Although the Nissan Note resembles a mini MPV, and indeed its closest obvious rivals include Ford’s B-Max and Citroen’s C3 Picasso, it’s priced to compete against more conventional small cars such as the Fiesta, Polo and Corsa.

Though the high-sided monobox styling might put off some potential buyers looking for a supermini it means that, like the Honda Jazz, there is a vast amount of space inside. The Note can, in fact, easily accommodate a family of five, even if they’re all six-footers, such is the copious amount of head and legroom liberated by the upright design.

While there’s plenty of space, there’s not a great deal of flair. It’s practical and well put together, but the passenger space can feel a little on the drab side, lifted only by the occasional flash of metalwork on the centre console and doors.

The instrumentation is, however, the real highlight with clear, stylish dials with an econometer that curves across the top of the binnacle and provides a real-time guide on how efficient, or not, your driving is.

The infotainment system on the n-tec is based on the NissanConnect touchscreen system and it manages to pack a vast amount of technology into an intuitive and responsive interface.

All models get a four-speaker CD stereo with Aux and USB sockets while Acenta Premium and above get a 5.8in touchscreen with the aforementioned NissanConnect which adds DAB and internet radio as well as an additional two speakers.

Sat nav is included with NissanConnect and, in general it proved to be easy to use, reliable with a simple, crisp and clear graphics.

Climate control, automatic lights and wipers and cruise control are all included as standard. The model also benefits from satin silver door mirrors and handles, aerodynamic front bumper and blue contrast stitching in the cabin.

Perhaps worthy of some note, if you'll pardon the pun, is the rear view camera which forms part of the Nissan Safety Shield. It combines blind spot, lane departure and moving object detection systems via the wide angle camera mounted on the tailgate.

But, I hear you ask, what happens when the camera gets covered in dirt and grime? Nissan have thought of that and have installed an automatic cleaning system called, ingeniously, “intelligent was and blow dry’. No, really.

Image processing software decides when the lens needs a good clean and separate washer fluid and compressed nozzles are employed, either together or individually, to keep the camera functioning correctly.

Should you opt for the lavishly specced n-tec you will have to settle for the basic 1.2-litre engine. The Lord giveth and, apparently, he’s also pretty quick to taketh away.

While the 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine in my test car was typically vocal under what, for this particular power plant at least, passes for heavy acceleration. It’s a riotous cacophony that, if you squint, can sound quite sporty but the lacklustre building of momentum tells you that it is anything but.

So, if you fancy a quick sprint through the country you’re in the wrong car. The basic 1.2 is best suited for people with a more relaxed attitude to automotive locomotion. Drive with a judicious right foot and you’ll be rewarded with excellent fuel economy, up to 60.1mpg according to official figures, and reasonable refinement, particularly at cruising speeds.

The ride is on the firm side but that doesn’t impact too much on the ride quality thanks to the generous sidewalls on the rubber that provide an extra barrier between occupants and broken surfaces.

The steering is nicely weighted, as are the pedals, and there’s a nice consistency to the controls as the speed builds. It’s clear that, with more power available, the Note could provide a surprising amount of pleasure to those seeking it.

It’s hard to be passionate about a car like the Note. It isn’t a motor for enthusiasts, but it would have been a surprise if it was. Dynamically it’s found wanting when compared to the very best but its strengths lie elsewhere.

It’s incredibly spacious, practical and, most of the time, refined. Economy and performance are surprisingly competitive despite the pedestrian nature of the basic 1.2.

Dynamism and practicality don’t have to be mutually exclusive. It’s a shame, therefore, that Nissan didn’t get the memo to go with the Note.

Nissan Note n-tec

Prices from: £10,995

Engine: 1.2-litre three-cylinder

Transmission: 5-speed manual

Max power: 79bhp

Max torque: 81lbft @4,000Nm

Max speed: 105mph

Acceleration (0-62mph): 13.7sec

Urban: 47.9mpg

Extra urban: 70.6mpg

Combined: 60.1mpg

Emissions (CO2): 109g/km

For more information visit www.nissan.co.uk