DOWNSIZING is foremost in many people's minds when buying a new car nowadays - and I'm not just talking about retirees moving down to a city car or supermini in the same way they move out of a mansion into a more modest apartment once their children have flown the nest.

Given we live in challenging economic times everyone is interested in saving money - be it doing the weekly shop at Aldi instead of Waitrose or ditching a salubrious saloon or SUV and settling for a smaller and cheaper car that will still get you from A to B.

Of course there are plenty of incentives aimed at encouraging people to get behind the wheel of something that consumes less fossil fuel and emits less CO2, meaning you can save on every level.

Small cars and superminis might traditionally have been at the less stylish end of the automotive spectrum but the market has been blessed with a bit more colour and variety since the MINI and the Fiat 500 shook it up.

While the Nissan note could hardly claim to fit into the stylish bracket it nonetheless has plenty to recommend it - particularly if you're a downsizer - and even more so if you're a downsizer who doesn't want to dispense with the level of space and comfort you've been used to in a car.

The Note is almost a supersized supermini, meaning it is competing with both traditional superminis as well as compact MPVs and hatchbacks.

Although not as tall as its predecessor it still offers a roomy cabin that is ultimately its real strength.

Space in the cabin is commendable and it feels like a far larger car. Rear seat passengers can luxuriate in a measure of legroom that isn't far off that offered by the almost limo-like Skoda Octavia.

A clever approach to the rear seat accommodation sees a bench that can be slid forward and back so legroom and boot space can be varied.

In its rearmost position boot space is a generous 325 litres, which increases to 411 litres with the rear seat bench slid fully forward.

In the boot there's also a false boot floor enabling you to choose between a level surface or a deep storage area.

Some clever storage areas scattered throughout the car enhance the Note's practicality and overall build quality seems good too.

The instrumentation is inoffensive and easy to use, if uninspiring.

To drive the Note is actually fairly decent and it offers acceptable handling and a comfortable ride thanks to its supple suspension set-up.

There are three engines to choose from, a 79bhp 1.2-litre petrol, an 89bhp 1.5-litre diesel and a 1.2-litre supercharged petrol.

All have something to offer in their own way, though this diesel unit was difficult to fault, offering a blend of performance, refinement and economy that is impressive in the class.

It's also an exceptionally smooth engine that adjusts to driving conditions well, relaxed and easy when travelling at low speed in an urban setting or equally at home cruising on the motorway. 

There are four trim options - Visia, Acenta, Acenta Premium and Tekna. This top of the range Tekna model had plenty of bells and whistles but all are reasonably well equipped.

Even the entry-level Visia spec comes with six airbags, cruise control, front electric windows, power-folding door mirrors and a radio/CD player with USB input.

The Acenta adds air-conditioning and more besides while Acenta Premium adds climate control and a touch-screen sat nav system. Tekna trim buyers get keyless entry and start, part-leather trim, a leather steering wheel and 16-inch alloy wheels.