The Magenta Fizz paintwork isn’t the only aspect of the latest Aygo that is designed to stand out. A mid-life facelift earlier this year emphasises the ‘x’ on the nose, with new bumpers and fresh headlights that incorporate daytime running lights, while at the rear revised light clusters deliver an updated look. Inside there’s revised graphics for the instruments, and new seat upholstery. The 1.0-litre VVT-i engine has been extensively revised, too, and now meets the latest Euro-6d Temp emissions regulations, while enhancements to the suspension settings and quicker steering are designed to enhance handling and ride. Additional sound absorption around the cabin is aimed at enhancing refinement, and redesigned balancer shafts in the engine cuts down on vibration at idle. Disappointingly, the Aygo only achieved three stars in EuroNCAP crash testing, though by choosing the optional Toyota Safety Sense package at £375, incorporating a pre-collision system and lane departure alert, it is then rated as a full five-star car.
ON TEST Toyota Aygo X-Cite 1.0 VVT-i
With 71bhp on tap, performance is quite leisurely, however, if you choose your gears wisely, then the Aygo can feel lively, particularly in second gear. The off-balance three-cylinder chirpiness is quite endearing, and only becomes intrusive when the pedal is flat to the floor. The revised steering feels more responsive than before, delivering handling that feels quite agile and chuckable. There’s some body lean when cornering, amplified by seats that offer little in the way of lateral support. Grip levels are decent and the ride generally good, with only the deepest of ruts and potholes upsetting the chassis. At a motorway gallop there’s a smattering of wind flutter to be heard, but pleasingly, road and tyre noise are nicely contained.
The shocking pink exterior is replicated inside, with the air vents, door appliqués, gear lever and mats all gaining the same colour treatment, along with swathes of piano black on the dashboard, centre console and instrument binnacle. While it is preferable to grey plastic, it does attract fingermarks somewhat. All of the plastics are of the hard variety, with no soft-touch surfaces in sight, however, they have a sturdy feel to them and should prove to be durable. The infotainment system is positioned neatly high up in the centre and though there’s no navigation system on this Aygo, drivers can connect their smartphone and utilise the newly introduced Apple CarPlay or Android Auto software that comes as standard on this trim level. The white on black instruments are nice and clear, with a MINI-like central speedometer dominating the cluster. There’s a big storage area in front of the gear lever and sufficient space in both the glovebox and door pockets. And while there’s lots of leg and headroom up front, in the back the space is a whole lot more limited, while small rear doors make entry and exit more difficult. Boot space is tight at 168 litres, with measurements even smaller than a Fiat 500, though the space can be extended to 812 litres by tumbling the rear seats down.
SPECIFICATIONS 2020 Toyota Aygo X-Cite 1.0 VVT-i
Price £12,975
Built in Kolín, Czech Republic
Bodystyle 5-door hatchback, 5-seats
Layout Front-wheel-drive
Powerplant 998cc, 3-cylinder, 12-valve, petrol
Transmission 5-speed manual
Stop-start No
Max power 71bhp @ 6,000rpm
Max torque 69lb ft @ 4,400rpm
Top speed 99mph 0-62mph 13.8secs
CO2 emissions 93g/km (Euro-6)
Official economy (urban/extra urban/combined) 57.6/78.5/68.9mpg
Fuel tank size 35 litres Range 531 miles
Insurance group 8 BIK rate 19%
Size (length/width without mirrors) 3,465/1,615mm
Boot space (min/max) 168/812 litres
Kerb/max towing weight 855/0kg
Euro NCAP crash rating
What’s Hot + Funky looks. Roominess in the front. Frugal with low CO2 emissions. Five year warranty.
What’s Not – Piano black attracts fingermarks. Tight on space in the back. Small boot. Needs Toyota Safety Sense for five star EuroNCAP score.
Also consider Citroën C1 ELLE VTi 72, Volkswagen High up! 1.0
Verdict A bolder design gets the Aygo noticed, while engine enhancements and the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are welcomed.
Drive-My rating 3/5
