Toyota’s new Aygo X shows how petrol city cars can remain relevant

Toyota has revealed the latest generation of its city car – the Aygo X – which boasts a striking SUV-inspired design and claims impressive levels of technology.

Though the previous Aygo was built on the same platform – and rolled off the same production line – as the Citroen C1 and Peugeot 108, Toyota is now going alone with it.

Now called the Aygo X – the ‘X’ pronounced ‘cross’ – it shows Toyota’s commitment to more affordable petrol city cars at a time when many are only investing in EVs.

A model explicitly designed for Europe, the new Aygo sits on Toyota’s GA-B platform, which also underpins the Yaris. First previewed by the Aygo X prologue concept car, the production model is largely unchanged.

Despite the vehicle’s compact size, Toyota is kitting out the Aygo with a raft of technology, including full LED lighting and a large touchscreen offering cloud-based navigation services plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Featuring a 71bhp 1.0-litre petrol engine available with either a five-speed manual gearbox or new CVT automatic transmission, its efficiency has been enhanced further with Toyota aiming for a 60mpg fuel economy figure and CO2 emissions of 109g/km.

Alloy wheels of up to 18 inches are also fitted, while the bold colours carry through to the interior as well, thanks to a bright dashboard and centre console.

It’s available with a broad range of personalisation as well as two-tone paint schemes, and Toyota says the colour palette is ‘inspired by different spices’, with shades on offer including Chilli, Ginger and Juniper.