The Toyota Aygo is going from a small car to a mini SUV – and more expensive!

With the third Aygo generation, Toyota reinvents its micro car. As Aygo X it becomes a crossover and offers more space – and is significantly more expensive!

Price and market launch: The Aygo X will be more expensive than its predecessor
With the new Aygo X, Toyota is charting a new course for microcars. Because unlike the two previous generations (2005 to 2014; 2014 to 2021), the third generation of the smallest Toyota is growing into a mini crossover. At 3.70 meters, the new one is significantly longer, which is due to the fact that it stands on the revised platform of the larger Yaris.

In terms of drive, however, the Aygo X remains the same, because the new generation is still powered by a three-cylinder petrol engine. However, it is conceivable that Toyota could also offer the Aygo X with an electric drive. The price increases due to the increase in size and the SUV-like look. The entry-level price of the Aygo X at the market launch in spring 2022 is 15,390 euros. This makes the Aygo X a good 2000 euros more expensive than the basic predecessor.

Dimensions: new Aygo X significantly larger thanks to Yaris platform

Under the sheet metal of the Aygo X is the modified platform (TNGA-B) from Yaris and Yaris Cross. This not only gives the Aygo X a larger trunk volume (231 liters or 829 liters with the rear seat bench folded down), but also grows in practically every direction:

● Length: 3.70 meters (3700mm)
● Width: 1.74 meters (1740mm)
● Height: 1.53 meters (1525mm)
● Wheelbase: 2.43 meters (2430 mm)
● Trunk: 231 liters; 829 liters with the rear seat folded down

Interior: The Aygo X also offers space for tall people

The interior design with the spacey dashboard is unusual, but even tall people can find a decent amount of space in the front. The multifunction steering wheel makes a mature and tidy impression. A nine-inch touchscreen is available for an extra charge (standard: seven inches), and the infotainment controls both smartphone connection via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as over-the-air updates.

The choice of materials is typical of small cars: the ubiquitous hard plastic is joined by painted sheet metal in the doors at the front and rear. If tall people have taken a seat in the front, a lot of willingness to compromise is required of the backbenchers – for driving through the city, however, it should easily be enough for most people. The hinged windows in the rear doors are rustic, the flapping trunk cover simply falls out – the Aygo X does not cover more than the basic needs of individual mobility.

Engine: It stays with the three-cylinder

When it comes to the drive, Toyota uses the tried and tested. The well-known three-cylinder petrol engine works under the hood without supercharging. The engineers get 72 hp and up to 93 Nm of torque from one liter displacement, which are sent to the front wheels. Sounds like little, but the output of the little engine meets a very low curb weight.

Depending on the equipment, the Aygo X should only weigh between 940 and 1015 kilograms. It is shifted either via a manual five-speed gearbox or via a continuously variable automatic transmission called S-CVT, which is said to have been trained to lose its sluggish response. Consumption is specified by Toyota as 4.7 liters (manual switch) or 4.9 liters (automatic) according to WLTP. The performance is manageable: up to 158 km/h top, and from 0 to 100 laps around 16 seconds.

Driving: The vote was successful

The motor has an easy time with the weight of less than a ton, even if it requires high speeds as a suction device. A trifle with the crisp five-speed gearbox. Lazy shifters also get a continuously variable CVT transmission for an extra 1200 euros. The Aygo was immediately convincing on the first ride. Despite the unfavorable combination of large wheels and small wheelbase, it rolls surprisingly comfortably, the steering is precise, and the turning circle of 9.4 meters is pretty awesome.