Toyota Aygo
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a small car that’s big on personality and even bigger on value? The Toyota Aygo might be exactly what you need. This ultra compact city car brings Japanese reliability to the budget end of the market, offering an affordable way into new car ownership. It’s designed for people who want a dependable, efficient runabout that won’t break the bank.

From the outside, the Aygo X cuts a distinctive figure with its bold X shaped front grille and raised ride height. It looks more like a mini SUV than a traditional city car, helping it stand out from rivals like the Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo. The funky styling extends inside too, with colourful trim options and a surprisingly modern dashboard that feels fresh and youthful.

The Aygo’s real strength lies in its practicality and running costs. This is a car that makes sense for first time buyers, city dwellers, and anyone wanting hassle free motoring. The tiny engine sips fuel, insurance costs are minimal, and Toyota’s reputation for reliability means you can count on it starting every morning. While it may not be the most spacious or powerful car available, it delivers exactly what it promises an honest, dependable companion for everyday journeys.

What's the Toyota Aygo Like to Drive?

The Toyota Aygo keeps things simple with a single 1.0 litre three cylinder petrol engine producing 72 horsepower. This might not sound like much, but in a car weighing just over 900kg, it feels adequate for city driving and short trips. The 0 to 60mph time of around 14 seconds won’t win any races, but it’s perfectly acceptable for urban use. Around town, the engine feels peppy enough to dart through traffic and squeeze into parking spaces with confidence.

Where the Aygo really excels is in its agility and ease of driving. The steering is light and precise at low speeds, making tight manoeuvres effortless. The small dimensions and tight turning circle mean you can navigate the narrowest city streets without stress. On faster roads, the Aygo feels stable and composed, though you’ll need to plan overtakes carefully. The compact hatchback delivers a surprisingly engaging driving experience that makes even mundane journeys feel more enjoyable than they should.

How Comfortable Is the Toyota Aygo?

Step inside the Aygo X and you’re greeted by a cabin that punches above its price point. The dashboard design is modern and uncluttered, with a central touchscreen handling most functions. The materials feel robust rather than luxurious, but everything is well assembled with Toyota’s typical attention to build quality. Bright colour accents and customisable trim pieces help create a cheerful, youthful atmosphere that matches the car’s exterior personality.

The front seats offer reasonable comfort for shorter journeys, with enough adjustment to help most drivers find a good position. Road noise is well controlled for such a small car, making motorway cruising more pleasant than you might expect. Standard equipment includes smartphone connectivity, air conditioning, and multiple USB ports. The infotainment system is straightforward to use, though it lacks the slickness of more expensive rivals. Overall, the Aygo creates a surprisingly grown up environment that belies its budget positioning.

The Toyota Aygo X succeeds brilliantly at being an honest, affordable city car. It doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not, instead focusing on delivering dependable transport with minimal running costs. The distinctive styling gives it real character, while Toyota’s reputation for reliability provides reassurance. The driving experience is more engaging than you might expect from such a budget focused vehicle.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the Toyota Aygo Expensive to Run?

This is where the Aygo truly shines, delivering some of the lowest running costs in the motoring world. The efficient 1.0 litre engine regularly achieves over 55mpg in real world driving, meaning you’ll spend very little at the fuel pump. Insurance costs are minimal too, with the Aygo typically falling into group 6 or 7, making it ideal for young drivers facing high premiums. Road tax is just £20 per year thanks to low CO2 emissions.

The purchase price represents excellent value, with new Aygo X models starting from around £15,000. This makes it one of the most affordable new cars available, though car finance options can spread the cost over manageable monthly payments. Toyota’s five year warranty provides peace of mind, while the brand’s excellent reliability record means unexpected repair bills should be rare. Servicing costs are reasonable, and the simple mechanical layout keeps maintenance straightforward for any garage.

Toyota Aygo Practicality & Boot Space

For such a small car, the Aygo makes good use of its limited space. The 231 litre boot can handle a weekly shop or a couple of small suitcases, though it’s smaller than some rivals. The rear seats fold down to create extra cargo space when needed. Storage throughout the cabin is adequate, with door bins, cup holders, and a useful glovebox. The raised driving position gives a better view of the road than traditional city cars.

Where the Aygo shows its size limitations is in rear passenger space. Adults will find the back seats cramped on longer journeys, making this primarily a two person car for regular use. Families with young children will manage fine for short trips. The compact dimensions are actually a major advantage in urban environments, where finding parking spaces and navigating narrow streets becomes effortless. For singles, couples, or as a second used Toyota cars for family use, the Aygo offers just enough space for everyday needs.

The Toyota Aygo X stands out in the budget car market by combining Japanese reliability with distinctive styling and rock bottom running costs. It successfully delivers worry free motoring for buyers who value dependability and efficiency above outright performance or luxury. The raised ride height and bold design help it feel more substantial than traditional city cars.

You choose the Aygo because you want a new car that won’t cost the earth to buy, run, or maintain. Its compact dimensions make city driving effortless, while the excellent fuel economy keeps costs down. It’s ideally suited to urban life but capable enough for occasional longer trips. For buyers seeking their first new car or a reliable runabout with minimal fuss, the Aygo X delivers exactly what’s promised with Toyota’s legendary dependability, especially with Best Used Car Under £3,000 options available for budget conscious buyers.