Most of us live in towns or suburban areas where space is at a premium. This is a problem for what has been a trend for many years when manufacturers update or replace various models in their lineup. All you need to do is compare a current generation model with one from, say, ten years ago. You can just about guarantee that the latest version will be longer, wider, taller and heavier. Most of you will have visited a car park and discovered that once you’ve found a space, it’s almost impossible to exit the vehicle. The car may have grown, but the spaces haven’t. Neither have garages in houses, and roads aren’t suddenly being widened.

On the plus side, the new, shiny set of wheels will be safer, roomier and have a load more kit as standard.

‘An Aygo with attitude’

However, big cars and tight spaces don’t mix, which is why there’ll always be a place for city cars, little runabouts that can dodge around our streets.

Toyota has recently replaced its cute Aygo with this one — the Aygo X. It’s an Aygo with attitude. Rather confusingly, if you speak to a Toyota dealer, the car is referred to as the Aygo Cross. Hmmm.

Hybrid Economy

I should mention straightaway that this is one of the most economical ICE cars I’ve driven in a long time. Toyota reckons you’ll manage around 76mpg from the hybrid-assisted 1.5-litre 3-pot petrol engine.

In my week with the Aygo X, I came within 2mpg of hitting that figure. If I’d driven a little more sympathetically, I’d have possibly done more than Toyota suggests. Impressive.

Hybrids are still a rarity when it comes to city cars, but this shouldn’t be a surprise with the Aygo X because Toyota have been masters of hybrids — full, partial or PHEV — for many decades.

Hybrids are often developed with an eye on performance, but the Aygo X is 100 per cent focused on economy, which let’s face it, is fair as most of these cars will spend their lives trundling around towns and urban areas. This is a self-charging hybrid so you can’t go very far in electric mode only, but you’ll do some slow stop-start driving without using the engine.

Driving Experience & Performance Stats

The steering is light with the turning circle close to that of a London taxi and parking in a tight space is a doddle. City driving doesn’t get any easier than this.

The Aygo X has a slightly raised ride height, something else which makes town driving simple. The ride just edges towards the firm category, but it’s never harsh and does a good job of soaking up potholes. Overall, the car handles nicely.

This latest Aygo X now has a 1.5-litre engine, replacing the original 1.0-litre unit and now has the same set-up as you’ll find in the larger Yaris. It develops 114bhp, with, 0- 60 mph taking a shade over 9 seconds, meaning you have sufficient pep in which to nip into slow moving traffic while easily keeping up with the quicker stuff. This is the only powertrain available, as is the CVT gearbox; there’s no manual option here. It’s probably not the car for doing vast motorway journeys because it does feel as though you’re having to work the engine and it’ll knock your economy, but if that’s what you need to do, the little Aygo X will take it in its stride. The new 1.5-litre engine has made a big difference. It’s taken the way the Augo X handles and performs to a different level.

The gearbox has a B setting which increases the level of brake regeneration, but you can’t do one-pedal driving and bring the car to a halt. Pity.

Styling

The Augo X looks good too in a funky sort of way. There’s even a canvas sunroof option that rolls back. You can hear a lot more traffic noise, but it lets you get the sun in on a nice day. Not too much wind buffeting either, and certainly adds to the fun factor.

Hop inside and you’ll find the two folk in the front have loads of space and a good view of the road. Space in the back is fairly tight, but kids will be fine. The boot space is limited, so if you’re going on a weekend break, it’s best to use soft bags rather than cases.

Price, Kit & Trims

Prices kick off at £21,645 (May ’26) for the entry-level Aygo X Icon. You can get slightly cheaper city cars, but most Toyota models have a good reputation when it comes to hanging onto their value. It’s worth it.

As for the level of kit, if you want to save on the pennies, you’ll be perfectly content with the Icon trim. You get LED headlights, powered front windows, heated mirrors, adaptive cruise control, a 9-inch central touchscreen with smartphone connectivity, DAB radio, reversing camera, air con, and a 7-inch digital screen for the driver.

Add a couple of grand and you’ll move up to Aygo X Design trim, which means you now get rear parking sensors, LED projector headlights (they’re good), keyless entry and auto wipers.

If you move up to Excel and GR Sport trims, you’ll now get a larger touchscreen, dual-zone air con, and a few styling touches…but I wouldn’t bother. Oh, and don’t assume the GR Sport model is a performance version of the Aygo X…it isn’t. Mechanically, all four trims are identical.

And finally, if you want to buy a car with confidence, Toyota now offer a 10-year / 100,000 mile warranty depending on a few servicing rules. Toyota’s reliability reputation is terrific and you’re unlikely to need to use the warranty.

Should you buy one?

If you want excellent economy, decent value and all of the essential kit, the Aygo X Icon is the one to go for, although Design is worth it if you want to make the car feel a tad more special. Great visibility, comfy seats, wonderful manners around town and being perfectly happy on the motorway make the Toyota Aygo X one of the best city cars around. It’s excellent. Highly recommended.

words: Graham Courtney
pictures: Toyota

Toyota Aygo X Review - X Marks the Spot