The handbrake is more than likely too small for the car, but if set up properly then it does work enough to hold the car without having to wrench it to the ceiling. My handbrake used to be adjusted every service by the local Nissan dealer to where I used to work, I very much doubt most places do this part and parcel of a service though. In my case it was because the Zed handbrake is known to be poor so they always checked for me.
Still the OPs car doesnt sound healthy if it doesnt hold on the engine alone. Regardless of if other cars do it or not, my Zed used to always hold itself, so sounds like something isnt right. Abbey/Alex/CS/Jez should be able to comment/confirm me thinks.