New AYGO Toyota's unique take on the A-segment
New AYGO builds on its predecessor's strengths of engaging design, driving enjoyment and a frequently refreshed model line-up with a new, more playful dimension.
Discussing the new Aygo, David Terai, Chief Engineer of the new Aygo said: 'All too often, A-segment cars lack in desirability. There seems to be an implicit agreement amongst manufacturers that drivers of small cars won't mind having to compromise. Design is treated as secondary, and there isn't much equipment to select from. I simply cannot believe that this is true. I am convinced that these drivers -just like any other- want a car that they can be proud of, and I took it as my task to create such a car.'
Dramatic J-Playful Design
New AYGO rejects the stereotypical A-segment design principles of functionality over styling. Despite class-leading compactness (just 7 mm longer than its predecessor at 3,455 mm), it has a striking appearance, with dramatic and sophisticated yet playful lines.
Within a robust, mono-form bodyshell, new AYGO owes its unique character to a 'J-Playful' design concept based on the expansion of a soft object within a rigid structure. As it bursts through the hard shell it creates break lines, forming the AYGO's bold frontal 'X' graphic. This spreads outwards across the surface of the bodywork, and contains all the vehicle's key components, including upper and lower grilles, headlamps, foglamps, and even mirrors and side glazing.
This powerful 'X' graphic also forms the basis for exterior customisation, which is integral to the design of the new AYGO.
In profile, the roof has been lowered by 5 mm and the header moved forwards, shifting the cabin's centre of gravity to the front. This creates a more balanced, forward-leaning posture. The roof itself features a new, pagoda-style profile and an integral rear spoiler to aid aerodynamics.
The rear of new AYGO mirrors the frontal 'X' graphic, the tailgate and lower bumper forming the break lines which split the solid surface of the vehicle. The upper bumper section widens into strongly protruding wheel arches which give the vehicle a broad, stable stance.
On board, the trapezoidal centre console provides the main interior design theme. Its design is mirrored throughout the cabin in such elements as air vents, door trim and the gear level bezel.
The console supports a wide dashboard with a matt, anti-glare finish, framed by sleek A-pillars designed to increase driver visibility. The instrumentation features a permanently lit, high-visibility, concentric ring meter incorporating a central, multi-function display.
As with the exterior, numerous interior elements can be customised.
Despite an unchanged wheelbase of 2,340 mm, the length of the passenger compartment has been increased by 9 mm. The driving position has been improved by reducing the steering wheel angle from 28 to 26.6 degrees, lowering the front seat hip point by 10 mm, and equipping the seat with height adjustment. A 7 mm increase in headroom and 20 mm wider armrest further contribute to front seat comfort.
Luggage capacity has been increased by 29 litres to 168 litres, and access has been improved by a 75 mm wider loadspace opening between the tailgate sill and rear seat back.
Clever Customisation, At Any Time
With a comprehensive range of simple, affordable and readily available customisation choices, new AYGO customers can tailor their car to their personal taste.
More than 10 parts around the vehicle can be easily replaced at any stage during the life of the vehicle. Clever construction and a carefully considered installation strategy ensure this process is fast, straightforward and inexpensive.
Interchangeable parts on the exterior -the x-shaped front grille, rear bumper insert, front fender garnish and alloy wheels- and in the interior -the instrument panel, centre console, air vents, shift knob and gear lever surround- can easily be changed within a short time, even after several years of ownership.
Generous Grades, Personalisation Packs and Special Editions
Standard equipment on new AYGO is generous. All models feature an AM/FM audio system with USB and AUX connections, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), PES projector headlights, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Hill Start Assist, fitted as standard.
The 'x' entry grade model combines all the standard new AYGO equipment with a matt black front grille treatment and 14" steel wheels.
'x-play' lies at the heart of the new AYGO grade strategy. This version is the basis for all customisation, and also forms the foundation for the special editions 'x-cite', 'x-clusiv' and x-pure'.
It features a piano black x-shaped front grille and 15" steel wheels. Standard equipment includes leather steering wheel-mounted audio control switches, a height adjustable driver's seat and an adjustable speed limiter.
With a large canvas roof and 15" silver alloys, the 'x-wave' sits at the top of the new AYGO grade ladder. The interior features body-coloured inserts and partial leather seats. The standard AYGO audio-system is upgraded to the x-touch multimedia system.
Fully integrated within the instrument panel, x-touch features a 7" full colour touch screen and Mirrorlink smartphone connectivity. It is the first system in the A-segment to have a rear view camera fitted as standard.
In addition, three Special Editions (which will be regularly renewed) are available. 'x-cite' features a Pop Orange body colour, piano black details and 15" bi-spoke glossy black alloys. 'x-clusiv' marries Midnight Black bodywork to Super Chrome detailing. And 'x-pure' features a Cool White finish with Super Chrome detailing.
The straightforward range of three grades and three Special Edition vehicles is complimented by two exterior and interior packs, allowing customers to fully personalise new AYGO to their liking.
Fuel-efficient, Quiet and Fun to Drive
New AYGO has been engineered to not only deliver class-leading fuel efficiency, but also to make it more comfortable, quieter and, above all, more fun to drive.
Significant improvements to the engine, the adoption of Toyota's Stop & Start system, bodyshell weight reduction and optimised airflow management combine to maximise fuel efficiency.
Increased body rigidity, improved aerodynamics, and fine-tuned suspension, steering and transmissions combine to improve driving stability, ride comfort, handling agility and responsiveness to driver inputs, taking AYGO driving pleasure to new heights. Moreover, comprehensive Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) measures ensure a quieter cabin.
Toyota's award-winning 998 cc, 3-cylinder, 12 valve, DOHC, VVT-i engine has been comprehensively revised, with a focus on combustion efficiency, reduced friction losses and an optimised exhaust system for low emissions. Alternating between the Atkinson and Otto cycles for the optimum combination of fuel efficiency and performance, it reaches an exceptional thermal efficiency of 37%.
Engine power has been boosted to 51 kW (69 DIN hp) at 6,000 rpm. Torque output has been significantly increased to 95 Nm at 4,300 rpm, with 85 Nm of torque now available from as little as 2,000 rpm. New AYGO will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 14.2 seconds, and on to a top speed of 160 km/h.
New AYGO comes in both standard and Eco-versions. The latter benefits from a longer 4th and 5th gear, low Rolling Resistance Coefficient (RRC) tyres, Toyota's Stop & Start system and aerodynamic improvements.
The standard version achieves a drop in fuel consumption from 4.4 to 4.1 l/100 km, which translates into a 7 g/km drop in CO2 emissions to just 95 g/km. The Eco unit does even better, with fuel economy of 3.8 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 88 g/km.
Its gear ratios revised for a better balance of driving pleasure and fuel economy, x-shift is available as an option on new AYGO. This vastly improved automated manual transmission has a fully automatic shift mode and no clutch pedal, using computer control to synchronize engine, clutch and transaxle for quick and precise gear shifts. When equipped with x-shift, new AYGO returns fuel consumption of 4.2 l/100 km and generates CO2 emissions of only 97 g/km.