Island Life Magazine Ltd December 2013/January 2014 | Page 50

Staddlestones, Brading Road,
MOTORING
Nettlestone,
IW, PO33 1QG
Tel: [phone]
08446 922171
www.staddlestones-nissan.co.uk

Nissan Note
Test driven on the Island by Peter White
Let me say from the outset that the new
Nissan Note is a real eye-catcher. It’s a car that
when you first look at, you simply want to get
inside and start to explore.
But first I couldn’t help but notice the sleek
new aerodynamic lines of the car with its swept
back headlights, flared wheel arches and
smart front grille. Once inside I certainly wasn’t
disappointed. There is a sporty feel to it, but
expertly complemented by comfort and space.
It handles exceptionally well on the
undulating surfaces that are called Island roads,
easing through corners, and showing a neat
turn of pace when needed. The dashboard is
uncomplicated and dials are clearly visible and
easy to operate. The state-of-the-art SatNav,

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with its 5.8in colour touchscreen, also has the
facility to receive your Google route straight
to your car before you begin your journey.
Inevitably these days there is also Bluetooth
connectivity and USB connection.
The emissions from the 1.5 diesel Note Tekna,
which I drove courtesy of Staddlestones Nissan,
Westridge, are low enough to be exempt of
road tax. Manual and automatics are available
with a 1.2 petrol engine, which has just £30
road tax, or free for the super-charged engine.
And even on the Island you can expect in excess
of 50mpg from all models.
The new Note places particular emphasis
on safety features. The Nissan Safety Shield
technology includes a lane departure warning

system that warns the driver if you start
drifting out of your lane, and are not indicating
to do so. Then there is the moving object
detection which lets you know if anything is
approaching your path as you reverse, like a
small child for example.
But the one I felt was extremely useful,
particularly if you are on mainland motorways,
is the Blind Spot Warning System. If there is a
vehicle in the ‘blind spot’ on either side of your
Note, a discreet, but clearly visible light will
illuminate. And if the vehicle behind is too close
when you want to change lanes, the same light
flashes, and there is also a warning signal. This
is the first New Note is seven years, and I have
to say it has been well worth the wait.
*The OTR price for the new Note starts at
£11,900, with the 1.5 diesel Tekna costing
£17,450 OTR.