Toyota’s new Aygo, just revealed in Geneva, is no longer the most different looking of the trio of city cars from which it draws its roots, because the new Citroen C1 (and its eyebrows) take that title for this generation of models. However, the Japanese manufacturer’s idea differs from that of its French partners, and it’s created a very small car whose styling packs a lot of aggression.

The most striking thing about the way the Aygo looks is the X motif that you immediately spot is an integral part of the front fascia design, and it extends onto the sides of the body to give cohesion.

Its overall length is increased by 25 mm, and “although front headroom has been increased by 7mm, vehicle height has actually been reduced by 5mm.” The boot is 29 liters larger, and it’s complimented by a number of small practicality-minded touches.

Inside, it gets a dash design that looks far more upscale than that of its predecessor, and it’s in line with that of the other two cars it’s related to; A-pillars are particularly thin on this car, aiding to the predictably good visibility. The most prominent feature of the completely redesigned center stack is the x-touch infotainment system that runs on a seven-inch touchscreen; it reportedly has a very simple and easy to use menu that’s not confusing at all, but we won’t take their word for it, yet.

The only engine on offer is the exact same 68 hp 1.0-liter unit  it had before. However, if it’s anything like the old car, it will only really start to feel underpowered in fourth and fifth gear, pulling very well in the first three, helped by the 95 Nm that comes in at 4,300 rpm – 80 percent of it is available from 2,000 rpm.

It sprints from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 14.2 seconds and has a top speed of almost 160 km/h (100 mph) or more, if you happen upon a downhill section of (unrestricted) motorway and you’re already maxed out – the gearing should allow for it. The acceleration figure rises to 15.5 seconds if you opt for the x-shift automated manual gearbox that they say is “much improved” – it really needed to be if the reports of how bad the old one was are true.

Efficiency is rated at 4.2 l/100km or 56 mpg US / 67.3 mpg UK…the exact same figure as Audi’s new TT TDI.

By Andrei Nedelea

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