Toyota’s city car has swapped pure petrol power for a hybrid system. Does that turn it into a rival for new baby EVs?
Whe the original Toyota Aygo X launched in 2022, we wanted to like it more than the reality warranted.Neat handling, characterful looks and an appealing ‘tiny car’ feel were undermined by an asthmatic three-cylinder engine and pricing notably above that of the Hyundai i10, Dacia Sandero, Kia Picanto and Suzuki Ignis. It was ultimately difficult to recommend.Now there is an evolution of that car, which retains the diddy footprint so fundamental to the Aygo X proposition but pairs it with the superbly economical hybrid powertrain from the Yaris. There’s also an updated front-end design inspired by that of the larger, more expensive Lexus LBX. Isolation has been improved too, says Toyota, and there is no shortage of equipment across the range.The result is rather a rare thing: a true supermini with a full hybrid set-up and grown-up amenities typically seen in higher classes. So has the Aygo X come of age and does it, more than any other, offer real maturity in a diminutive package?
