Toyota's Teeny Hybrid Hatchback: The Aygo X Gets a Twin Powertrain
Economical Hybrid Car Debut: Toyota Aygo X Presentation of Affordable, Hybrid Model
Care about that carbon footprint? Toyota's got you covered. They've hybridized the petite Aygo X, fitting it with a dual-engine setup. Let's dive in and see what's new with the compact car, with a touch of refreshment in design and power under the hood.
Toyota, the hybrid trailblazer, hasn't yet paired a twin-engine setup with a compact car – until now. While the Aygo X might share some similarities with the higher-placed Yaris, don't be fooled by their comparable sizes. Despite both measuring less than three meters, the Aygo X is distinct, stemming from a different architectural base. The Yaris, you see, has already embraced hybrid technology, paving the way for the Aygo X's conversion.
First things first. Simultaneously, Toyota gives the 3.78-meter-long front-wheel-drive Aygo X a minor facelift. A few modifications catch the eye, with the headlights taking center stage thanks to their revamped design, making the updated model easily recognizable. The grille and hood received minor alterations as well. Styling aside, some engineering magic was worked to implement the new powertrain. The front end needed an extension of around eight centimeters to accommodate the powertrain. The battery stacks are new, installed flat next to each other beneath the rear seats, and the starter battery is stored below the trunk, maintaining the cargo volume of 231 liters intact.
More Pep and Less Fossil Fuels
Curious about what's in store for potential Aygo X buyers? More power, better performance, and, you guessed it, fewer trips to the gas station. Say goodbye to the old one-liter three-cylinder engine and welcome a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This new engine packs 20 extra horsepower compared to the previous model. To complement the internal combustion engine, there's a 80-horsepower electric motor, albeit with a caveat. The combined power that Toyota specifies for the powertrain is 116 horsepower, in line with the Yaris. The promised combined fuel consumption is a sleek four liters per 100 kilometers, approximately one liter less than its gasoline-powered predecessor.
Soundproofing measures focus on the dashboard and engine hood for improved comfort, with modifications to the exhaust system and underbody cover further minimizing noise. Depending on the trim level, thicker window glass and additional soundproofing measures will be standard or available.
Slimmed-Down Refresh Inside
There's not much fuss inside, but the Aygo X does get a new digital instrument cluster, featuring a seven-inch display. Here, drivers can monitor battery status and observe the interaction between the electric motor and the internal combustion engine. Two USB-C ports are now standard, and the mechanical handbrake lever has been swapped for an electric parking brake. Additional features like wireless smartphone charging, over-the-air updates, and digital key are now standard or available for the first time.
A Sporty Stance for the GR Sport Variant
As anticipated, the Aygo X will offer a "GR Sport" variant, featuring a unique two-tone paint job, with mustard yellow body and a black hood, coupled with the iconic honeycomb grille from other GR models. Exclusive alloy wheels and a sport-tuned suspension round off the external makeover, while inside, grey and black accents with a stitched GR logo bring a sporty vibe.
Stay tuned for pricing details. Currently, the Aygo X can be yours for as little as €18,090 (UKP 16,845) in the UK, but expect that figure to rise with the addition of hybrid technology and an automatic gearbox. The compact car is set to hit the streets later this year.
- Together with a facelift, the Aygo X now comes equipped with a twin-engine setup, consisting of a 1.5-liter four-cylinder internal combustion engine and an electric motor, allowing for a combined output of 116 horsepower and a fuel consumption of 4 liters per 100 kilometers.
- The Aygo X's compact size belies its technological advancements, as it's now a light commercial vehicle and one of the first electric vehicles to be produced by Toyota, marking a shift in the lifestyle of its owners toward more eco-friendly choices in car-maintenance and daily gadget preferences.
- In the GR Sport variant, the Aygo X showcases a sporty twist with a two-tone paint job, sport-tuned suspension, and unique alloy wheels, reinforcing its identity as a hip and high-performance vehicle in the motor vehicles category.
