Toyota has ripped the covers from its new-generation Aygo X micro car, revealing a larger, spicier version of the sub-Yaris city hatch.
The new-gen Aygo adopts an ‘X’ as part of its moniker in a bid to position the A-segment hatchback as a crossover and it's even increased the ride height by 11mm over the outgoing model to prove its point.
This is the third-generation Aygo to hit Europe and it marks the first time Toyota has gone it alone when it comes to developing the model.
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Previously the Aygo was a twin under the skin of the Citroen C1 and Peugeot 107/108 for its first two generations.
It’s now underpinned by the GA-B platform of the Toyota New Global Architecture that also forms the basis of the Yaris and Yaris Cross.
But don’t expect to see the perky five-door hatchback in your local supermarket car park. A Toyota Australia spokesperson confirmed that the Aygo X is not currently being considered for the Australian market.
If Toyota did introduce it here, it would face the dominant Kia Picanto and the Fiat 500 in the dwindling micro car segment. Mitsubishi has just discontinued the Mirage after it no longer complied with Australian Design Rule.
The smallest and most affordable car in Toyota’s Australian line-up remains the Yaris light car in Ascent Sport petrol automatic guise from $23,740 before on-road costs. The Japanese brand no longer offers a sub-$20,000 model.
The design is inspired by the Aygo X Prologue concept revealed earlier this year, but the production model moves away from the edgy model it replaces, instead incorporating a “wing-like” shape up front with a large lower grille.
It is 125mm wider and 235mm longer than the previous Aygo, with a 90mm longer wheelbase. The extra width has created more space between the driver and passenger, while cargo space is up by 60 litres to 231 litres.
Incredibly, that’s more than the minuscule boot of the Corolla hatch, which, despite being in the larger small car segment, can only swallow 217L in all grades except the ZR Hybrid.
Vehicle height is up by 50mm which has also given the seating position a 55mm boost.
Toyota has introduced a two-tone colour palette inspired by spices, with names like Cardamom, Chilli, Ginger and Juniper. You can also option a retractable canvas roof. Despite this, it has a quieter cabin than its predecessor.
Under the bonnet is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, with Toyota targeting a fuel economy figure of 4.7L/100km.
It has a 9.0-inch high-definition touchscreen with connected services and over-the-air updates, while safety gear includes autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and more.
