Review: Toyota Aygo X

Toyota’s Aygo X has become a standout option for those wanting a compact vehicle offering agility, economy and a dose of funky style following a series of high profile exits from the A-segment.

Tighter emissions regulations have challenged the profitability of compact petrol runarounds and the result has been the demise of the Ford Ka, Citroen C1 and Peugeot 108.

But Toyota has persevered and the addition of its hybrid technology under the Aygo X’s stubby bonnet has further secured its eco-friendly existence.

Instead of the one-litre petrol engine it launched with back in 2022, the Aygo X Hybrid now features the 1.5-litre petrol engine and two electric motors from the larger Yaris.

The outcome is the market’s least emitting non-plug-in vehicle, boasting CO2 emissions of just 87g/km.

Not only that, it introduces improved refinement and a slug of usable performance.

Power is up from 70hp to 115hp, making a dash to 62mph possible in 9.2 seconds.

In truth, it feels somewhat quicker. Unlike in the old Aygo X, the Hybrid allows you to spring a few surprise overtakes while making the car a lot more liveable on the motorway, its CVT gearbox making for hassle-free progress.

Claimed fuel economy of 72.4-74.3mpg is also achievable. This will make the Aygo X Hybrid cheap to run. However, electrification has pushed values above those of rivals like the Kia Picanto and Hyundai i10.

Aygo X Hybrid prices start at £21,595. The Design trim tested here, which sits just above the entry-level Icon, is £26,045.

LED headlights on a newly-redesigned nose mark out an exterior which features the Aygo X’s trademark two-tone paint and sizeable 18-inch alloys.

Among the cabin highlights are X-embroidered fabric seats, a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, a wireless phone charging tray and a useful array of physical dials and buttons to operate the dual-zone climate control system.

While some of the plastics feel a little hard, typically good Toyota build quality is evident, with lozenge-shaped dashboard design features ushering in some appeal.

Rear seat space is less evident.

Despite a steering column which does not adjust for reach – limiting the scope for larger drivers to slide backwards – the four-door Aygo X’s two rear seats are barely habitable for adult-sized occupants.

Freeing up legroom brings serious compromises in front seat positions. The Aygo X Hybrid’s boot, meanwhile, is a modest 231 litres.

Those who need four-seat accommodation might be better served by the cheaper and larger MG 3 Hybrid.

The Aygo X Hybrid is a classy and accomplished compact hybrid, though. As frugal as you like, and offering some quirky styling features, it keeps the A-segment flag flying in an electrified age.

Toyota Aygo X Hybrid

Price: £26,045 (as tested)

Engine: 1.5-litre petrol hybrid

Power: 115hp

Torque: 141Nm

Transmission: CVT

Top Speed: 107mph

0-62mph: 9.2 seconds

Economy: 72.4-74.3mpg

CO2 emissions: 87g/km