A lot to like about the Toyota Aygo
The Toyota Aygo is a funky-looking city car with a long list of personalisation options that will meet most driver’s requirements.
And while there are more spacious rivals available, this also a quiet car to drive around town. It's also cheap to run but the engine does feel underpowered when accelerating on motorways. The exterior design really does help the Aygo stand out from the crowded segment and this is still Toyota's cheapest and smallest car.
It's only available in five doors now and is up against stiff competition from the likes of the Skoda Citigo and the Hyundai i10.
Shares underpinnings with the Peugeot 108
However, the Aygo shares underpinnings with the Peugeot 108 and the Citroen C1 and this includes the 1.0-litre petrol engine producing 71bhp.
The Toyota offering is obviously better looking that the French city cars and comes with a longer warranty.
One of the issues for city cars is for the equipment levels and pricing, and this is a problem for the Aygo.
While the entry-level model is fairly spartan, the better spec models push the Aygo’s price into supermini territory where you will get more car for your money.
Choice of two gearboxes
There's just the one engine, though the Aygo comes with a choice of two gearboxes - either a slow-shifting five-speed automatic transmission, or a nice five-speed manual box.
The manual gearbox delivers better performance overall, but the automatic transmission is quite enjoyable around town though ponderous at speed.
Fuel consumption for the Toyota Aygo is around 57mpg with emissions of 114g/km.
Those are very good figures when compared with some rivals with the standard equipment list including air conditioning, heated door mirrors and a nice infotainment system with smartphone compatibility.
There's also a reversing camera on every model and a DAB radio, while the Aygo x-trend trim features 15-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, automatic air conditioning and tinted rear windows.
Toyota Aygo x-clusiv
The range-topper, the Toyota Aygo x-clusiv, adds part-leather seats, push-button start, keyless entry and bi-tone colour choices.
The options include a power-operated canvas top - which does not make the Aygo a true convertible but does create a spacious cabin - plus there are rear parking sensors and bright metallic paint finishes.
The paint choices include a bright orange roof for those who really do want to make a statement.
Safety equipment includes electronic stability control, airbags and anti-lock brakes but the car only scored four out of five stars from Euro NCAP when crash tested.
Aygo undoubtedly feels solid and well-built
The Toyota Aygo undoubtedly feels solid and well-built, and safety equipment includes automatic emergency braking as well as lane-departure warning.
And while this is a small car, it is easy to live with on a daily basis with a nice driving position, good visibility and it is very easy to park. The rear seats are cramped for tall adults but that is an issue with most city cars.
The handling is much better than the model it replaces which is down to the car being slightly lower so there is better grip and a sportier driving experience.
A lot to like about the Toyota Aygo
Essentially, there's a lot to like about the Toyota Aygo: it has a futuristic design, comes with low running costs and it's a nice car to drive however, it's worth road-testing an Aygo before committing to buying or leasing one and compare it with something like the Volkswagen up! or the Skoda Citigo to ensure it is the city car for you.
DesperateSeller.co.uk rating: 3.5/5
