THE Note is the first vehicle in the Nissan range to introduce ‘Nissan Connect’ - a 2DIN fully integrated audio and satellite navigation system.

It uses a touch screen display for ease of use and a full digital music connectivity package with built in CD/radio, iPod gateway, aux-in (3.5mm jack), USB connection and Bluetooth® using A2DP streaming audio profile.

A2DP allows music to be played through the car audio taken from a Bluetooth®-enabled MP3 player or phone without the need for external cables.

The satellite navigation system can display the road map in either 2D or 3D formats and includes both a gyro sensor and speed sensor. These help to quickly identify the direction of travel, which speeds up any re-directions if a turning is missed and adjusts the estimated time of arrival.

Nissan Connect will be fitted as standard on Tekna and as a £400 option on the Acenta.

Outside the front gets a new nose with a reshaped bonnet, bumper, streamlined headlights and a shiny black finish to the grille.

Both 15 and 16 inch alloys are all new designs for the Acenta and Tekna respectively. Move to the rear and the tail lights have been darkened for a more refined look plus the Tekna gets reversing sensors incorporated into the bumper. Completing the new exterior look is an additional colour choice of Safari Gold.

The engine line-up continues with the 1.4, 1.6 petrol and 1.5dCi power units. Improvements to the emission levels have enabled the 1.5dCi to emit a CO2level of just 119g/km and 62.8mpg. The 1.4 petrol unit produces 139g/km of CO2 with a more than respectable 47.9mpg. The 1.6 petrol remains available with the choice of both manual and automatic gearboxes.

Prices have been reduced, with the entry level Visia coming in at £450 less than the outgoing model. A 2009 Note starts at £9,795 with the Acenta models starts at £11,345 for the 1.6 engine and feature 15 inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, leather covered steering wheel, speed limiter, flexi-board storage system, front and rear electric windows, remote audio controls, six airbags, Bluetooth® and electric heated mirrors. Nissan Connect, with all the satellite navigation touch screen features, can be added for an additional £400.

Top of the range Tekna comes in at £13,695 for the 1.6 power unit and the extra luxury provides Nissan Connect, rear parking sensors, 16 inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, part leather seats, electric folding door mirrors, ESP, rear privacy glass, rain sensing wipers and interior chrome detailing.