Toyota Aygo Review: Compact, Stylish & Perfect for City Driving

Looking for a car that’s easy to drive and park in a busy city? The Toyota Aygo is a small city car that solves the problem of navigating tight streets and saving money on gas. But finding a reliable, affordable car that’s also fun can be tricky—cheap cars often feel boring or lack style. The Toyota Aygo fixes this with its quirky design, great fuel economy, and beginner-friendly features, making it a top choice for young drivers or anyone wanting a compact ride.

Overview of the Toyota Aygo

The Toyota Aygo is a small city car designed for zipping around town. First launched in 2005, it was built in Europe for European drivers, with production in the Czech Republic alongside similar cars like the Citroën C1 and Peugeot 108. The Aygo, which stands for “I go,” is all about freedom and mobility. In 2022, Toyota replaced the original Aygo with the Aygo X, a crossover-style version with a bolder look. It’s perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a compact car for city life.

Key Features and Specs

The Toyota Aygo is packed with features that make it stand out as a small city car. Here’s what you get:

• Engine: A 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder petrol engine with 72 horsepower.

• Transmission: Choose between a 5-speed manual or an automatic (CVT).

• Size: Just 3,455 mm long, it’s super easy to park.

• Tech: A 7-inch or 9-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto).

• Customization: Pick fun colors for the “X” grille, wheels, and interior panels.

The Aygo specs make it a nimble and practical choice for urban driving. It’s light (around 840 kg), which helps with handling and fuel efficiency.

Interior and Comfort

The Toyota Aygo’s interior is simple but stylish. While it uses hard plastics, it feels well-built and has a youthful vibe. Aygo interior features include:

• Comfy, height-adjustable driver’s seat.

• Clear dashboard with a big speedometer and digital display.

• Funky color accents you can customize.

• Enough front space for tall drivers (over 6 feet!).

The back seats are tight, so they’re better for kids or short trips. The boot holds 168 liters, enough for groceries or a small suitcase. Higher trims like the Exclusive add faux-leather seats and climate control for extra comfort.

Fuel Efficiency and Performance

The Toyota Aygo shines when it comes to saving gas. With Toyota Aygo fuel economy of up to 58.9 mpg (manual) or 56.6 mpg (automatic), it’s one of the cheapest cars to run. Its 35-liter fuel tank means you can drive about 350 miles before refilling, keeping Toyota Aygo mileage costs low.

Performance-wise, the Aygo’s 72-hp engine isn’t fast (0-60 mph takes about 14 seconds), but it’s peppy in the city. The three-cylinder engine has a fun, throaty sound, and the light steering makes it a breeze to maneuver. It’s not built for highways, though, as it can feel underpowered at high speeds.

Safety Features

Safety is a big deal in the Toyota Aygo, especially for new drivers. The Aygo X comes with Toyota’s Safety Sense package, which includes:

• Automatic emergency braking to prevent collisions.

• Lane departure warning to keep you on track.

• Adaptive cruise control for easier highway driving.

• Road sign assist to spot speed limits.

• Six airbags and stability control for added protection.

The Aygo X earned a four-star Euro NCAP safety rating, which is solid for a compact car for beginners. Higher trims add parking sensors and a rear-view camera to make parking stress-free.

Pros and Cons

Here’s a quick look at what’s great and what’s not about the Toyota Aygo:

Pros:

• Awesome Toyota Aygo fuel economy saves money.

• Fun, customizable design appeals to young drivers.

• Easy to park and drive in crowded cities.

• Reliable with a great warranty (up to 10 years with dealer servicing).

• Packed with safety features for a small city car.

Cons:

• Back seats and boot are small for families.

• Not the best for long highway trips.

• Interior plastics feel basic compared to rivals like the VW Up.

Toyota Aygo vs Competitors

The Toyota Aygo faces tough competition from other small city cars. Here’s how it stacks up:

• Volkswagen Up: Feels more premium and is better on highways, but it’s pricier.

• Hyundai i10: Offers more rear space and a smoother ride, but less quirky styling.

• Kia Picanto: Similar price and features, but with a longer warranty (7 years).

The Aygo stands out for its bold design and low running costs, making it a great compact car for beginners who want style on a budget.

Ideal Buyer: Who Should Buy It?

The Toyota Aygo is perfect for:

• New drivers: Its small size, low insurance costs (group 6), and safety features make it ideal for teens or first-time drivers.

• City dwellers: If you live in a busy area, the Aygo’s compact size and easy parking are a dream.

• Budget-conscious buyers: With great Toyota Aygo mileage and a low Toyota Aygo price, it’s affordable to own.

• Young trendsetters: The customizable looks appeal to those who want a car with personality.

If you need lots of space or often drive long distances, you might want a bigger car like the Toyota Yaris.

Pricing and Availability

The Toyota Aygo price starts at around £16,845 for the base Aygo X Pure trim. Higher trims like the Exclusive can go up to £22,345. Used Aygos (2014–2022) are even cheaper, often starting at £5,000–£10,000, depending on condition and mileage. You can find the Aygo X at Toyota dealers across Europe, especially in the UK, or check online marketplaces for used models.

Technical Specs

Conclusion

The Toyota Aygo is a fun, affordable, and reliable small city car that’s perfect for new drivers or anyone who loves zipping around town in style. With great Toyota Aygo fuel economy, cool customization options, and solid safety features, it’s a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers. Is the Toyota Aygo right for you? Visit a Toyota dealer for a test drive or check out deals online to find your perfect ride!