NISSAN has a habit of springing surprises on the motoring world.

The runaway success of the Qashqai and the revolutionary electric LEAF are the two most obvious examples, but it is the small British-built MPV Note that has proved an attractive propostition  for many small car buyers.

It offers plenty in a small package and a recent facelift has added even better value than before.

This is especially true with the tested 1.4-litre petrol n-tec model which offers an impressive list of standard equipment, superb practicality and legendary reliability at a competitive price.

This high level of equipment now includes the Nissan Connect system - the audio, navigation and communication package, which  is standard on the test model.

The car isn't going to win much in the glamour stakes, its boxy, wheel-at-each-corner profile screaming practicality rather than good looks.

However it does feature a reshaped bonnet, bumper, streamlined headlights and a shiny black finish to the grille and neat alloys. At the rear end the tail lights have been darkened.

The same is true of the interior where functionality rules over style.

The great thing is, of course, the quality. While not boasting the soft touch dash of more expensive cars, the cabin feels solidy built with quality, durable materials. Instrumentation is clear and legible and the interior also features some cleverly concealed stowage areas including one under the seat squab.

The cabin is light and airy while the seats and firm and comfortable. Visibility is good all round and the boxy shape means there is plenty of head and legroom for all occupants.

Boot space is good with a removable floor that increases the standard space. The rear seat also slides backwards and forwards to either give more legroom to rear passengers or extra boot space, particularly with the rear backrests folded down.

With the rear seats in place, there's a minimum of 280 litres luggage space. However, the load area' false floor, which is covered by twin steel-framed boards, is capable of withstanding loads of up to 50kg. Lifting either of the boards reveals a secret storage space beneath the boot floor ideal for stowing valuables out of sight.

To supplement this there are a host of other door wallets, cubby holes and compartments throughout the cabin for extra storage.

The 1.4-litre engine is a willing if not exactly exciting performer, unless refinement and economy are more important than pace and then it can get the blood racing.

The 88bhp  unit has a claimed economy of 47.9mpg and seemed to sip the juice on the test run, while CO2 emissions of 139g/km put it in one of the lowest road tax brackets and it attracts a 17 per cent BIK rating. Add to this group four insurance and motoring suddenly becomes less expensive.

The car feels stable on the road and the wide stance means it corners well, while the ride is comfortable, even it does struggle on potholed roads.

The steering is very light which is fine for city driving but not so good on longer runs.

There are four trim levels  from Visia, rising through Acenta and n-tec to range topping Tekna.

As well as the usual security and electrical aides, the n-tec features climate control, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, an cruise control.

For safety there are driver, passenger side and curtain airbags, ABS, stability programme and ISOFIX child seat anchor points.

At £13,400 it is a competitive package and with fuel prices going through the roof, it will be cheap to run