Toyota Aygo

NEW CAR ROAD TEST
TOYOTA AYGO RANGE
COGITO AYGO SUM
By Andy Enright
There have been some fascinating partnerships between car companies down the years. Here's another. Toyota's Aygo is the result of another triple pronged assault, this time in conjunction with Citroen and Peugeot, and the target is the citycar market.
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. Built in the Czech Republic, the car will be sold in volume. Toyota are aiming to shift 100,000 units per year across Europe but they shouldn't find that a problem.

The range starts at £6,845 and consists of two trim levels (Aygo and Aygo+) plus special Black and Blue models, with all versions powered by the same 67bhp three-cylinder one-litre engine. Both three and five door variants are offered and although the initial show cars wowed the crowds with their seventeen inch wheels and non-standard paint jobs, the production ready cars are also very neatly finished.
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.
The Aygo is a citycar first and foremost, reflected in a sprint to 60mph that takes 14 seconds. The good news is the fact that the 1.0-litre petrol engine is predictably excellent in terms of fuel economy and emissions. The combined economy figure is 61.4mpg and emissions are pegged at a laudable 109g/km. These figures are helped by the fact that the 1.0-litre is billed as the world's lightest production engine. 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. 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.

The Aygo is a fascinating car. Whether it will sell as well given Citroen and Peugeot's excellent promotional track record with small cars remains to be seen but the Aygo 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.

FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Toyota Aygo range
PRICES: £6,845-£8,745 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 1E
CO2 EMISSIONS: 109g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 14.2s / Max Speed 98mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 51.4mpg / (extra urban) 68.9mpg / (combined) 61.4mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags on all except entry-level model, ABS, EBD
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 3405/1615/1415mm
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