IN recent years, the Micra was the smallest Nissan in your showrooms, but in 2009 that changed. Along came the PIXO, Nissan’s a-segment car built in conjunction with Suzuki, and has become a strong contender in the class.
That’s probably due to the way the PIXO was designed. The PIXO was created with simplicity in mind and comes with the strapline – easy to buy and easy to own.
It’s arrival in 2009 has also helped with the car’s success, and arguably has helped the PIXO continue to be a success. Indeed, Andy Palmer, Senior Vice President, Global Product Planning, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd, said at the launch of the PIXO in 2009:
‘Difficult economic conditions and an increased awareness of environmental issues mean customers are looking for a car that delivers excellent fuel economy and low emissions at a price they can afford. PIXO answers all those needs with a practical package that is refreshingly uncomplicated. The timing is perfect.’
Five key facts about the PIXO…
Cheap but cheerful
The PIXO is one of the Britain’s cheapest cars on sale. The range has two trim levels – Visia and N-Tec – and prices start at a thrifty £6,995 and rise to £7,995. The price presents the PIXO’s philosophy to be cheap and easy to buy. And with a decent level of standard equipment the PIXO means cheap can be cheerful too.
It’s very green
CO2 emissions for the PIXO are a lowly 103g/km, which results in the car falling into tax band B. That means owners pay zero road tax for their first year of ownership, and £20 thereafter.
Low insurance
The entry-grade PIXO Visia slots into insurance group 2E. Along with the asking price, the insurance group rating embodies the PIXO’s easy to live with and easy to own approach to a-segment motoring.
First Pure Drive
When in was launched in 2009, the PIXO was the first Nissan to wear the Pure Drive badge. That’s quite an honour as it set out the guidelines for all other environmentally-friendly Nissans in the future to follow.
Lightweight
The PIXO is one of the lightest cars on sale in the UK, weighing in at 855kg. Couple this with dimensions of 3565mm length, 1470mm tall, and 1600mm wide, the PIXO is small and ideal for the segment. That doesn’t mean it’s tight inside though – there’s space for four adults, and the boot size is 129 litres rising to 367 litres with the back seats folded.
What do the press think of it?
Auto Express said…
‘The PIXO shows great forward thinking. By joining forces with Suzuki, Nissan has delivered a new car in an unfamiliar sector. The model is clean and frugal, as the market demands at the moment
Autocar said…
Autocar praised the PIXO’s simplicity and felt that while rivals had arguably more kit as standard, most rivals’ price tags of £1000 more mean the PIXO is the best buy. ‘The PIXO stands out as a route to enjoyable, modern, no-frills motoring,’ the magazine added.
The Guardian said…
The newspaper liked the PIXO’s low asking price and felt that: ‘It’s not pretty or fast, but the three- cylinder engine makes a glorious sound and lends an impression of perkiness that doesn’t necessarily correlate with the speedometer.’
Fifth Gear said…
‘The PIXO is surprisingly amusing and safe through corners and the well-mannered chassis means body control isn’t bad at all. It’s narrow too, so it can dart through gaps in traffic.’