Toyota Aygo: A Touch Of Lifestyle

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 05:39

Cars like the Toyota Aygo are ideal for novice drivers. The miniature car from the Japanese has everything you need to get around town well.

The Japanese advertise massively for novice drivers with the recently revamped Toyota Aygo. They will find an uncomplicated companion for the start into automotive life in the city car offered as three or five-door. And a reason to work long-term on advancing the automotive industry.

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While small cars like the Toyota Yaris can now be almost fully-fledged all-round cars, the small cars that are one class lower are in most cases basic mobility on wheels. That basically also applies to the recently launched Toyota Aygo. However, the Japanese have managed to give the city flea, which is just under 3.5 meters short, a touch of lifestyle mobile.

Aygo offers a tail with a kick

Outwardly, the second edition with the stylized “X” in the front differs from the first generation model. The glass trunk lid in the rear, a wide and gaudy paint palette as well as matching colorfully decorated rims add extra flair. The interior benefits from at least the second highest equipment line ("x-play") from the contemporary, colorful central display in the center console, which, for example, in combination with dashboard covers (from 37 euros) loosens up the otherwise rather monochrome-gray interior.

Those who order a trim level higher ("x-play connect") receive the variant with smartphone integration - something that especially young novice drivers will appreciate. The psychologically tempting base price of 9,990 euros is a good 2,500 euros away. If you want five doors instead of three, you have to invest 13,000 euros. The price list is almost open to the top. Those who choose the highest of the seven equipment lines start at 15,400 euros.

Good space conditions for driver and front passenger

The automotive hardware is the same for all models, beyond decorative accessories or comfortable equipment bonuses. The Aygo offers good space, at least for the driver and front passenger, on a city-friendly surface. Two other occupants are allowed in the rear, but they have to be content with very little knee space. If they want fresh air, they have to open the windows a little old-fashioned. They cannot be cranked down on the five-door either. The two additional portals are still recommended because the back seat is easier to use for transporting luggage.

This is practical because the trunk is very small, as is typical of this class. Also normal for small cars: The loading sill is pronounced on the outside as well as on the inside, so heavy goods must first be lifted high when loading and then lowered again with the back bent forward. What the developers could have done better with little effort is the operation of the trunk lid, which can hardly be operated with one hand because the door knob and handle are far apart.

Some assistance systems included

The assistance systems are often neglected in the smallest car class, but are quite important for many novice drivers. Toyota doesn't have much on offer either, after all, the surcharge for the “Safety Sense” package is relatively moderate at 350 euros, and the helper bundle is even available for the entry-level model. It includes a front collision warning system, an emergency brake assistant and a lane departure warning system. ESP anti-skid protection and six airbags are always on board. A reversing camera is also standard in the higher-positioned lines. You can use it despite the short body, the rear window is quite small, while the C-pillar is comparatively wide. In addition, the turning circle of the Aygo is larger than one would expect from the outside - which makes the city car a bit more unwieldy than necessary.

The rest of the chassis is well done, ironing away bumps and bad inner-city streets as well as the short wheelbase allows. Even on cobblestones or pothole slopes, the Aygo does not look rickety or cheap - not a matter of course in this price range. Outside of the city, however, the little one quickly reaches its limits. The narrow seats with their short contact surfaces, the acoustically only moderately encapsulated interior and, above all, the small three-cylinder engine with its 72 hp, which is offered without an alternative, leave no wish for long-distance journeys.

Not very bubbly, even in the city

Even in the city, the 1.0-liter gasoline engine does not look particularly lively, downhill it is downright weak. The small motor needs high speeds to move forward, which is reflected in an equally high level of noise. One can only wish that small cars would be among the first to benefit from the acoustic advantages of an electric motor. At the gas station, however, you wouldn't save much with the Stromer: In the city the smallest Toyota gets by with just under 5.5 liters, with a quiet driving style on the country road you sometimes get a four to the decimal point. If, on the other hand, you want to keep up to a certain extent on the autobahn, you will not only turn up the engine but also the consumption.

In the small car class, the Toyota Aygo (as well as the identically constructed Peugeot 108 and Citroen C1) is quite competitive almost five years after the market launch. Anyone who chooses him or one of his colleagues in the segment, however, has to make numerous concessions in terms of space, performance and comfort level. In any case, it is enough to get through the city dry-footed. However, if you are a novice driver and want to gradually expand your range of motion, you will outgrow the little ones over time. One class higher you can find significantly more car for not significantly more money. (SP-X)