Review of the new Toyota Aygo

Small, lightweight and economical, citycars have never attracted too much attention from their position in the dimly lit basement of the UK car market. These were never vehicles that you'd turn to gawp at in the street and few if any will have graced an adolescent bedroom wall. There's increasing evidence, however, that the citycar could be about to have its day in the sun. There's more buzz around compact, fuel efficient vehicles than at any time previously and having established itself in the market during the relatively lean times, Toyota's Aygo could be a major beneficiary.

The Aygo is the result of a triple pronged assault on the citycar sector, orchestrated by Toyota, Citroen and Peugeot. All three marques have a version of the car and all three have enjoyed success from the outset which they're now looking to build on as the citycar concept grows in popularity. Compared to its Peugeot 107 and Citroen C1 counterparts, it's obvious that Toyota have gone to greater lengths to visually differentiate the Aygo. This is reflected in a marginally higher sticker price, but for many, the treatment of the front grille and lights and the smooth way the rear lamp clusters have been integrated will be enough to swing the balance.

The Aygo is a citycar first and foremost, reflected in a sprint to 60mph that takes 14 seconds. Handling is nimble although the steering feels a bit rubbery in its responses. At lower speeds the electric assistance makes manoeuvring the car simplicity itself and the minimal front and rear overhangs mean that it's easy to edge into even the tiniest parking places. The fiendishly tight turning circle means that even if you spot a parking place on the other side of the road, you may be able to throw a quick U-turn to snaffle it. The 1.0-litre petrol unit is extremely light and this helps the Aygo achieve its excellent fuel efficiency but it also delivers a sprightly feel under acceleration and a pleasantly purposeful engine note although noise levels have been cut in the latest models. A five-speed manual transmission is the default choice, but Toyota's Multi-mode Manual Transmission is also available as an option, offering clutchless gear changing for those who want to take the drag out of city driving.

"The Aygo is a fascinating car and one that looks exceptionally well placed to capitalise on our growing fascination with cheap, economical motoring"

Ride quality is surprisingly good for what is such a small and inexpensive car and the Aygo is one of those city cars that you wouldn't mind driving longer distances. It's able to keep up with the cut and thrust of motorway driving although you might need the odd downchange to keep the 67bhp engine on the boil. Top speed is pegged at 98mph, but with a fair wind and favourable incline, you'll hit the ton where conditions allow.

The latest Aygo has had its nuggety styling finessed with larger bumpers that accentuate the curves around the nose and serve to visually lower the car. The grille is also tweaked and although the difference to the original is slight, it's a definite improvement that lends the Aygo a more purposeful edge. The tale of the tape shows a 3.4 metre overall length, which is almost 23cm shorter than a modern MINI. The interior features a two-tone dashboard with a textured effect, while the door trims feature body coloured detailing. One of the more eye-catching features is the design of the ventilation controls on the centre console. Two large wheels bookend the console with a translucent panel sitting between them. Coupled with the funky, minimalist instrument panel, they give the Aygo's fascia a very modern appearance.

The steering column is adjustable for both reach and rake, the speedometer binnacle moving with the wheel. Coupled with plenty of driver's seat travel and ample headroom, there shouldn't be a problem getting comfortable behind the wheel of the Aygo. Sitting behind a tall driver is another issue altogether and rear space is a little pinched with the front seat at the back of its travel. That's perhaps forgivable, as there is only so much that can be done within the strictures of a 2.34 metre wheelbase. Efforts have been made to improve refinement on the latest cars with more sound-proofing material installed in the A and C pillars as well as beneath the floor.

The range consists of two main trim levels (Aygo and Aygo+) plus special Black and Blue models, with all versions powered by the same 67bhp three-cylinder one-litre engine and both three and five door bodystyles available. The audio system reflects the Aygo's modern outlook. The standard setup features the usual AM/FM radio and CD player but also includes a connection socket for other audio hardware such as an MP3 or a minidisk player. The upper specification models also add an extra pair of rear speakers and some neat tweeters integrated into the car's A-pillars.

Even the entry-level car is well equipped and includes colour keyed bumpers, twin front airbags, and anti lock brakes with the backup of electronic brakeforce The + grade adds colour-keyed door mirrors and handles, electric front windows, a split folding rear seat, remote central locking, a keyless entry system, side airbags and an ISOFIX child seat attachment. Considering the bargain basement pricing of Citroen and Peugeot counterparts, it's this model that looks set to continue to be the most popular Aygo.

With a modest upfront price and tiny ongoing running costs, the Aygo isn't going to break the bank. Expect to average over 60mpg if you have a restrained right boot (the official combined figure is 62.8mpg) and even in town you should be able to approach 50mpg. Every version is rated at insurance group 1, making the Aygo the ideal vehicle for the first time driver looking to build some no claims bonus or anyone looking to cut their motoring expenditure down to the bare minimum. Even if you do have a small shunt, body panels are designed to come on and off very easily, lowering the cost of repair. With carbon dioxide emissions now reduced to 106g/km, the Aygo is also a model environmental citizen.

The Aygo is a fascinating car and one that looks exceptionally well placed to capitalise on our growing fascination with cheap, economical motoring. Marriage of convenience or otherwise, there's little doubt that compared to its French cousins, the Peugeot 107 and Citroen C1, the Aygo looks a more polished, mature product. The styling revisions made to all three models have only added to this impression.

The Aygo was one of the first products, following the lead laid down buy Smart, to inject some real style into the citycar sector. These days everyone's at it, not least Toyota itself with the iQ premium citycar. The Aygo sits below the iQ price-wise and it should have the mix of design flare, economy and driving competence to persuade many buyers that a posher citycar product isn't strictly necessary.

TOP 5 AYGO DEALS

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Toyota Aygo 1.0 VVT-i 3dr Hatchback
Price £7,962 Read Aygo Reviews	Save £628
Toyota Aygo 1.0 VVT-i 5dr Hatchback
Price £8,289 Read Aygo Reviews	Save £656
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Price £8,050 Read Aygo Reviews	Save £676
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Price £9,310 Read Aygo Reviews	Save £745
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