Fresh look retains ‘X’ motif
AYGO ‘SUPER-MINI’: STANDOUT FEATURE OF FACELIFT ARE LARGER PROJECTOR HEADLAMPS
Motoring Correspondent
The second-generation Toyota Aygo debuted in 2015 when Toyota were in full swing of making their cars more exciting. For the Aygo, it was its strong “X”-motif across the front grille section and ‘X-inspired’ design themes throughout.
For 2018, the bold ‘super-mini’ has a fresh design that pays homage to the original “X” motif and provides a rejuvenated look.
The standout feature of the facelifted Aygo are the larger projector headlamps, incorporating prominent LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) which utilise a light guide to trace the inner border of the headlamp housing.
The “X”-motif is retained with strong contour lines framing the large trapezoidal air dam, intersected by a large Toyota insignia in the centre. A black lower apron adds depth to the bold front façade.
The five-door silhouette is given a sporty touch with the upswept rear window line and sloping roofline. The rear design centres on the vertically-positioned, boomerang-shaped tail lamps feature newly-designed lights. A large, blackedout tailgate and lower bumper area continues the “X” theme at the stern.
The interior design keeps up the fun factor with one-piece, moulded, front bucket seats, multi-tone fabric trim, visible exterior-colour panels and orange-hued illumination. A leather-trim steering wheel and gear lever add a pleasing tactile touch point.
The Aygo offers a high level of standard specification, including a Touchscreen audio system with USB, Auxiliary and Bluetooth functionality, steering switch operation and on-board computer. The audio system also has smartphone connectivity via the USB port.
The usual fare of power windows, remote central locking, power-adjustable side mirrors, air-conditioning and 12-volt accessory connector are provided.
The instrument cluster includes a circular Multi-information Display (MID) housed in a large, easy-to-read speedometer. A tachometer and shift indicator flank the multi-dimensional gauge layout.
All Aygo derivatives are now equipped with Vehicle Stability Control and Hill Assist Control, joining the ABS and Brake Assist (BA) functions as part of Toyota’s safety strategy. Passive safety items include front and side airbags, ISOFIX provisions and three-point seatbelts.
The thermally-efficient, award-winning 998cc three-cylinder engine has been tweaked to provide an extra 2kW, bringing power output to 53 kW and 93 Nm. It may not sound like much, so thinking of it in percentage terms will make you feel better – 3.8%. Ok, maybe not.
Fuel consumption is down to a claimed 4.3 litre per 100km. The carbon dioxide output has been cut to 97 g/km. Improvements to the Noise, Vibration and Harshness performance have also been made.
There are three distinct variants. The standard Aygo offers solid peace-ofmind motoring and is aimed at the more budget-conscious. The X-Play has a striking bi-tone design, available as X-Play Black (cherry red body plus black roof) or X-Play Silver (onyx black body plus silver roof). The flagship X-Cite model is aimed at those seeking even more street cred. A power-retractable black canvas ‘Funroof’ allows for open-air motoring at the touch of a button. Ice White exterior paint is standard on X-Cite models, but buyers can choose from six other colours (by order).