SOMETHING of note is usually excellent or distinctive, so it's an ambitious name for a brand new car.
That's probably not what the designers at Nissan were thinking when they originally named the car the Tone at its Paris motor show debut.
But they obviously thought they had something practical and stylish on their hands - and quick as you can say anagram, the Tone became the Note.
Nissan's new baby began life as the doodle of a designer who wanted an "affordable fun-to-drive family hold-all".
It feels bigger, more comfortable and far more adaptable than some of its competitors. Even better it seems to run on diesel fumes, so economical is it, and even the insurance is cheap.
The cleverly-designed boomerang, as Nissan describe them, back lights which mould into the roof offset a fairly dull looking rear end that's only other distinguishing feature is the ski-ramp effect at the top of the tailgate.
The front is a smarter affair altogether with elliptical front lights featuring bubbles at the top of the reflector, which apparently acts as a guide for sliding into parking spots.
Inside the rear seats can slide six inches forward or back, to create a bigger boot or more legroom and they can also be folded flat for more back-end space. Flexi boards, which hide a compartment at the bottom of the boot, are also a neat touch while adding a touch of security.
The inside has been given an identity, which feels and looks uncluttered, simple but quite sophisticated for the class.
Three adults would comfortably slot into the back row and everybody benefits from acres of head and legroom.
Both back passengers have drop down tables and there is a host of storage spaces, a handy cooled glove box and an array of storage and drink holders.
The base S model comes with full electrics and CD player. The SE adds alloys and 'secret space' under the front seat and air conditioning while the range topping SVE adds part-leather sport seats, curtain airbags and six CD changer, plus rain sensing wipers and lights and a keyless entry and ignition system.
The driving controls and dashboard layout are well designed and it follows in the footsteps of the other Nissans - comfortable for the driver and very easy to drive.
All round vision and driving position are good, steering is nice and light, but precise and the gearbox is very smooth.
The Note is available in a 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel, in three trim levels from S, through SE and up to SVE.
The diesel tested feels quite pacey, but still has enough low-down grunt to easily pull heavier loads up steep hills.
It performs well on the motorway, wind and tyre noise is mainly suppressed at lower speeds but it is not too forgiving on the bumps, potholes and cracks of city roads.
Safety kit is comprehensive and includes anti lock brakes (ABS) and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), but only the top-end SVE boasts stability control (ESP).
There are four driver and passenger airbags and the SE and SVE models have curtain bags for additional protection throughout the car. All models come with deadlocks and immobilisers.
The Note isn't cheap, particularly the top trim diesel model, but you do get lots of space for your cash and the diesel is incredibly frugal, returning around 55mpg.
The Note features high quality trim and build quality and that is reflected by Nissan's worldwide sales. The company announced it reached a new milestone in June with the production of its 100 millionth vehicle.
For those looking to buy at least partly British, it is worth noting that this latest Nissan was designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK.
FAST FACTS
Nissan Note 1.5 dCi SVE 5dr
Price: £12,990
Mechanical: 86bhp, 1,461cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 104mph
0-62mph: 13 secs
Combined mpg: 55.4
Insurance group: 5
CO2 emissions: 136g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust