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| On the road Nissan Note - the biggest mini-MPV The Note is a mini-MPV, somewhere between family saloon, people carrier and supermini. Its capacity immediately ranks it among the most spacious vehicles in its class.   Born of the Tone concept presented during the last Paris International Motor Show in 2004, the Note falls under the category of mini-MPVs. This newcomer to the Franco-Japanese manufacturer's range hopes to offer the comfort and equipment of a C segment car (compact saloon), the agility and ease of driving of a B segment supermini, and the versatility of a compact people carrier. Although the Note has something of the Modus about it, it also boasts a radiator grille directly inspired by the Murano. At the rear, large boomerang-shaped tail-light clusters give it a style of its own. At 4.08 m, the Note is longer than many other mini-MPVs, be it the Renault Modus (3.80 m) or Vauxhall/Opel Meriva (4.04 m).  This model offers all the more space, having abandoned the three rows of seats in favour of five real seats. Thanks to its considerable wheelbase (2.60 m) and a sliding rear bench seat (as on the Micra), the tallest passengers will be able to enjoy increased knee room. In its smallest configuration the boot can hold 280 litres, increasing to 437 litres when the bench seat is moved forward, then to 1,332 litres when the rear seatbacks are folded down. The front passenger seat can be tilted to transport a bulky item (up to 2.40 m long). The Note has numerous storage areas throughout the passenger compartment: aviation-style fold-away tables and expanding net pockets in the seatbacks, the famous secret compartment under the front passenger seat (as on the Micra), a central console with a generous number of small storage spaces, and a large glove box (which can be heated or cooled). Four engines are available in the Note. You will have a choice between the 1.4 or 1.6 petrol unit of Nissan origin and between two 1.5 diesel engines (68 or 86 hp) from Renault. All the engines are coupled with a five-speed manual gearbox. As an option, the 1.6-litre petrol version can be equipped with a new four-speed automatic transmission. Price: from £9,990 to £13,395. Website : www.nissan-note.co.uk Photographies © Nissan  | |||||||||
