Toyota Aygo X A city car and electric-free – honest

TESTED 31.3.22, BARCELONA, SPAIN ON SALE NOW TOYOTA AYGO X 1.0 VVT-i CVT

We like this all-new city car with its manual gearbox. How about the automatic?

hy no electrification at all in

Wthe all-new Toyota Aygo X? It’s a simple answer: weight.

Even something as minor as a mild-hybrid system would force Toyota to abandon the fundamental concept around the Aygo X, leading to increases in size and cost. As for a full-on electric version, that would add “about 500kg” to the car’s base 965kg kerb weight, according to Stijn Peeters, senior project manager for R&D at Toyota Motor Europe.

So it is that we’re greeted by a naturally aspirated 1.0-litre petrol triple in a remarkably simple package.

The Aygo X is heavily based (to the tune of a 50% component share) on the larger Yaris’s GA-B platform but, thanks to the lack of hybrid bits, with much shorter overhangs.

The Aygo is a city car pure and simple, albeit with 2022’s must-have accessory of crossover-ish styling.

As a result, you sit 55mm higher than before, so urban traffic is easier to navigate. The view out is helped by the raked-back A-pillar, while the dashboard is dominated by a new 9.0in infotainment touchscreen. Physical buttons still control the temperature, though, thankfully.

Up front is by far the best place to be in the Aygo, as the rear is tight, not helped by the chunky front seats.

We tried the CVT automatic, which gives a 0-62mph time of 14.8sec – 0.1sec up on the manual. So it’s far from a rocket ship, but on a steady throttle and in its lower range, the engine is a refined little thing. You hear more noise from passing traffic.

Or at least you do until you want to accelerate. At that point, all the CVT’s foibles come to bear with a 6000rpm whine for accompaniment.

You’ll be better off in the manual, which has a lovely short throw.

The Aygo X is more than capable of motorway pace, but long uphill drags test its 69lb ft of torque.

To drive, it feels remarkably grown up. There’s a beautiful simplicity to the way it absorbs urban potholes, despite it coming on 18in alloys. Mid-corner ridges taken at speed aren’t as relaxing, though.

However, the lesson from that is to calm down and enjoy the simplicity. That’s the ethos of the Aygo X, and it’s one that works well.

The city car is alive and well. PIERS WARD

TOYOTA AYGO X 1.0 VVT-i EXCLUSIVE CVT

Small, light and easy to drive, the Aygo X nails the fundamentals of the city car remit AAABC

Price £18,825 Engine 3 cyls in line, 998cc, petrol Power 71bhp at 6000rpm Torque 69lb ft at 4400rpm Gearbox CVT, FWD Kerb weight 965-1015kg 0-62mph 14.8sec Top speed 94mph Economy 56.5mpg CO2, tax band 109-114g/km, 26-27% RIVALS Hyundai i10, Volkswagen Up