Bold, that's the first word that comes to mind with this one. This Note pulls up in a red that photographs as good as it looks in person, sitting low and sharp with Nissan's newest face: the V-Motion grille, slim LED strip lighting front and back, and a rear fascia that looks more expensive than the badge lets on. It's a small car that doesn't look like it's apologizing for being small.

Underneath is where things get interesting. The e-Power system means this isn't a conventional hybrid. The 1.2L petrol engine never actually drives the wheels; instead it acts purely as a generator, charging a battery that powers an electric motor full time. What that means for you: instant electric torque off the line, silky smooth acceleration, and fuel economy that conventional petrol hatchbacks in this class simply can't touch. It drives like an EV and sips like nothing else in traffic.

Inside, the cabin is clean and simple, cloth seats in good shape, comfortable rear legroom for a car this size, and a tech package that punches well above its weight: a 360 degree around view monitor makes parking effortless, and the digital dash and touchscreen give it a genuinely modern feel behind the wheel.

For the city driver who wants low running costs without giving up presence on the road, this Note makes a strong case for itself.