Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Toyota Aygo X hatchback review

“The Toyota Aygo X is still a city car, but now with mini-SUV styling. It’s just a shame its engine lacks any form of electrification”

Carbuyer Rating

3.8 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Smooth ride
  • Well equipped

Cons

  • No electrification
  • Cramped rear seats
  • Sluggish acceleration

Verdict - Is the Toyota Aygo X a good car?

The Toyota Aygo X is a comfortable and fun city car that feels much more contemporary inside, thanks to updated technology. However, the extra price it commands following its SUV makeover might price it out of the first-car market, and it’s a shame it misses out on Toyota’s excellent hybrid technology

Toyota Aygo X models, specs and alternatives

The Toyota Aygo X (pronounced “Cross”) is the Japanese giant’s bet on the future of the city car; a small, nippy hatchback with the styling of an SUV and raised suspension. It looks ideally suited to Britain’s often less-than-ideal roads, which are strewn with potholes and speed bumps.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It’s still instantly recognisable as an Aygo, but now with even more expressive headlights, tough, fashionable body plastic cladding and large 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels pushed as far to each corner of the bodywork as they’ll go. But with the upgrades comes a price hike, and it remains to be seen if first car buyers and city car shoppers on a budget will stump up the extra cash. The Aygo X does have fewer rivals to pick from, however, now the Peugeot 108 and Citroen C1 have been discontinued, and even the Volkswagen up! looks unlikely to be replaced.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

This is a bold, contemporary look, but Toyota has been rather more conservative in other areas. While there are brightly-coloured pieces of trim around the infotainment touchscreen and gearlever, you’ll also find an analogue instrument cluster and plenty of hard, durable plastics. In other words, it’s a reminder that the Aygo X starts from around £16,000 – a price point where manufacturers struggle to make a profit nowadays. 

Its standard equipment list looks good, though, with features laser-focussed at its target audience that include a seven-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, air conditioning and even a reversing camera in the entry-level Pure trim. Edge adds a bigger eight-inch screen and 18-inch alloy wheels, along with bi-colour paintwork, while the top Exclusive gets LED headlights, a wireless smartphone charger and a larger nine-inch touchscreen. Most notably, the Aygo X Air Edition brings an opening canvas roof, that’s also an option for the Exclusive trim. Meanwhile, an Undercover limited edition is a collaboration with the fashion brand, ushering in a unique Under Grey paint colour and decals, Coral Red interior and exterior accents and unique seat upholstery for a distinctive appearance.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Aygo X also gets an impressive array of safety features as standard, including pre-collision warning and emergency steering assist. However, the car narrowly missed out on top marks in Euro NCAP safety tests with a four-star overall rating. 

Under the short bonnet of the Aygo X’ there’s an evolution of Toyota’s tried-and-tested 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine – with no hybrid or all-electric version on the horizon. It’s a traditional take on the city car formula, that keeps the cost of buying or leasing the Aygo X very low, and will prove cheap to run for private buyers. However, its tailpipe emissions of just above 100g/km won’t make it as appealing for business users as an EV like the electric Fiat 500, Honda e or MINI Electric. Official fuel-efficiency figures are between 56.5 and 58.9mpg.

On the road, the Aygo X has light steering and its slightly raised view out feels like an advantage on congested city streets. The raised suspension feels like a net gain too, because while it has slightly more lean in tight corners, it’s better at soaking up bumps. Its engine feels rather old-fashioned, though, with a fairly loud thrum under acceleration that’s characterful, but not especially relaxing with the five-speed manual and even more pronounced with the CVT automatic gearbox fitted.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Mobilize Duo is a Renault Twizy successor with supercar doors
Mobilize Duo doors open
News
10 Oct 2024

New Mobilize Duo is a Renault Twizy successor with supercar doors

New Leapmotor T03 is a back-to-basics EV for just £15,995
Leapmotor T03 driving side
News
25 Sep 2024

New Leapmotor T03 is a back-to-basics EV for just £15,995

Fiat 500 review – long-standing city car that’s showing its age
Fiat 500
In-depth reviews
19 Sep 2024

Fiat 500 review – long-standing city car that’s showing its age

Kia Picanto review – facelifted city car with lots to offer
Kia Picanto facelift review
In-depth reviews
19 Jul 2024

Kia Picanto review – facelifted city car with lots to offer

Have You Considered

Abarth 500e review - the most fun small EV?
Abarth 500e UK
In-depth reviews
4 Jan 2024

Abarth 500e review - the most fun small EV?

Hyundai i10 Premium
Car trim reviews
30 Jul 2015

Hyundai i10 Premium

Most Popular

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
11 Oct 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers

All-new Dacia Bigster: flagship SUV arrives with 4x4, hybrid power and off-road kit
Dacia Bigster front quarter
News
9 Oct 2024

All-new Dacia Bigster: flagship SUV arrives with 4x4, hybrid power and off-road kit

Renault 5 review – iconic supermini reinvented as an EV
Renault 5 front quarter
In-depth reviews
7 Oct 2024

Renault 5 review – iconic supermini reinvented as an EV

More on Aygo X

The smallest cars to buy in 2024
smallest cars on sale
Best cars
17 Jul 2024

The smallest cars to buy in 2024

Not everyone wants a big SUV – these are the smallest new cars you can buy in 2024
Top 10 best cars for students 2024
Best cars for students
Best cars
6 Jun 2024

Top 10 best cars for students 2024

Affordability, safety and practicality are top priorities for students – these 10 cars are your best options
Top 10 best city cars 2024
best city cars
Best cars
25 Apr 2024

Top 10 best city cars 2024

City cars are some of the most affordable and frugal cars on sale – these are the best
Top 10 best cheap cars 2024
The best cheap cars
Best cars
19 Apr 2024

Top 10 best cheap cars 2024

Everyone likes a bargain – here are the best cheap cars on sale in 2024
Top 10 best first cars for new drivers 2024
The best first cars 2023
Best cars
17 Apr 2024

Top 10 best first cars for new drivers 2024

A good first car needs to be many things, including affordable, reliable and safe. Here’s our pick of the best
Kia Sportage gets glowing five-star Euro NCAP safety rating
Kia Sportage - Euro NCAP
News
6 Jul 2022

Kia Sportage gets glowing five-star Euro NCAP safety rating

Euro NCAP’s latest safety tests result in top scores for Kia, Alfa Romeo and Mercedes

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024