THE Nissan Pixo slots into the company's range below the Micra yet despite its diminutive outward size, it has decent room for four.

It shares its little 1.0-litre three cylinder engine and running gear with the Suzuki Alto, and is capable of 60 miles per gallon with very low emissions.

It feels nippy and agile around town but this is a masquerade. It's not really quick, with a 0 to 60 miles per hour time of 13.6 seconds, but that's certainly enough for many, who would be delighted to put up with the long distances between fill-ups.

It was the first model to fall under Nissan's green Pure Drive umbrella, which is being rolled out to other cars in its range.

The five-speed gearbox has a smooth slick change, the clutch is as light as a feather, and there is an optional four-speed automatic.

Small dimensions coupled with a tight turning circle makes parking simple, and it even rides reasonably well for decent comfort.

Only N-tec models get air con and a pollen filter, but entry-level Visia models have power steering with an adjustable column, radio/CD/MP3 player, and a folding back seat.

: Fiat 500