Nissan will reveal its new small car, the NOTE, a five-door hatchback with a sporting flavour, at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

A key element of the design is the generous interior space thanks to the wheelbase of 2,600mm – longer than that of a VW Golf – and the space can be maximised thanks to folding rear seats, as well as a sliding rear bench.

There will be four engine options: two 1.5 dCi diesels developing 50kW and 63kW (68 and 86PS) respectively, a 1.4-litre 65kW (88PS) petrol unit and a new 1.6-litre 81kW (110PS) petrol engine found in the new Micra 160SR and C+C.

Customer deliveries will begin in spring 2006.