Review of the new Toyota Aygo Black

It may sound like a cliche but gather together any bunch of media types, advertising creatives, conceptual artists or any other group of the self absorbed and affected and chances are they'll be clad in black. There's a Teflon neutrality to black that makes it a difficult colour to get badly wrong. Think little black dress versus yellow polka dot bikini and you'll get the point. Toyota's 'coolhunters' have exploited this perceived trendiness in the past and now it's time for their little Aygo citycar to come in for Black edition status.

The metallic colour might be something of a giveaway but there's more to this particular Aygo special edition than just a pretty coat of paint. Based on the 1.0-litre petrol model, the Black adheres to the tried and tested special edition formula of bundling in a bunch of extra equipment for a nominal mark up.

Which means that for only a few hundred pounds more than a standard Aygo+, buyers can expect to find features like 14-inch alloy wheels, Alcantara and leather upholstery and leather trim for the steering wheel and gear knob, together with a black metallic exterior. This specification is available exclusively with manual transmission; further Aygo Black models with air conditioning added to the specification are available with a choice of both manual and semi-automatic MultiMode transmission.

Only one petrol powerplant is on offer - but it's a good one. Toyota's three-cylinder 1.0-litre VVT-i petrol engine, a category winner in the International Engine of the Year awards in 2007 and 2008, now benefits from the application of Toyota Optimal Drive, a raft of technologies that deliver greater efficiency, improved performance and lower emissions. When the engine was first launched in Aygo in 2005, it produced 109g/km of carbon dioxide. By early 2008, this figure had been reduced to 108g/km and for the latest Aygo it has fallen even further, to 106g/km.

"The Aygo Black looks a more polished and mature product compared to citycar rivals"

The engineering improvements that make this possible include a new cut-off system that saves fuel during gear changes and the adoption of low viscosity oil for less engine resistance. With its all-aluminium construction, the 1.0-litre VVT-i is the lightest internal combustion engine on the market, weighing just 67kg. It is also the most powerful in the A-segment, producing 67bhp (68 DIN hp), and it delivers class-leading torque of 93Nm at 3,600rpm.

To provide better driveability in urban traffic, the development team worked to ensure strong torque at low to medium engine speeds by optimising the intake system, setting the appropriate manifold length and giving the intake ports a smaller diameter. The three-cylinder configuration also promotes the availability of torque in the low to mid-range, with less "metal" to move at lower speeds. The engine remains remarkably fuel-frugal, with consumption improved from 61.4 to 62.8mpg in combined cycle driving with five-speed manual transmission (the figure is unchanged for versions with the MultiMode gearbox at 61.4mpg).

Designed and built in Europe, the Aygo design features familiar elements, such as the characteristic bulge around the Toyota badge on the bonnet and the triangular quarter light. The latest version looks little different to the original, but the sharp-eyed will spot the re-sculpted front grille and bumper that emphasise the car's low centre of gravity, giving it a more ground-hugging appearance. The extended front bumper increases overall length by 10mm and allows for neater integration of front fog lights, when specified. At the rear the rear lamp clusters have gained circular chrome detailing to accentuate their appearance, with a dark finish to the cover to match the look of the headlamps. There are also new-design wheel covers and 14-inch alloys.

Otherwise, it's as you were with this remarkably clever design. The front and rear overhangs have been kept short so as to maximise interior space and make parking simple. 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.

Naturally, in terms of performance, you need to remember that the Aygo is a citycar first and foremost, something reflected in a sprint to 60mph that takes 14 seconds. Its performance figures are helped by the fact that the 1.0-litre is billed as the world's lightest production engine. Effort is further removed by the fitment of electrically assisted power steering, making light work of turning the Aygo about face in just 9.46 metres.

Already, compared to its French rivals, Toyota's Aygo looked a more polished, mature product, something underlined by this Black variant. This model's design has brought a welcome dose of style and sophistication to a market traditionally populated with econoboxes. For that, if nothing else, Toyota should be applauded.

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