NISSAN'S second generation Note isn't going to have punters drooling over its profile, but they will be won over by hard-core practicality and low cost.

No point in pretending it is a head-turner.  Never has been, never will be -  but the latest version of the car does convey less of an image of mini-van, mini MPV, more of mini hatchback - despite its tallish architecture. You could describe it as neat and cubic.

Without doubt, it is a nifty little car. It has a small footprint and compact body measurements which belie a very spacious interior for such a little runabout. But supermini? Hardly.

Where this teeny ex-mini MPV (Nissan are trying to ditch that term to appeal to a wider market) scores is its commonsense and practicality. Not kerb appeal or sprint times but sheer workability, mainly in the urban jungle though it can cruise quite happily on the open road, too.

The latest Note is slightly bigger than its predecessor and reworking of external features have given the model a less mini-MPV look, for sure - in a bid to challenge superstars like the Fiesta.

There's also quite a lot more technology on offer in the Note Mk II and though the fairly lack-lustre cabin is disappointing it feels well put-together and the ambience is enhanced by the large glass area, which contributes to its roominess.

Driven by a 1.2-litre petrol engine, the three-cyclinder unit is smooth but you need to work the five-speed gearbox quite hard in order to get the car to respond with any urgency - particularly encountering uphill routes.

The 0-62mph sprint is managed in a lengthy 13.7 seconds, but those drawn to this low-cost, low-run, versatile runabout won't care. They'll already by seduced by the very decent average fuel return quoted at 60.1mpg, emissions of 109g/km and that bargain price tag.

Performance around town is quite adequate and doesn't reveal the lethargy it can display elsewhere, when it can also be on the noisy side.

The electric power steering is light and precise around town, too, and a boon in tight park manoeuvres and the car handled better than expected in corners with an acceptable level of bodyroll despite its lofty profile.

A decent suspension provided good ride and comfort levels and the Note 1.2 did feel well planted with a good level of grip.

The five-door Note is easy to get into and out of with excellent, wide-opening doors - especially when loading young children and child seats. The boot is generous offering 321 litres of space which mushrooms into a very useful 2012 litres with the reat seats dropped.