DO THE AYS HAVE IT? (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 67

The fundamental elements of Toyota's Aygo city car may not have been unique but the way they were packaged certainly was. In second generation form, this little city car gained a bit more personality and attitude, an evolution built upon by the usefully revised version launched in 2018. It was more flexible to drive, more media-savvy, more. Aygo. But does it make sense as a used buy?

Modelsword count: 4

3/5dr Hatch (1.0 petrol])

Historyword count: 263

So, what makes a car feel 'fun'? Sprightly handling? Cheeky looks? Clever marketing? And can an urban runabout really qualify for purchase on those grounds? With this model, the improved post-2018-era version of the second generation Toyota Aygo, we were told that it could. You might think you know this car, but if you haven't tried the enhanced version of the MK2 model, launched here in the Summer of 2018, then you probably don't. Yes, it shares its mechanicals with the original design announced in 2014. No, it's not quite the same. Let's start with the fundamental thing that wasn't changed here. As before, this contender was produced as part of a joint Toyota/PSA Group venture that also brought us French alternatives sharing most of this car's important bits - namely Peugeot's 108 and Citroen's C1. That's always been the case with the Aygo, but in its earlier forms, this model wasn't always completely successful in differentiating itself from its design cousins. That's something Toyota better addressed with the original version of this MK2 model in 2014 - and it was an approach further developed with this improved line-up. It's not only the look that was made more unique with this mid-term facelift but also the very specific way that buyers could personalise it to suit almost any kind of taste or preference. Toyota also treated this revised model to upgraded infotainment and more mid-range pulling power from the 1.0-litre engine. In this form, the Aygo sold until the end of 2021, after which it was replaced by the Aygo X small crossover.

What You Getword count: 377

There are lots of very capable city cars from the 2018-2021 period, but not many that are visually distinct enough to stick in your mind. Rather cleverly, this Aygo focused on exactly that approach. Hence the hefty dose of attitude that features here at the front end. With this revised model, we got a three-dimensional version of the X-shaped frontal graphic that had been introduced in two-dimension form on this car back in 2014. Its upper section is emphasised by the LED daytime running light-framing of the restyled headlamp clusters. The lower section of the 'X' frames the front grille. Extra opportunities for personalisation were provided by the way it was possible to colour-code the spoiler lip and the triangular patches beneath the headlamps. Talking of personalisation, red or black could be chosen to decorate the front and rear bumper accents, the side sills and the roof decal that original buyers could add to emphasise this car's unique 'double-bubble' roof design. That roof could be had finished in either silver or in black with certain trim variants. Or original customers could equip it with an optional 'Funroof' folding fabric top on some versions. The silhouette's exact look and feel differs quite a lot between the rare three-door variant and the five-door model that extends its window graphic into the tail lamps, giving an impression of extra length. Fewer changes feature with this updated MK2 Aygo once you get inside. The circular instrument binnacle got fresh colouring and a three-dimensional 'turbine'-style design. There was also body-coloured matching of the side air vents and some fresh upholstery trims. The main change kicked in towards the top of the range if you can stretch to a variant that upgraded the 7-inch x-touch centre-dash infotainment colour touchscreen to 'Display Audio' status. That means it'll be kitted out with voice control and 'Apple CarPlay' / 'Android Auto' smartphone mirroring. In the rear, adults will find their knees brushing the front seat backs and their heads very close to the ceiling. But then, just how often do adults travel in the back of a citycar like this? And the boot? Well once you get your stuff in, you quickly realise the need to pack fairly light. There's just 168-litres of space on offer;

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