lumps and patchwork Tarmac) is better than the primary ride (how the body copes with dips and crests), but both are the measure of rivals like the Meriva and Modus.
The Note is reasonably good fun to punt down a twisty road, too. On 15-inch alloys shod with 185/65 rubber, grip levels are as modest as you’d imagine, but body control is reasonable and there’s satisfaction to be had from enjoying the driveline’s refinement. The electrically assisted steering is light but responsive and accurate; press on, though, and you’ll find it devoid of feel.
Lower, more conventional superminis like the Clio (which shares the Note’s platform) are more agile and ultimately better to drive, but the Note is no slouch. More importantly, it really is that bit more versatile, and should make a good family car.
