Toyota Aygo Car Review

Facts At A Glance
Car: Toyota Aygo range
Prices: £7,785-£9,335 - on the road
Insurance Group: 1E
Emissions: 106g/km
Performance: 0-60mph 14.2s / Max Speed 98mph
Fuel Consumption: (combined) 62.8mpg
Safety: Twin front airbags, ABS, EBD
Dimensions: Length/Width/Height 3415/1615/1415mm

THE AY HAS IT

Our Rating: 7.0 / 10

Steve Walker reports on the Toyota Aygo citycar’s quest to win hearts and minds.

Small, lightweight and economical, citycars have never attracted too much attention from their position in the dimly lit basement of the UK car market. These were never vehicles that you’d turn to gawp at in the street and few if any will have graced an adolescent bedroom wall. There’s increasing evidence, however, that the citycar could be about to have its day in the sun. There’s more buzz around compact, fuel efficient vehicles than at any time previously and having established itself in the market during the relatively lean times, Toyota’s Aygo could be a major beneficiary.

The Aygo is the result of a triple pronged assault on the citycar sector, orchestrated by Toyota, Citroen and Peugeot. All three marques have a version of the car and all three have enjoyed success from the outset which they’re now looking to build on as the citycar concept grows in popularity. Compared to its Peugeot 107 and Citroen C1 counterparts, it’s obvious that Toyota have gone to greater lengths to visually differentiate the Aygo. This is reflected in a marginally higher sticker price, but for many, the treatment of the front grille and lights and the smooth way the rear lamp clusters have been integrated will be enough to swing the balance.

The Aygo is a citycar first and foremost, reflected in a sprint to 60mph that takes 14 seconds. Handling is nimble although the steering feels a bit rubbery in its responses. At lower speeds the electric assistance makes manoeuvring the car simplicity itself and the minimal front and rear overhangs mean that it’s easy to edge into even the tiniest parking places. The fiendishly tight turning circle means that even if you spot a parking place on the other side of the road, you may be able to throw a quick U-turn to snaffle it. The 1.0-litre petrol unit is extremely light and this helps the Aygo achieve its excellent fuel efficiency but it also delivers a sprightly feel under acceleration and a pleasantly purposeful engine note although noise levels have been cut in the latest models. A five-speed manual transmission is the default choice, but Toyota’s Multi-mode Manual Transmission is also available as an option, offering clutchless gear changing for those who want to take the drag out of city driving.

Ride quality is surprisingly good for what is such a small and inexpensive car and the Aygo is one of those city cars that you wouldn’t mind driving longer distances. It’s able to keep up with the cut and thrust of motorway driving although you might need the odd downchange to keep the 67bhp engine on the boil. Top speed is pegged at 98mph, but with a fair wind and favourable incline, you’ll hit the ton where conditions allow.

The latest Aygo has had its nuggety styling finessed with larger bumpers that accentuate the curves around the nose and serve to visually lower the car. The grille is also tweaked and although the difference to the original is slight, it’s a definite improvement that lends the Aygo a more purposeful edge. The tale of the tape shows a 3.4 metre overall length, which is almost 23cm shorter than a modern MINI. The interior features a two-tone dashboard with a textured effect, while the door trims feature body coloured detailing. One of the more eye-catching features is the design of the ventilation controls on the centre console. Two large wheels bookend the console with a translucent panel sitting between them. Coupled with the funky, minimalist instrument panel, they give the Aygo’s fascia a very modern appearance.

The steering column is adjustable for both reach and rake, the speedometer binnacle moving with the wheel. Coupled with plenty of driver’s seat travel and ample headroom, there shouldn’t be a problem getting comfortable behind the wheel of the Aygo. Sitting behind a tall driver is another issue altogether and rear space is a little pinched with the front seat at the back of its travel. That’s perhaps forgivable, as there is only so much that can be done within the strictures of a 2.34 metre wheelbase. Efforts have been made to improve refinement on the latest cars with more sound-proofing material installed in the A and C pillars as well as beneath the floor.

The range consists of two main trim levels (Aygo and Aygo+) plus special