2018 Toyota Aygo

Exterior

Up front, the city car looks like a brand-new one, sporting revisions all over the place and a sportier stance

Although just a facelift to existing Aygo, the update is quite comprehensive design-wise. Up front, the city car looks like a brand-new one, sporting revisions all over the place and a sportier stance. The aggressiveness comes from the more angular lines in the bumper and the sharper headlamps, both of which are new.

The "X" that defines the current Aygo has been redesigned too. Previously a two-dimensional graphic finished in black (other color options were available too), now it’s a three-dimensional element that modifies the car’s front fascia significantly. The 3D look is complemented by new headlamps that have more angular edges and a revised cluster with new LED daytime running lights. The latter are now integrated under the plastic cover, having been moved from their previous location on the bumper. New triangular grilles placed below make the headlamps seem a bit larger and give the Aygo a more aggressive look.

Around back, the new taillights showcase a more modern cluster with an S-shaped LED strip

The lower section of the "X" nose frames the front grille, which also has a revised shape. The most notable change is that the foglamps now have their own triangular sockets in the bumper. The ornamentation beneath the lights can be had in either black, gloss-black, or silver.

The profile of the updated Aygo is pretty much the same, which isn’t surprising for a mid-cycle facelift. Only two key differences can be spotted upon close inspection. Toyota introduced new wheel designs, including a black-painted, multi-spoke model, and the taillights now have more prominent outer lenses that are visible from the side. Around back, the new taillights showcase a more modern cluster with an S-shaped LED strip and revised upper brake lights and lower reverse lamps. Not only wider but now they also lack the chrome background that made them look cheap on the outgoing model. Everything else remains as before.

Of course, the Aygo gets a few new exterior colors too, including a metallic purple that makes it look like a full-fledged Kei car. And it’s cute too.

Interior

While the exterior looks pretty new, especially up front, the cabin carries over with almost unnoticeable changes

While the exterior looks pretty new, especially up front, the cabin carries over with almost unnoticeable changes. The instrument cluster is the only thing that gained touch-ups, but only in the form of three-dimensional graphics and a new illumination color. Toyota also says that most grades have new seat fabrics, which is evident in the photos, but the seats are the same as the outgoing model. A new upholstery color in Quartz Grey and Piano Black is described as "more premium." Like the outgoing model, the cabin gets body-colored trim around the A/C vents, on the upper door panels, and the gearshift knob. The floor mats also have accents that match the exterior. In this case, the black and grey are combined with metallic purple, which gives the interior a cool, youthful vibe.

Toyota also reduced noise and vibration in the cabin

Toyota also reduced noise and vibration in the cabin by adding sealing and sound absorption materials to the dashboard, front pillars, doors, and rear deck.

But despite the lack of major changes, the Aygo is actually a pleasant little car on the outside, and the tech package is decent, to say the least. There’s a very nice touchscreen on the center stack for the infotainment system, and the HVAC controls are grouped in a small console underneath. There’s a USB port as standard, as well as a rear view camera. Most plastic elements still look cheap, but given the price, it’s not exactly an issue. Overall fit and finish is good though, and trunk space is pretty good for this segment.

Drivetrain

For 2018, the three-cylinder engine was further updated to meet new European emissions standards

The first-generation Aygo was launched with two small-displacement engines. The gasoline option was a 1.0-liter three-cylinder rated at 67 horsepower and 69 pound-feet of torque, while the diesel version used a 1.4-liter four-cylinder with 54 horses and 96 pound-feet. The redesign from 2014 saw Toyota drop the diesel and add a 1.2-liter gasoline unit from PSA instead. The 1.0-liter mill, shared with many other Toyota models, as well as the Citroen C1 and Peugeot 108, continued with certain upgrades.

For 2018, the three-pot was further updated to meet new European emissions standards and gained a bit more power. Revised in order to achieve an ideal balance between power and fuel economy, the 1.0-liter engine delivers more torque at lower engine speed. It also features a new dual fuel injector system, a higher compression ratio, new low-friction components, a cooled exhaust gas recirculation system, and an improved balancer shaft for less vibration at idling speed.

The small unit cranks out 71 horsepower and 69 pound-feet of twist

Performance-wise, the small unit cranks out 71 horsepower and 69 pound-feet of twist. That’s only two extra horses and no improvement in the torque department. Hitting 62 mph from a standing start takes 13.8 seconds, while top speed is rated at 100 mph. Granted, these figures are far from impressive, but we’re looking at a city car that’s supposed to deliver outstanding fuel economy before everything else. And there’s good news in this department, with Toyota claiming that fuel consumption has improved from 68.9 to 72.4 mpg combined on the British cycle. This figure is still subject to homologation, but we’re looking at an extra 3.5 mpg, which is nothing to sneeze at.

The improved engine is backed by revised suspension setup and an improved steering software, both of which enable the Aygo to react quicker and more precise to driver inputs.

Prices

Pricing information for the updated Aygo is not yet available, but the sticker should increase by much compared to the outgoing model. The three-door version retails from £9,255, while the five-door variants starts from £9,655, so expect both to remain under £10,000. The most expensive Aygo as of this writing is the X-Claim Limited Edition, which comes in at £14,195.

Competition

The city car market is actually pretty packed in Europe, with several models available. The competition includes the two French cars that share underpinnings with the Toyota, the Citroen C1 and Peugeot 108, but options also include the Volkswagen Up!, Skoda Citigo, Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto, and the Fiat Panda. The latter is the best-selling minicar in Europe, with almost 190,000 units delivered in 2017.

Citroen C1 / Peugeot 107

The Citroen C1, the Peugeot 107, and the Toyota Aygo have been sharing underpinnings since 2005. The C1 was redesigned around the same time as the Aygo, gaining a fresh design inspired by larger Citroens (and even the more expensive DS models. Also available in three- and five-door configurations, the C1 is highly customizable for a vehicle this size, being available in eight body colors and even two-tone paint schemes. It can also be ordered with the Airscape soft-top, a foldable top similar to the Fiat 500C. The interior is extremely similar and comes with the same color-matched trim as the Aygo. Similarities continue under the hood, where the C1 has the same 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine in the same specifications. Pricing starts at £9,120, but the range-topping C1 Airscape retails from £12,185 before options.

The same applies for the Peugeot 108, known as the 107 until the 2014 overhaul. While the French mini sports its own design features on the outside, it’s identical to the Aygo and the C1 on the inside, save for minor upholstery and equipment changes. It also uses the same 1.0-liter three-cylinder powerplant. The 108 starts from £9,120 in base trim and goes up to £13,735 before options in GT Line specs.

Hyundai i10

The i10 arrived two years after the C1/107/Aygo trio was launched, but it’s already a popular choice among European customers. The small Korean car was redesigned in 2013 and received an extensive facelift for the 2017 model year. In addition to the more appealing design, which isn’t as exotic as the Aygo’s though, it also gained a big upgrade in the technology department, now featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a seven-year free subscription to LIVE Servies for real-time traffic and local weather. All three features are unique to this segment. Hyundai also added Front Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning, two safety features usually found on larger models, but both are optional on most trims. Two engine options are available, starting with a 1.0-liter three-cylinder rated at 66 horsepower and 69 pound-feet of torque. More oomph comes from the 1.25-liter four-cylinder, which cranks out 87 horses and 88 pound-feet of twist. The three-pot is also available with bi-fuel technology, mixing gasoline and LPG. Pricing for the i10 starts from £8,995, which makes it the most affordable of the pack.

Read our full review on the 2017 Hyundai i10

Conclusion

Needless to say, minicars aren’t the most attractive vehicles you can buy today. Their designs are far from spectacular and their equipment packages aren’t as fancy as the bigger models. But things have started to change recently and the revised Aygo is among the mini cars that actually stand out design-wise. Sure, you get better equipment with the latest Hyundai i10, but if you want a city car that looks somewhat exotic, you can’t go wrong with the Aygo. Reliability is a big plus too, as the Aygo is as solid as any other Toyota out there.

• Love it
  • Exotic, sporty exterior
  • New upholstery options
  • Revised drivetrain and suspension
• Leave it
  • The Hyundai i10 comes with better tech
  • It can become expensive in higher trims

References

Read more Toyota news.

Read more Geneva Motor Show news.