Nissan Pixo (2009 – 2013) Review

Nissan Pixo (2009 – 2013) At A Glance

2/5

+Cheap to buy new, low CO2 emissions and high economy mean it's cheap to run. Available with an automatic gearbox. Nicer seats than near identical Suzuki Alto.

-Low rent features like stalk adjustable door mirrors. Built by Maruti in India alongside the contemporary Suzuki Alto and not built to last.

Insurance Groups are between 2–4
On average it achieves 86% of the official MPG figure

Road test and video similar Suzuki Alto 2009 Road Test and Video

Nissan Pixo (2009 – 2013) models and specs

Dimensions
Length 3565 mm
Width 1600 mm
Height 1470 mm
Wheelbase 2360 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 885–910 kg
Boot Space 129–367 L
Warranty 3 years
Servicing 9000 miles
Costs
List Price £7,250–£9,150
Insurance Groups 2–4
Road Tax Bands A–D
Official MPG 54.3–65.7 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall -

On sale until April 2013

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.0 n-tec 5dr £8,250 65.7 mpg 14.0 s
1.0 Visia 5dr £7,250 65.7 mpg 14.0 s

On sale until January 2013

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.0 n-tec Auto 5dr £9,150 55.4 mpg 17.0 s

On sale until March 2011

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.0 Acenta 5dr £8,100 64.2 mpg 14.0 s
1.0 Acenta Auto 5dr £9,000 54.3 mpg 17.0 s

On sale until January 2010

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.0 Tekna 5dr £8,645 64.2 mpg 14.0 s
1.0 Tekna 5dr Auto £8,645 - -

Model History

October 2008

Nissan Pixo launched

It has a wheelbase of 2,360 mm with an alloy block three cylinder 12 valve 1.0-litre engine. 65PS at 6,000rpm, 90Nm at 4,000rpm, 61.4mpg combined and just 103g/km CO2.

Manual 5-speed or 4-speed torque converter auto. Built in collaboration with Suzuki Motor Corporation, at Delhi, India.

Three versions for UK: Pixo Visia, Pixo Acenta and Pixo Tekna. The entry grade Nissan Pixo Visia at just £5,995 includes 5 doors, power steering, anti-lock brakes with EBD and Brake Assist, driver and passenger airbags, ISOFIX child seat fixings, CD player with MP3 reader, 14" steel wheels and a rear wiper. Other standard features include a rear parcel shelf, tilt adjustable steering column and no fewer than four cup holders – two in the front and two in the rear.

Nissan Pixo Acenta from £6,745 includes remote central door locking, drivers seat boot opener, front electric windows, 50/50 split folding rear seatbacks, nbody coloures door handles and mirrors, front fog lamps, side airbags. Optional 4 speed auto.

Nissan Pixo Tekna, from £7,645 adds manual aircon, pollen filter, curtain airbags, ESP, 3 years free servicing with 3 years roadside assistance. Optional 4-speed auto.

Principal options include electronic stability control (ESP), manual air conditioning, curtain airbags, alloy wheels and metallic or pearlescent paint. UK sales started June 2009.

June 2012

Pixo refreshed

The new Pixo features fresh exterior colours, an improved interior and a drop in CO2 emissions to 99g/km.

Changes to the engine and aerodynamic improvements have combined to reduce CO2 levels by 4g/km to 99g/km, allowing the Pixo to enjoy tax benefits, congestion charge exemption and reduced emissions.

The Pixo will also benefit from enhancements to the car's interior. The door trims around the glovebox and centre console are now black rather than grey to add a touch of class. Every Pixo is also now fitted with an electronic auto-dimming rear view mirror. Prices start from £7,250 for the Visia rising to £8,250 for the range-topping n-tec five-door model.

What to watch out for

02-02-2011:

Emerging problem areas include: Recurring wiper/washer problems. They keep breaking and water leaks onto drivers foot. Rattles from engine finally identified as engine mounts which also seem to fail regularly. One October 2009 car already on its third replacement mounts at just 7,500 miles.

17-01-2012:

Another report of repeated failure of engine mounts.

19-12-2013:

Report of clutch release bearing screeching on 10k mile 2 year old Pixo.

09-08-2014:

Report of 'whirring noise' being diagnosed as transmission bearing failure in a 2011 Nissan Pixo.

05-08-2018:

Report of 2011 Nissan Pixo at 37,000 miles starting to fall apart. Since purchase, niggles over the years have included problems with the air con, wipers, seat belt anchorage and an ongoing worry about the number of new tyres needed caused by a far from robust tracking system. Its journeys were mainly local shopping and school runs. Now after its last MoT, which it passed, owner was advised to have a new clutch and gearbox costing over £1,200. This was not unexpected as gear changing had become a real struggle.

28-09-2018:

Report of troublesome manual gearchange with 2012 Nissan Pixo at 34,000 miles. Owner has changed gear oil and lubricated linkages but finds it still sticks in neutral.