This is where the Pixo excels. Not only is it cheap to buy – new or used – but it’s also peanuts to run. The 1.0-litre engine has low emissions making to cheap to tax, insurance is group 1 and even if driven in town it will still average 51mpg. Nissan servicing is reasonably priced and parts should be easy to come by. A low list price and strong demand for small cars means that you’re unlikely to lose much money if you decide to sell.

The Pixo emits just 103g/km of CO2 – making to cheap to tax. But if Nissan and Suzuki had managed to reduce this by just 4g/km then road tax would have been free. Economy is very impressive with an average of 64mpg. A version with stop-and-start technology – which cuts off the engine in stationary traffic and produces just 95g/km – is in the pipeline.

Nissan has gained an excellent reputation for build quality and reliability. Although this model is built by Suzuki, Nissan would not sell it if it didn’t come up to the same high standards as its other models.