Aygo X is a small car with a big personality
Aygo X hybrid has a new front design, suggesting an SUV identity with a raised stance and black flared wheel arches.
Toyota’s Aygo has successfully competed in the compact city car segment for around two decades. January of this year saw the arrival of the new Aygo X hybrid, the first model in its class to offer a full petrol-hybrid powertrain. The ‘X’ is pronounced ‘Cross’.
Toyota has a long history of hybrid production, having pioneered the petrol engine-electric motor technology for more than 25 years, starting with the Prius, which was the world’s first mass-produced hybrid passenger car.
Aygo X hybrid has a new front design, suggesting an SUV identity with a raised stance and black flared wheel arches, a new bonnet, new headlamps, a new GR Sport meshed upper front grille, 18-inch alloy wheels, and Special GT Sport exterior and interior badging. My review car was in a Tokyo Gold exterior colour with contrasting black bonnet, black roof, and pillars, available only in the top GR Sport grade. Other colours available in this top grade are Storm Grey and Pearl White.
The chic and snug interior featured the bright gold exterior colour along the doors, brightening the cabin. Manually adjustable front seats can be heated, and proved comfy and supportive with integrated head restraints.
There's a push-button start and an oval-shaped 10.5-inch multimedia touchscreen with a black gloss surround, which I thought suited this snazzy little car. It provides key widgets and shortcuts. There are physical controls for the dual-zone automatic climate control, fan, and front seat heaters. While my review car had satellite navigation, it requires a subscription after a free period. A smaller driver’s cluster provides key driving information, with current speed shown centrally, and the hybrid system indicator. All screens have colourful and clear graphics.
Features include two C-type USBs and a 12-volt power socket, a wireless charging pad, a wide-view reversing camera; a lovely 3-spoke partially perforated, faux leather steering wheel; electric parking brake, and power folding side mirrors.
The automatic transmission selector, on the central console, includes a ‘B’ mode that applies moderate engine braking when driving down hills.
There are two seats in the rear with small knee space for anyone seated behind a tall person, but there's good headroom. The narrow central console extends right back almost to the rear seats, sitting on top of the transmission tunnel. Rear doors don’t open wide for entry or exit, or to fit a child seat - there are Isofix seat anchors. Retro-type rear passenger windows open outwards on hinges.
The boot opens wide to aid loading and unloading. Boot space of 231 litres can extend to around 829 litres with both rear seats folded down. There’s a tyre repair kit.
The Agyo X hybrid comes with increased power and quicker acceleration, combined with agile handling. The engine is a 1.5 HEV with a 7-speed automatic transmission, a claimed average combined fuel return of 3.8 L/100kms, and a 0-100km/h time of 9.7 seconds. Its 4.7 m turning radius makes for easy U-turns on busy streets and helping to park in a small slot. Driving on mixed roads including motorways, I bettered that claimed figure with a combined average fuel consumption of 3.3 L/100kms, which equates to a whopping 86 mpg, which will be a key selling point to buyers.
My car was equipped with a comprehensive amount of safety and driver assistance features. Toyota Safety Sense 3 includes Hill Hold, front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic high beam - but no blind spot monitors on side mirrors. The system benefits from over-the-air updates to ensure the latest protection.
Toyota hybrids can cover up to 42% of your driving distance, and 56% of your drive time in EV modes. They charge their batteries while braking and coasting - there’s no need to plug in your car to charge.
The Aygo X has a 3-year/100km manufacturers warranty; 5-year/100,000km all hybrid components warranty (including the battery), and is supported by Toyota’s Hybrid Battery Extended Care Programme, which provides coverage for up to 15 years, or 1,000,000kms, subject to an annual Hybrid Health Check within the Toyota network.
When tested by Euro NCAP last December, the Aygo X received a four-star safety rating out of a possible five stars, scoring 73% for adult occupant, 72% for child occupant, 83% for vulnerable road users, and 68% for safety assist.
PRICES: entry price from €24,520; my car as tested from €30,195. Annual road tax is €180.
