Toyota Aygo X Beats Budget Hybrids With Style & Efficiency

Toyota has transformed its tiny Aygo into a pint-sized powerhouse with a new hybrid engine that delivers over 76mpg and a sporty attitude. Jeremy Taylor and Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby discover whether this funky city runabout is worth the premium price tag.

Car Review: Toyota Aygo X

Jeremy: Too skint to buy an electric car, yet desperate for fuel economy as petrol prices soar? Toyota has the answer – the pint-sized Aygo X is a funky city runabout that achieves upwards of 76mpg.

Such astonishing economy is thanks to a new 1.5-litre petrol engine, working under the bonnet alongside a small battery pack. Together they give Toyota’s smallest car fantastic mpg, plus an extra 43bhp of performance over the outgoing 1.0-litre version.

The result? A car transformed. While the old model was a great little supermini let down by an underpowered engine, the X skips along in urban traffic and more that keeps up on the motorway too.

The only downside is a hike in prices. The entry-level Icon model starts at just under £22,000, while our range-topping GR Sport is just under £27,000, complete with larger wheels, sport seats and a tuned suspension.

That puts the Aygo up against some tough budget rivals. The MG3 Hybrid is a bestseller, then there’s the Renault Clio E-Tech and Citroen C3 Hybrid, not forgetting the Fiat Grande Panda, which is decidedly cool.

Not to say the Toyota does have a distinct style of its own. The signature bi-paint extends a contrasting black roof down across the rear quarters, boot lid and onto the wheel arches.

The design team chose a spicy, culinary theme for the Aygo’s palette too. Included on the menu are Tarragon, Cardamon Green, Cinnamon and Juniper Blue. All make the tiny Toyota stand out in a crowd.

Inside, the cabin vibe in the GR Sport is decidedly different. Sporty black and grey trim is enhanced by embroidered GR headrest logos, with heated sports seats upholstered in suede-like materials. A perforated leather steering wheel, seven-inch digital driver display and 10.5-inch infotainment screen complete the look.

The Aygo X’s compact dimensions mean back seat space is tight, although a four-door design does make rear access easier. You may need the back seats for luggage space anyway because the boot measures just 231-litres.

On the road, the new powerplant gives this peppy Toyota a surprisingly brisk turn of speed. There’s a Sport button that adds a more dynamic appeal, zipping the car along from 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds.

The tuned suspension system adds to the excitement but really, the Aygo X headlines on fuel efficiency. Expect over 60mpg in everyday driving conditions, although a small, 30-litre tank means more stops for petrol.

Overall, the GR Sport is an exceptional city car that successfully transforms Toyota’s smallest crossover from a sluggish commuter into a premium, ultra-efficient urban runabout.

Crowned Small Car of the Year by What Car? magazine, the top-tier GR model has benefitted most from the major mechanical overhaul to a self-charging hybrid – a unit lifted straight from the best-selling Toyota Yaris.

While it commands a steep price tag at £26,895, the GR Sport’s staggering real-world efficiency and sporty chassis modifications should make it a popular choice in the supermini segment.

Jessica: The new, performance-enhanced Aygo X is a real head-turner. It may not match the all-electric Renault 5 or Fiat Grande Panda for style but the Toyota is a cut above most superminis. Favourite features are cabin comfort and that extra turn of speed, which inspires confidence on faster roads.

Less practical than its Yaris sibling, the Aygo also feels a little tinny – especially the back doors. However, it’s one of only a handful of hybrid city cars available right now. If you’re not ready to go fully electric and live an urban lifestyle, X marks the spot.

Discover more about the Toyota Aygo X at Toyota.co.uk

Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby is Director of Programmes at London College of Fashion, studying for a PhD in sustainable e-textile design.