Nissan Note

The Nissan Note gives a wide range of hatchback buyers food for thought. Although it's a similar concept to the Vauxhall Meriva and Renault Modus small MPVs - with a clever family-friendly flexible interior- it's significantly larger, and has the look of a more conventional hatchback. In fact, it's so roomy, well-equipped and affordable that canny Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra buyers should give it serious consideration too. That's because Note is a good all-round package. In addition to its exceptionally practical interior, it's fun to drive, well equipped and cheap to run.

S, SE, SVE, DCI

Entry-level S has ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, driver, passenger and side airbags, ISOFIX child seat mountings, central locking with deadlocks, four-speaker CD radio and power steering. Air conditioning is a £600 option. Step-up to SE for air conditioning, a cooled glovebox, curtain airbags, 15-inch alloy wheels, split-level Flexi-board boot storage system, electrically-adjustable and heated door mirrors, expandable seat-back pockets, flip-up tables and colour-keyed bumpers and door handles. The range-topping SVE gets electric folding mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights and wipers and dark tinted rear windows.

1.6