The hatchback is passé, so the tiny city car of today is called a crossover.
The first two generations of Toyota’s smallest European car were developed with Peugeot and Citroen (now part Stellantis), but this is no longer true for the Aygo, which is an all-Toyota effort. With no C1 and 108 replacements planned, the Aygo will be competing with fewer competitors.
The all-new, diminutive Toyota model has eschewed French connections and even changed its personality. It adopted the suffix “X” to signify its transition from a hatchback into a crossover. The Aygo X fits within the Old Continent’s definitions of A-segment models, but it is significantly larger than its predecessor.
The not-so-tiny city car measures 3,700 millimeters (14.5 inches) in length. There are 235 mm (9.2 inches) more than the model it replaces. 90 mm (3.0 in) more stretch in the wheelbase to provide greater legroom for those seated in the back. The AygoX continues to have pop-out rear windows so people in the rear can’t roll down their windows even though it is longer between the axles.
It is also 125mm (4.9in) wider at 1,740mm (68.5in) and 65mm (2.5in) taller at 1,525mm (60in) than the model it replaces. This brings it in line with other models like the Hyundai i10 and Kia Picanto and Fiat Panda. The cargo capacity has increased more than 60 liters, to 231 liters when measured up to the tonneau cover, and 269 liters when the roof is up. The volume increases to 829 liters when you fold down the rear bench.
Toyota has decided to add 18-inch wheels to the vehicle, which is now so large that it comes in matte black with Mandarina accents. The AygoX is built on the GA-B platform. It also has a retractable fabric roof that keeps the open-air feel of the third-generation model. It is small in size and has a turning circle that measures only 4.7m (15.4ft), making it perfect for urban environments with narrow streets.
The AygoX’s new crossover characteristics are accentuated by the addition of chunky black plastic molding to the wheel arches. It also offers an additional 11mm (0.4in) of ground clearance compared to the previous model. The car will also be 55mm (2.1 inches) taller than the previous Prologue concept, which was unveiled in March.
The interior is as stylish as the exterior. It features vividly colored accents as well as a bizarre dashboard with a nine-inch touchscreen. The Aygo X is Toyota’s entry-level European offering. However, it still features ambient lighting and wireless charging. Full-LED headlights are also available and support for over-the air updates. You also have a wide range of safety tech, including adaptive cruise control and night pedestrian detection, as well as lane trace assistance and daytime bicycle detection.
Toyota keeps things very simple when it comes to engines, since there is only one. The AygoX’s 1.0-liter gasoline engine produces 72 horsepower (53 kW) at 6,600 rpm and 93 Nm at 4,400 rpm. The three-cylinder unit can be fitted with either a 5-speed manual gearbox (or a continuously variable transmission).
The little crossover/high-riding hatchback can reach speeds of 62 mph (100 km/h). While the CVT takes off one tenth of an second, the CVT allows it to accelerate from a stop in 15.6 seconds. With the manual, the top speed is 98 MPH (158 Km/h), while the CVT-equipped model can reach 94 MPH (151 Km/h).
The AygoX can weigh between 940 and 1,015 kilograms (or 2,072 to 2,237 lbs, depending on the trim level. It is a lightweight vehicle that consumes just 4.7 liters/100 km (50 miles per gallon) with CO 2 emissions only 107 grams/km.
Toyota now owns the Czech Republic factory where Citroen and Peugeot models were made in the 50:50 joint venture. The latest-generation Yaris supermini is already being produced there. Soon, the Euro-designed Aygo X will follow to compete in a very rare A-segment. The 2022 launch date is set.