The Toyota Aygo is an interesting phenomenon in the world of small city cars. Its strong design with the characteristic “x” on the front immediately attracts attention not only on city streets, but also among cars of the same size category. At a time when competition from manufacturers such as Škoda, Hyundai, Kia or Renault is increasingly pushing for innovation and comfort, the Toyota Aygo holds its place thanks to a combination of simplicity, reliability and economy. Despite its small size, this small Toyota boasts a number of improvements that make it a practical and fun choice for everyday city driving.
From its introduction in 2014 to the update in June 2018, the Aygo has undergone a number of significant changes. A new engine with higher power and better consumption, LED headlights integrated into the modern front bumper and minor suspension adjustments have brought improved driving comfort and safety – features also sought after by competitors such as Peugeot 108 or Citroën C1. Although it has only one engine, which is budget-friendly, Toyota can surprise with its dynamic character and agility in narrow city streets.
In terms of design, Toyota Aygo is known primarily for its characteristic “x” shape on the radiator grille, which gives the car a distinctive and youthful look. Unlike current models from other manufacturers, such as Volkswagen up!, which focuses more on classics and simplicity, or Renault Twingo, which stands out with its innovative shape and practicality, Aygo impresses with its stylish and confident design.
Overall, the car has compact dimensions with a length of just 3455 mm, a width of 1615 mm and a height of 1460 mm, making it an ideal choice for busy urban areas. Models offered in the five-door variant provide more comfortable access for rear passengers, which is a huge plus compared to the three-door versions, which seem less practical, especially in everyday use. Although the interior is not exactly spacious, the seats are pleasantly arranged for short and medium distances, which is typical of urban mini cars.
Many owners appreciate the improved ergonomics and the ease with which the Aygo is controlled. Its lightweight construction allows for dynamic cornering and agility, which competitors such as Fiat or Opel in this category often lack. As part of the modernization, the Aygo also received new LED headlights, which not only improve visibility when driving at night, but also underline the modern look of the entire car.
It is also impossible to forget the fact that the Toyota Aygo offers a very pleasant user environment. The basic and more extensive equipment includes, for example, air conditioning, digital radio and electrically operated mirrors, which are features that are often missing even in competing cars from Kia or Hyundai. In addition, the higher-end models have a touch-screen multimedia system with the ability to connect a phone.
Thanks to robust airbags and advanced driving assistants such as adaptive cruise control, emergency braking and a lane keeping system, the Aygo is not only comfortable but also safe in city conditions. The safety rating from the independent organization Euro NCAP confirmed the quality of the construction with four out of five stars, which is a decent result in the small car segment.
One of the key factors that distinguishes the Toyota Aygo from other city models is the option of only one engine – a three-cylinder 1.0-liter VVT-i gasoline engine. This engine is known for its exceptionally economical operation and reliability, which is supported by traditional Japanese Toyota quality. While other manufacturers, such as Peugeot or Citroën, offer a wider selection of engines, Toyota focuses on simplicity and efficiency.
The engine allows for agile driving in the city, where its low weight and compact dimensions of the car are particularly noticeable. Although the maximum power is not high, its power is sufficient for comfortable movement in city traffic and for faster passages outside the city. The offer includes two transmissions – a five-speed manual, which is slightly more economical and faster when accelerating from 0-62 mph, and an x-shift automatic transmission, which in turn offers comfort and the possibility of manual shifting thanks to paddles under the steering wheel.
Fuel consumption is also attractive, with the manual transmission being around 68.9 mpg, while the automatic has a slightly higher consumption – around 67.3 mpg, which makes it a very economical car even compared to small city group competitors such as Volkswagen or Opel.
Looking at the technical equipment of the aforementioned engine, one can also appreciate the modern driving assistants that are increasingly common in cars of this category today. The Toyota Safety Sense package includes a laser pre-collision system, autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning. This set of safety features has been available as an option since 2015, which emphasizes Toyota’s commitment to safety and technologically advanced driving.
At the same time, pneumatic wheels and a lightweight suspension help to eliminate negative effects on driving in urban environments and on poor roads, but when cornering faster, the car leans slightly. However, this corresponds to the specifics of all small, light cars that have to balance comfort and stability.
Toyota offers six main Aygo trim levels: starting with the basic x, continuing through x-play to the most expensive x-clusiv. Each of these versions is designed for a different type of driver and offers different equipment. For example, the x-play version is ideal for families and individuals looking for something between basic equipment and more demanding features, such as air conditioning and digital radio, while the x-cite will please those looking for a sportier ride and a more interesting look. On the other hand, the limited edition x-claim, equipped with a fabric folding roof, is the most expensive option, but it brings elements of luxury within the small car segment.
The advantage of all versions is the user-friendliness that Toyota emphasizes. Unlike some competitors, such as Fiat or Opel, where the user interface sometimes seems too complicated, here the driver quickly finds everything he needs and intuitively controls not only multimedia, but also safety functions.
The availability of three-door and five-door versions also allows each customer to choose the model that best suits his needs. Five-door cars are, of course, more practical for families and frequent passenger transport, which is important in comparison with the Škoda Citigo or Hyundai i10, which excel in terms of space and comfort in the rear seats.
According to the Driver Power car owner satisfaction survey, the Toyota Aygo achieves excellent results, often above the competition. It is appreciated for its reliability, low running costs, easy parking and exceptional agility in the city. Drivers often state that although the Aygo is not a car for demanding long-distance trips, it is difficult to find a better partner for everyday commuting and shopping in the city in its segment.
Practical examples show that the balance between price and performance is exactly what the majority of Czech drivers appreciate in the small car category. Similar to competing models from the brands Citroën or Peugeot, the Aygo offers a simple solution without unnecessary complications when driving and maintaining.
Owners also like to highlight the low tax burden and the pleasant price of servicing, which are factors that play a significant role when choosing a city car. Combined with a five-year warranty, Toyota emphasizes long-term customer satisfaction, which is reflected in the popularity of the car even in 2025.
