Fuel-efficient Toyota Pixis Epoch now widely available in Pakistan 

ISLAMABAD: Many people in Pakistan are familiar with the Daihatsu Mira, which has become a common sight on the roads. However, not everyone knows that this popular kei car has an identical twin. If this twin is parked 15 to 20 feet away, and you can’t see the badges or logos, you could easily mistake it for a Daihatsu Mira. If you’re wondering what car this is, it’s the Toyota Pixis Epoch. 

“Same same but different” is the perfect way to describe the Toyota Pixis, as even an automotive enthusiast might mistake it for the Daihatsu Mira. Not only do the two cars share identical headlights and exterior styling, but the entire design from inside to outside is virtually the same.

On the outside, the only noticeable difference is the branding: the Daihatsu features its logo along with a small “Mira” emblem on the rear, while the Toyota Pixis displays the Toyota logo and a “Pixis” badge. 

Toyota Pixis variants

About a decade ago, Toyota Pixis cars were rare in Pakistan. While Japanese car dealers in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad commonly imported the Mira, Pixis were hardly seen. Today, however, Pixis are found in almost every city and are displayed in many used car showrooms alongside their Mira counterpart. Among the Toyota Pixis Epoch variants commonly seen in showrooms and online car marketplaces are three popular trims: L, X, and G, with the G models being the more expensive option.

Both the Daihatsu Mira and Toyota Pixis are excellent kei cars: easy to drive, simple to park, and economical to run, with fuel efficiency surpassing that of the Suzuki Mehran. All Toyota Pixis variants feature comfortable seats and a surprisingly spacious interior that does not make you feel cramped despite their compact size.

Apart from the 660cc Alto by Pak Suzuki, all other 660cc cars in Pakistan such as the Nissan Dayz, Toyota Pixis, Daihatsu Mira, Nissan Moco, Daihatsu Move, Suzuki Hustler, and Honda N One are imported, with nearly 90 per cent coming from Japan as slightly used vehicles rather than brand new. Many people prefer these Japanese cars over locally manufactured ones due to their superior features and comfort. 

Toyota Pixis price in Pakistan

Pricing in Pakistan varies according to the vehicle’s condition, trim level (L, X, or G), model year, and grade. For example, a 2011 Toyota Pixis Epoch (older shape) may cost as low as Rs1.8 million, while a 2023 model (new shape) can fetch as much as Rs4.5 million for a grade 4 or 4.5 car. These prices are nearly identical to those of the Daihatsu Mira. 

All Toyota Pixis models come equipped with a 660cc engine, typically the KF engine designed for fuel efficiency and commonly used in kei cars. The engine is available with either Dynamic Variable Valve Timing (DVVT) or an intercooled turbocharger. Transmission options include a 3- or 4-speed automatic, or a 5-speed manual. 

The Toyota Pixis runs exclusively on petrol, produces 48 horsepower and 58 Nm of torque, and reaches a top speed of around 140 km/h.

Toyota Pixis fuel average

Most Pixis models in Pakistan are automatics. Its fuel economy is a major selling point, comparable to the Daihatsu Mira and Suzuki Alto. The Pixis delivers an average fuel consumption of 18 to 20 kilometres per litre, with a fuel tank capacity of 28 litres. 

Despite not being a hybrid, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that the fuel consumption of the Toyota Pixis Epoch is close to that of hybrid cars. 

Considering today’s petrol prices in Pakistan, refuelling the Pixis’s tank fully costs roughly Rs7,000. Its dimensions, 3395 mm in length, 1475 mm in width, and 1500 mm in height, along with decent ground clearance, make it a practical city car. 

Despite its small 660cc engine, which some might consider underpowered compared to more powerful 1000cc or 1300cc hatchbacks, the Toyota Pixis does not feel lacking in power.  

Hussain Tahir, owner of a Toyota Pixis Epoch G, shared his experience of daily driving the car from Chaklala Scheme 3 to Saudi Pak Tower in Islamabad. “It’s a long commute with many uphill and downhill stretches, plus several rough patches,” he said. “Despite being a 660cc, whenever power is needed, the Pixis has never let me down.” 

On fuel consumption, Hussain explained that mileage depends heavily on driving style, air conditioning use, and traffic conditions. “In summer, my 2021 Toyota Pixis has given me up to 22 kilometres per litre, using regular MS Super petrol, not high octane,” he added.

Regarding air conditioning, Hussain said that the Pixis performs better than his previous 2007 Diahatsu Mira Custom. “Diahatsu Mira’s AC used to stop working when the car was idle or at signals, but Pixis’s AC is far better, probably due to the newer model and upgrades.”

He said that despite Islamabad’s weather being extremely hot these days, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees, the AC performs reasonably well, comparable to that of a typical 1000cc or 1300cc car. 

The Toyota Pixis has also been a topic of discussion on Pakistani automotive blogs, where most owners have praised it for its excellent fuel consumption, comfort, and reasonable value for money.

Some, however, have expressed concerns about its expensive spare parts compared to other more common and older Japanese cars. Overall, it seems like a good option for anyone looking to buy a small hatchback for daily use. 

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