The Nissan Note is one of those cars most associated with grandmas behind the wheel, driving very slowly. But these boxy superminis have certainly evolved in recent years - think Hyundai ix20 and Kia Venga - which have both made this segment much more competitive.

While it has plenty of mini-MPVs to contend with, Nissan claims the car is also targeting the hugely successful Ford Fiesta, which has topped the UK sales chart for some time.

This latest Note isn't dramatically different – there are lots of new tech features available, and some subtle changes to styling such as the grille, headlights and rear end shape. Nissan says it has been tailored to the European market combining "a long wheelbase with short overhangs to create a sporty, agile design".

The carmaker reckons it will sell 100,000 Notes in Europe annually, and considering it's manufactured at the brand’s Sunderland plant, it will no doubt be popular in the UK.

Performance

Unsurprisingly, a 1.2-litre 79bhp petrol engine is never going to win prizes for performance, reaching 0-62mph in 13.7 seconds with a top speed of 106mph.

But, people in the market for this car will be mostly tottering around town in this practical car, and won't need the lacking acceleration.

That means that you have to work it hard to hit motorway speeds, but once it's there, it does the job. You can tell it's just a 1.2-litre, but that's nothing to be ashamed of (unless you start thinking about the outstanding 1.0-litre Ecoboost engine from Ford).

The engine is also somewhat asthmatic - mid-range might is lacking and it needs to be revved really hard to effectively use the gears, especially in third gear.

Nonetheless, it’s nippy around town, thanks to short gear ratios and it’s lightly weighted steering and uprightness make it a pleasure to park too.

Ride and Handling

The Note is 55kg lighter than the previous generation model. Its ride height is also lower by 15mm and the front seating position has also been dropped slightly by 9mm.

It's not the sort of car you'd take on long journeys or for footloose and fancy free Sunday drives, but it's perfectly adequate for its purpose. Body roll is actually better than expected for this tall-shaped model but perhaps that's because it doesn't have enough power to test it. Helping the ride is the fact that the Note is 55kg lighter than the previous-generation model. Its ride height is also lower by 15mm and the front seating position has also been dropped slightly by 9mm. Steering feels artificial, especially at higher speeds, with little feedback. Once again however, the average town driver of this car won't be fussed or even notice.

Interior and Equipment

The latest Nissan Note was based on a concept car called Invitation, which was unveiled back during the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

This Acenta Premium trim includes cruise control, 15-inch alloys, air conditioning, automatic headlights and wipers and Nissan Connect – its infotainment system with satnav, USB, Bluetooth and iPhone connectivity all controllable through a touchscreen. It's not until you buy the top trim Tekna that you see the new tech as standard, or you can pay £400 for it as an option. This includes the Nissan Safety Shield which incorporates lane departure warning, blind spot warning and moving object detection, as well as a 360-degree camera serving as a very helpful reversing and parking tool. Inside still has a strong whiff of cheap plastics, which are likely to scratch easily, but comfort is decent and space is excellent for its class.

Cost

The 1.2-litre 97bhp supercharged DIG-S emits 99g and does 65.5mpg, while a 1.5-litre 89bhp dCi diesel delivers just 92g and 78.5mpg - that's more like it.

Our test car costs a very reasonable £14,395 when you consider equipment levels. However, this 1.2-litre 79bhp iteration is the least practical in the range, offering 109g/km CO2 and official combined economy of 60.1 mpg. Nowadays, you need to be sub-100g on the emissions front to feasibly compete. Thankfully, the other two units in the range, a 1.2-litre 97bhp supercharged DIG-S emits 99g and does 65.5mpg, while a 1.5-litre 89bhp dCi diesel delivers just 92g and 78.5mpg - that's more like it.

Our Verdict

The Note continues on its upward trajectory – with the 1.2-litre petrol unit it was pleasant, but we would opt for one of the other two more efficient iterations in the line-up. Undeniably, the Note faces a tall order taking on some hugely popular superminis like the Fiesta. It certainly won’t woo any enthusiasts with its driving experience either. However, the spacious cabin and equipment levels will appeal to at least some car buyers after a new small family car. Its styling won’t be for everyone, but the improved looks, tech, finish and space will make the Note a steady choice for plenty of sensible low-mileage buyers.