Toyota Aygo

FIRST DRIVE Facelift gives city car a boost

We see if mid-life revamp has given city car a boost

THE Toyota Aygo has just been given its first substantial revisions since its launch in 2014 – and now we’ve driven it for the very first time.

Toyota’s customer feedback reveals the city car’s looks are the main reason why buyers are drawn into showrooms, and a new ‘3D’ evolution of the Aygo’s distinctive design intends to keep it that way. All models come with LED running lights and LED tail-lamps, and there’s a new selection of wheels and paint.

In contrast, little changes inside. The tweaks are limited to some new fabrics and a redesigned instrument cluster, plus a slick new seven-inch infotainment system, with Apple Carplay and Android Auto on high-grade x-cite and x-clusiv cars. The Aygo’s cabin looks modern, but it still relies on cheap-feeling materials.

Toyota’s smallest model is still not a practicality champion, either. Space for the driver and front passenger is more than adequate, but the rear bench and boot are small compared with the capacity on offer in a Hyundai i10.

The refreshed Aygo boasts some mild changes under the skin. It retains the 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, updated to meet Euro 6.2 emissions standards. But Toyota has also eked out a little extra power, and a balancer shaft has been added to reduce vibrations.

Around town the light controls and decent low-speed ride work in the car’s favour. But the steering could be sharper, and the shortage of torque means it needs plenty of encouragement to get up to speed. Turbocharged rivals are better suited to motorways.

Equipment is one of the Aygo’s strong points, though. All but the very basic model come well stocked, with poweradjustable heated mirrors and a seveninch screen. Automatic air conditioning features on x-press versions and up.