New Toyota Aygo X breaks into compact urban crossover sector
Toyota has revealed its third-generation Aygo, now dubbed the Aygo X and reworked as a compact urban crossover.
It’s built on the Toyota Global New Architecture (TNGA) GA-B platform, first introduced with the new Yaris and more recently with Yaris Cross compact SUV, and follows the X prologue concept car revealed in March 2021.
Its new name takes it in line with the Yaris Cross and Toyota’s other crossover models, and also reflects the criss-cross frontal styling adopted with the 2014 second-gen Aygo.
Still occupying the A-segment, the Aygo X adopts a crossover design that’s 235mm longer than its predecessor but the wheelbase is just 90mm longer and the front and rear overhangs are shorter.
Increased body width compared to the previous Aygo means there’s more shoulder space in the front, while luggage space is longer and adopts a smart space design behind the rear seats, increasing cargo capacity by more than 60 litres to 231 litres.
The vehicle is also higher and ground clearance has been increased by 11mm while the seating position has been raised by 55mm, creating a high-riding crossover with improved visibility for drivers.
The Aygo X has also been conceived for standout design, including full LED lighting, bi-tone styling and a new spice colour concept, also adopted in the interior. Drivers can also specify a retractable canvas top, a first for an A-segment crossover.
Dynamics and ride comfort have also been prioritised with larger wheels and tyres, improved roll stiffness and lower roll angles, thanks to the new “proven” TNGA GA-B platform.
Just one engine is being offered at the moment: a 72hp non mild hybrid petrol with targeted fuel consumption of 4.7l/100km and 107g/km of CO2.
Details of the UK model range and specifications are yet to be announced.
Equipment available includes a JBL premium audio system featuring a four-speaker set-up coupled with a 300W amplifier and a large 200mm subwoofer located in the boot.
The Aygo X comes with a nine-inch high-definition touchscreen display, ambient lighting and wireless charging, while a range of connected features will be available via Toyota Smart Connect and the MyT smartphone app, including the ability to check on driving analytics, fuel levels, warning alerts and a vehicle tracker.
In higher grade models, Toyota’s latest multimedia system offers cloud-based navigation to provide live route information via always-connected services.
Over-the-air updates will bring new software and connected services. Toyota Smart Connect also provides wired and wireless smartphone connectivity via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The Aygo X will also include advanced driver assistance features, introducing Toyota Safety Sense as standard in all markets – said to mark a first for a compact A-segment model and using camera sensor and radar tech. The Pre-Collision System (PCS) with vehicle detection has been updated to operate at higher speeds while the PCS’s day and night Pedestrian Detection, daytime Cyclist Detection, Collision Mitigation Support functions, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Trace Assist and Emergency Steering Assist all make their Aygo debut.
Passive safety features include structural reinforcements for impact absorption.
The new Aygo X will be produced Toyota Motor Manufacturing Czech Republic’s Kolin plant and launches in the first half of 2022.
Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for nearly 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.