Car Review: Toyota Aygo 1,0
Words: Kelly Lodewyks (former CAR magazine motoring journalist)
Ok, so at an age too close to 30 for my liking, it’s maybe time that I admit that I am no longer part of the ‘student’ demographic of the car market anymore. Which is why I am happy to see that while I have been growing up, so has the Toyota Aygo.
I loved the previous Toyota Aygo. It was a breath of fresh air in the A segment of the market that at the time, was filled with practical small cars that lacked style. The small, compact and funky Aygo (along with the two other triplets in the form of the Citroen C1 and Peugeot 107) changed things up and gave entry-level car buyers something that was also exciting to look at. But, like I mentioned above, I’ve grown up and I have to admit that my life now (with my guy and his three boys) means that the outgoing Aygo would never be an option for me. But here’s why the new one most definitely is.
Firstly, five doors. You don’t know how much you want five doors until there is always five of you climbing into a car. This makes it more practical than the model it replaces. Plus, the cabin is roomier and with three growing boys and a partner who is 6 ft tall, you really want the extra legroom. Ok, so maybe the 168 litres of luggage space is not ideal for us at all, but hey, this would serve as a great second car in the family.
The styling of this new Toyota Aygo barely resembles its predecessor with a front end that looks ninja-like with that “X” mark taking up the nose. The angular headlights and trapezoidal air intake only add to this overall look. There is a hint of old Aygo at the rear with the large glass window.
Under the bonnet lies a 51 kW three-cylinder 1,0-litre engine and along with 95 N.m delivered at 4 300 r/min, you’re not going to get anywhere really quickly. Especially with a full car. But the gearing is short so the car feels zippy. The claimed zero-to-100 km time is 14,2 seconds. While the claimed fuel consumption is 4,4 litres/100 km, I really can’t complain that I got it to average out at 5,9 litres/100 km.
The standard specification of this car is also very impressive. The upgraded interior now houses a new touchscreen multimedia system that allows access to your audio system with USB and AUX, Bluetooth phone connectivity and other vehicle information. Power steering, front electric windows, steering wheel tilt adjustment and air-con are all standard across the board.
Safety is important in this segment and Toyota has come to the party with ABS with brake assist, front and side airbags, an immobiliser and much more.
Overall
I know it sounds like I’ve been so easily won over by this car. But I’ve been doing this job for a long time and I know good value when I see it. The Toyota Aygo, at a starting price of R138 900 and all this standard specification, is a good deal. It’s funky, it’s fun and it’s more practical than before. The only thing it lacks is a standard service plan. But experience has taught me that sometimes (not all the time) if you get the right dealer and you’re a good negotiator, you can get one thrown in at a discounted rate.
Range pricing:
Aygo: R138 900
Aygo X-Play Black Roof: R139 900
Aygo X-Play Silver Roof