The Toyota Aygo has been reborn as a rugged compact crossover designed to “reinvent the A-segment”.
Previewed by the Aygo X Prologue idea forward of an anticipated market launch earlier than mid-2022, the successor to the massively profitable metropolis automotive has been designed, Toyota says, to “show that vehicles historically known as an entry level can nonetheless ship standout design”.
Regardless of the raised experience peak, 19in wheels and closely flared arches (elements that can seemingly be toned down for the manufacturing automotive), the affect of the prevailing Aygo is evident in its upright rear gentle clusters, glass bootlid, two-tone paint scheme and wheels pushed proper out to the corners.
Off-road-inspired design cues embrace contrasting skidplates on the entrance and rear, chunky raised roof rails and distinctive hexagonal foglights. Uniquely, the idea additionally options “motion cameras” mounted in its door mirrors for “capturing and sharing particular moments of exploration,” whereas a pop-out bike holder is built-in into the rear bumper.
The Aygo X stays smaller than the Yaris supermini, with which it shares its GA-B platform, by way of footprint: it is 3700mm lengthy and has a 2430mm wheelbase. At 1500mm tall, nonetheless, it is about the identical peak as its sibling.
Toyota beforehand confirmed that the manufacturing model of the Aygo X will solely use inner combustion engines consistent with its accessible billing. Specs stay unconfirmed, however the Yaris’s entry-level 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine is a probable candidate, and the Aygo X will seemingly be accessible with both a five-speed handbook or CVT computerized gearbox.
Ian Cartabiano, president of Toyota’s European Design Centre in Good, France, stated: “Reimagining the A-segment means providing one thing new to the shopper, and I really like that [the Aygo X] has a few of these crossover cues however seems extra enjoyable to drive and is certainly extra on the city facet.
“The nice facet impact of the larger wheel and tyre bundle – and the brand new platform – is that the upper hip level makes getting out and in fast and simple; it will increase visibility, which is nice for city environments and nation roads; and loading into the hatch is at a extra pure peak.”
Cartabiano added that though the Aygo X is positioned “extra as a crossover,” he sees it as “a lifted scorching hatch with some nice usability and flexibility”. Nonetheless, Toyota has but to present any indication that the Aygo X will obtain a scorching GR-badged range-topper, as with the Yaris.
The Aygo X will stay Toyota’s most inexpensive automotive in Europe, seemingly matching the present Aygo’s £12,500 beginning worth, and likewise like the present automotive will probably be in-built Kolín, the Czech Republic.
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