Nissan Pixo : CITY SAVER

No frills urban transport is on the agenda with the Pixo city car and although it isn't the last word in fashion, June Neary thinks it deserves respect.

I must say, I've been somewhat perturbed just lately to see how expensive it is to buy even a bog-standard version of some small cars. Now I'm no market analyst but it seems that a new class of vehicle is developing at the bottom end of the market full of cute little runabouts designed as fashion accessories for trendy urban dwellers. Because the manufacturers have decreed that these cars are trendy, they're charging a big premium for them, just as they would a designer handbag over a Top Shop item. I'm pleased to say that Nissan's Pixo is not part of this growing band of automotive baubles. It's an affordable small car from the old school and as such, it gets off to a good start in my book.

The Pixo is a compact proposition but not in the same league as the likes of the Toyota iQ and Smart Fortwo. It measures 3,565mm long and 1,630mm wide, so there's no need for major sacrifices in terms of passenger or luggage-carrying capacity. The Pixo will seat four adults in reasonable comfort and still offers a 129-litre luggage bay that can increase to 367-litres with the back seats folded down. At the front end, the styling is more distinctive than that of the Pixo's Suzuki Alto sister vehicle. There's the familiar Nissan family grille as seen on the Note, a curved bumper and a large central vent, but venture further back and the five-door body is more reminiscent of the Suzuki that shares its chassis. Inside, the controls are chunky and simple to operate in the best Nissan traditions and the stereo is well designed with nicer finishes than you'll encounter elsewhere around the cabin. A wide, deep pocket on the passenger side takes the place of a glovebox, providing useful storage, and there's a neat illuminated shelf in the centre console where you can stick your mobile phone or wallet in the spotlight. The wafer-thin door pockets will be of little use except for paperwork or items that you've recently run over.

The Pixo's MacPherson strut front suspension is tuned to give the rigidity and fast response required in a nimble small car and at the rear, a clever 3-link rigid axle suspension is used. The suspension's compact design is a further benefit in a small car like the Pixo when it comes to maximising interior space. The Pixo's intended operating environment is underlined by the presence of an optional four-speed automatic transmission that will add to its ease of use around town. The standard gearbox is a five-speed manual. The sole engine option is a simple but effective one designed expressly for city car applications. The all-alloy construction of the 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit makes it light and assists in achieving the Pixo's low 850kg kerb weight. The maximum power output is 67bhp and peak torque of 90Nm is available from 3,400rpm. It means that despite its low mass, the Pixo will be no ball of fire but owners will gain tangible benefits in terms of running costs. Running costs will be a major attraction for Pixo customers with the 1.0-litre engine returning a very impressive 64.2mpg. The urban cycle is designed to replicate city use and at 51.3mpg will be more indicative of the sort of economy that owners can expect. CO2 emissions are similarly low with an average of 103g/km grouping the Pixo in with the very cleanest cars on the road.

It's value that will be central to the Pixo's prospects. It's targeted very much at the no-frills budget end of the city car market and the prices Nissan is asking reflect this. The car is being offered in three trim levels and a single five-door bodystyle. The range kicks off with the Visia model that gives the car its eye-catching entry-level price. It's not the most luxurious conveyance around, a fact that's evidenced by the inclusion of `front cup holders' and a `rear wash/wipe' on the spec list, but buyers do get a CD stereo, power steering, ABS and a couple of airbags. The Acenta adds side airbags, remote central locking, electric front windows and a 50/50 split rear seat. The Tekna is the range topper with air-conditioning ESP stability control and curtain airbags amongst other features.

You always have to judge the Pixo in context of its price. It isn't one of these glossy trend-setting city cars that are supposed to be driven by bright young things around the fashionable districts of our urban centres. It's a simple and affordable vehicle but because of that, it does feel rather less sophisticated than the compact cars from the plusher end of the market. Whether the car appeals will depend on what you're looking for but as one of the most inexpensive ways of getting from A to B in a new car, the Pixo should get its share of admirers.