Toyota Aygo
Ratings
4 stars
Summary
Recommended. Stylish, great to drive and incredibly cheap to run - Toyota proves that cheap doesn't have to mean nasty.
Review
Despite its Toyota badge, the Aygo is effectively identical to the Peugeot 107 and Citroen C1 that are manufacturered alongside it. All three cars share an identical 1.0 litre three-cylinder engine and offer similar equipment - although it's the Toyota that gets our nod thanks to the company's strong dealership network.
The Aygo's cute styling is pretty successful at disguising its diminuitive proportions. It's tiny: eight inches shorter than the Ford Ka. Clever design allows the Aygo to pack an impressive amount of space and practicality into its diminuitive shape. Interior space is very impressive, driver and front seat passenger will enjoy plenty of room and there's a reasonable amount of space for rear seat occupants, too - although the boot is tiny. The cabin is well designed, although some of the materials feel quite cheap to the touch.
Dynamically, the baby Toyota is a thoroughly likeable companion thanks to the efforts of its rev-happy 1.0 litre three cylinder petrol engine. This combines decent acceleration and reasonable cruising ability with diesel-beating fuel economy (62 mpg on the combined cycle.) Light, accurate controls make the Aygo a doddle to drive in town, and it will tackle longer journeys with far more enthusiasm than most of its city car rivals.
As with its Citroen and Peugeot sisters, cheaper Aygos do without much in the way of equipment. All versions get ABS, four airbags and a CD playing stereo (complete with auxiliary input for an MP3 player) - but the basic model has wind-up windows and no central locking. Equipment gets better further up the range - although at prices that put the Aygo into contention with full-sized superminis.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
4 star
The Aygo's well-defined front end and sculpted sides give it plenty of character.
Handling
3 star
Composed and competent, but not much fun to drive rapidly thanks to limited grip and lots of body roll.
Comfort
4 star
A good driving position and comfortable chassis settings make the Aygo an agreeable companion for both short and long journeys.
Quality & Reliability
3 star
The cabin materials look cheap but durable construction feels up to family use.
Performance
3 star
Considering its tiny 1.0 litre three cylinder petrol engine, the Aygo performs impressively - decent acceleration and reasonably quiet cruising.
Roominess
3 star
Good for front seat occupants, although there's limited room in the back and the boot is tiny. Lack of remote release for the tailgate is irritating, too.
Running Costs
5 star
Long service intervals, group 1 insurance and outstanding economy mean the Aygo is pretty much the cheapest new car in Britain to run.
Value for money
3 star
Competitive pricing on basic versions masks near-total lack of equipment - with pricier models competing with full-sized superminis.
