PRACTICAL family-sized small estates really don't come any better than the Nissan Note.

The latest ones are now six years old, but many were bought by people who hardly used them and therefore they have very low miles on the clock.

That's much more important than the year they were built as far as I'm concerned.

I used one back in the day mainly around town, but including an 80 mile return trip, and it returned a real 45 miles per gallon, which has to be excellent.

That had the lowest power engine available but while it's not the quickest, it always felt willing.

It's a 1.2 petrol with 80bhp and reaches 60 miles an hour from rest in 13.3 seconds. Official economy is 60mpg and it comes with low road tax because it has low emissions.

There are two more powerful engines that would be better for anyone who enjoys their driving as I do.

The first is a Dig S turbocharged version of the same 1.2-litre that comes with a more useful 99bhp.

That's enough for a 0 to 60 time of 11.4 seconds and yet it betters the entry level engine's economy, managing an excellent 65mpg.

It also comes with zero road tax because it has even lower emissions.

Finally, there's a 1.5-litre turbo diesel with 88bhp that reaches 60 from rest in 11.5 seconds.

It too has zero road tax because of low emissions and is rated at superb 78mpg economy.

All have a five speed gearbox as standard but a CVT automatic was available on the more powerful petrol. That said, it cannot match the manual models' excellent economy or low emissions.

The manual has an easy change and the clutch is light, which both help make it a very easy car to drive and to live with.

All have stop start as standard and it's an excellent system - much better than some others.

Roadholding is excellent and the well-weighted electric power steering helps give safe and sure handling.

At slower speeds in town, rough roads give a slightly unsettled ride, but out in the country most surfaces are smoothed out with ease - even on pock-marked back lanes.

There's loads of space for four or five inside, with adjustable rear legroom and a good size boot.

But the privacy glass fitted to some is far too dark, and makes rearward vision poor at night. I would have to have it removed if I bought one.

Top N-Tec models come very well equipped including sat nav, Bluetooth, USB and aux in for the stereo, climate, alloys, eco drive mode, and steering wheel audio controls.

They also have a blind spot warning system, lane departure warning, moving object detection, and stability control, together with six airbags and a rearview camera.

Because of the extra cost of the diesel Note, the petrol is a better bet for most people. A diesel of the same spec takes many thousands of miles to break even.

Pay about £5,400 for a ‘17 17-reg 1.2 Dig S Acenta petrol, or £5,800 for an ‘18 18-reg 1.5dCi diesel Tekna.