The Aygo X might look new and yet strangely familiar, but what you’re seeing here isn’t simply a facelift of Toyota’s city car with a bolted-on SUV-style bodykit. No, this is an all-new car that combines a shortened Yaris supermini platform with a rugged-looking body and raised suspension to tackle the hustle and bustle of inner-city motoring.
Oh, and the name is pronounced Aygo Cross, by the way, not Aygo Ex (or Aygo Kiss).
Even with entirely electrified motoring on the horizon, there’s still a place for small affordable city cars right now – but have we really reached the point where even these have succumbed to the SUV trend?
At least this third-generation Aygo has no pretence of providing any off-road ability. Toyota claims the 11mm-raised ride height over its predecessor is there to bring the Aygo X’s occupants closer in line with cyclists and pedestrians, making them easier to spot and less of a surprise when you encounter them.
On roads where space and reaction times are at a premium, this could make a difference to your stress levels. Especially if you’re lost.
There’s still life in the internal combustion engine, too, especially in this most affordable segment. The Aygo X uses a 71bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol without any form of assistance, whether it’s from forced induction or a mild-hybrid system. It’s plain and simple motoring that should be cheap to fuel and run.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MG 4
An EV changes your driving style - but not to the detriment of pleasure
PEUGEOT E-208
Time with our French hatch is up. Is it good riddance or au revoir?
In the hot seat
Is the best automotive job in the world actually in miniature scale? Hot Wheels' design boss assures STEPHEN DOBIE it is
Correcting the record
Autocar invented the road test back in 1928 - or did we? KEITH JONES trawls the past to find the true starting point
Road test rebooted
As the Autocar road test forges into its second century, its brief is expanding and it's returning to a familiar place. MATT SAUNDERS explains
Cyber attack
MG is back on the international stage and now trying to return to its sports car roots. MATT SAUNDERS sees if the Cyberster EV can match up to a rival from the present and a relation from the past
KIA PICANTO
As rivals fall by the wayside, Kia's popular city car gets a makeover
MASERATI GRANTURISMO
Latest coupé in a long line of Maserati GT cars hits the UK with V6 power
PORSCHE CAYENNE GTS COUPE
New V8 model gets all the goodies
TOYOTA PRIUS
Back by popular demand with a cool new look and greater driver appeal