We street check the all-new Toyota Aygo X – a metropolis automotive remodeled into a cool city crossover…
Toyota is on a roll. Latest acclaimed additions to the vary embrace the GR86 coupe, the Yaris, Yaris Cross, GR Yaris, and the bZ4X – the model’s first EV.
The all-new Toyota Aygo X continues the successful streak. In a single fell swoop Toyota’s designers have re-invented town automotive, creating an city runabout sporting chunky, compact crossover appears to be like.
Arguably its solely rival is the quirky Suzuki Ignis, which wants a exercise compared to the rufty-tufty Aygo X (pronounced “Aygo Cross”).
At first look it appears to be like like Toyota began with a clear sheet, however look intently and also you’ll spot design cues from the outgoing Aygo such because the glass hatch and pop-out rear home windows.
At solely 3.7 metres lengthy and 1.74m huge, it’s a little bit bigger than the previous Aygo hatchback, and regardless of its crossover design, it rides simply 11mm increased.
Beginning at a really aggressive £15,405, the Aygo X vary has been saved easy. There’s only one (non-hybrid) petrol engine out there (a 71bhp three-cylinder unit), with the choice of both a five-speed handbook or CVT automated transmission.
And there are solely three trims ranges (Pure, Edge and Unique), plus a particular Restricted Version mannequin.
Entry-level X Pure comes as normal with 17-inch alloy wheels, automated headlights, air conditioning, a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, plus a leather-based steering wheel trim.
Edge grade provides 18-inch alloys, automated air conditioning and wipers, rear privateness glass, entrance fog lights and an 8.0-inch multimedia show. It additionally positive aspects additional exterior styling particulars and a bi-tone/metallic paint end. Choices embrace a big, power-operated canvas roof and a parking pack with entrance and rear clever clearance sonars and an automated braking perform.
The range-topping Unique mannequin comes with material and artificial leather-based upholstery, a wi-fi telephone charger, LED headlights and good entry.
It additionally will get the brand new Toyota Good Join multimedia system with 9.0-inch show, giving entry to cloud-based navigation, newest street data, related companies and over-the-air updates for updates and fixes.
We examined the Restricted Version model, which is completed in cool new Cardamom Inexperienced metallic paint. It options 18-inch matt black alloys, Mandarina orange highlights on the wheels, sills and bumpers, plus different inside design options and the canvas roof. The entrance seats are heated and have part-leather upholstery.
So, the Aygo X is nicely geared up. It’s additionally secure as a result of the spectacular Toyota Security Sense bundle is fitted as normal. It consists of pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, emergency steering help, lane-keeping help, adaptive cruise management and a reversing digital camera. Increased-spec vehicles additionally get entrance and rear parking sensors.
Regardless of its pumped up appears to be like and longer wheelbase, it’s nonetheless very a lot a metropolis automotive inside, even when the seating place has been raised by 5cm.
The inside is reasonable and cheerful, however then what would you anticipate for the value? So, you’ll discover laborious plastics and uncovered painted metallic. On the plus facet, the infotainment system works nicely and there are nonetheless some bodily buttons and dials (for the air conditioning – crucially).
There’s loads of room up entrance and the driving place is comfy. Nevertheless, it’s nonetheless cosy within the again and the passenger expertise isn’t helped by the small, rear-hinged home windows which don’t absolutely open.
Fortunately, the boot is extra sensible than earlier than, providing 60 litres additional (231 litres in all), increasing to 829 litres with the rear seats folded.
The thrummy three-pot has been tuned for economic system over efficiency, so extra spirited drivers must work the five-speed gearbox laborious to make swift progress.
Formally, the handbook model hits 62mph from standstill in 14.9 seconds and goes on to a high velocity of 98mph.
CO2 emissions are as little as 109g/km and gasoline economic system is as much as 58.85mpg. The truth is, in combined driving I managed 60mpg, which added to the low insurance coverage group and Toyota’s fame for reliability, means proudly owning an Aygo X must be an reasonably priced expertise.
Regardless of being low on energy, it handles surprisingly nicely and solely really feel unsettled if actually pushed.
In its extra pure city habitat, it’s nippy, agile and simple to drive. Gentle and fast steering, plus an exceptionally small turning circle of simply 4.7m actually assist.
Nevertheless, it’s not the quietest cabin – a mix of the thrum from the engine and wind noise, whereas the full-length canvas roof doesn’t assist – even whether it is enjoyable within the solar.
So, the Aygo X isn’t good, however full marks to Toyota for creating a brand new area of interest and a dinky automotive stuffed with character that stands out from the gang, places a smile in your face and represents nice worth for cash.
It’s additionally price remembering that the Aygo X comes with a regular three-year/60,000-mile guarantee, but it surely’s additionally eligible for Toyota’s guarantee safety for as much as 10 years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first), however you do must service your automotive at a franchised vendor every year to take care of that cowl.
Verdict: The all-new Toyota Aygo X is a breath of recent air. An reasonably priced metropolis automotive with cool city crossover appears to be like that’s enjoyable to drive, secure, economical. low-cost to run and nicely geared up.
Toyota UK