It was a misty morning when I pulled into the car park near Lüneburg Heath, a sweeping natural landscape in northern Germany, known for its vast purple heather fields and tranquil pine forests. I wasn’t there to hike or take photos of the ancient moorlands. No, I was there for something far more mechanical: to test drive the new Toyota Aygo X, Toyota’s bold take on the city car segment, transformed into a cheeky little SUV.
As manufacturers abandon the small car market, Toyota dares to stay, but not without a twist. The Aygo X (pronounced ‘Cross’) is no longer the basic urban runabout we once knew. It’s now a lifestyle statement on wheels, with SUV styling cues, raised ride height, and a splash of attitude. I had the keys to the 1.0-liter manual version, and over the course of the day, I would drive it through narrow village roads, forest lanes, and wide open stretches of countryside to see if this city-focused SUV could hold its own beyond the traffic lights.
The New Face of Urban Style
Before diving into performance, let’s talk about what meets the eye. The Aygo X is short, cute, and just a bit mischievous. At 3.70 meters in length, it’s smaller than a Yaris but taller and chunkier than your average city car. The short overhangs and high shoulder line give it a confident stance. In fact, parked under the towering birch trees of Lüneburg Heath, it looked like a miniature adventurer ready for the unknown.
Design-wise, Toyota nailed the lifestyle vibe. From the two-tone color scheme to the cladding around the wheel arches and the distinctive LED light signature, it feels fresh and youthful. The raised ground clearance adds to the crossover look, even if it offers no all-wheel drive. That’s not the point. The Aygo X is about standing out in the city, not climbing mountains.
Small Car Meets Big Personality
Climbing into the Aygo X, I was surprised by the space upfront. At 1.85 meters tall, I had no issues with head or legroom. The dashboard layout is clean and modern, dominated by the 9-inch touchscreen in higher trims. Even in the mid-spec version I drove, the infotainment system was responsive and easy to navigate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and there’s even a JBL premium sound system available in top trims.
Toyota has done a decent job with materials. Sure, there’s a lot of hard plastic, but the design is cohesive and cheerful. You sit up a little higher than in most city cars, giving you a commanding view of the road. In tight city streets or forest trails alike, this elevated seating felt reassuring.
Where things get tight is the rear seat. I did a quick test with a friend who’s 1.70 meters tall, and headroom was just okay, but legroom was limited. The back seats are best left for kids or short trips. The boot, on the other hand, offers 231 liters of space, enough for a couple of shopping bags or a small suitcase. Fold down the rear seats and you get up to 829 liters, though the loading lip is high and the opening small. Still, for its size, the Aygo X makes clever use of space.
On the Move – From Village Streets to Heathland Roads
Now to the meat of the matter: driving. The Aygo X comes with only one engine option, a 1.0-liter three-cylinder petrol engine pushing out 72 horsepower and 93 Nm of torque. It’s mated to either a 5-speed manual or a CVT automatic. I had the manual, and I’m glad I did.
Let’s be honest, this isn’t a fast car. The 0-100 km/h sprint takes 15.6 seconds. But in town or through winding country roads, it doesn’t need to be. The engine is eager, if a bit noisy when pushed. The lightweight body (just over 1,000 kg) means it feels nimble. The gearbox is a bit long in ratios, so you’ll find yourself downshifting often on inclines, but it’s smooth and easy to operate.
On the narrow lanes of Lüneburg Heath, bordered by fields of purple heather and scattered pine woods, the Aygo X felt at home. The suspension is well-tuned for urban conditions, soft enough to absorb bumps yet not too floaty. Around corners, it leans a bit, but grip is generally good. The steering is precise and light, making tight turns and parking effortless. The 10-meter turning circle is a godsend in town.
Noise insulation is decent for a city car, though at highway speeds the engine and wind noise do creep in. At 130 km/h, the cabin registered around 72 dB. Manageable, but you won’t mistake it for a Lexus.
Safety and Tech – Small but Smart
Where the Aygo X really surprises is in its safety tech. Toyota’s Safety Sense suite comes standard and includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and traffic sign recognition. It’s impressive to see this level of kit in such an affordable package.
The car scored four out of five stars in Euro NCAP testing, respectable for its class. One noticeable omission is a blind spot monitor, even as an option. Given the car’s small size, it’s not a huge loss, but it would have been a welcomed bonus.
Fuel Efficiency – Better in the City Than the Country
Toyota claims a combined consumption of 4.8 liters/100 km, but in real-world mixed driving, I averaged around 5.6 liters. Not bad, though not groundbreaking either. In the city, the Aygo X is more efficient, with the ADAC test noting 5.4 liters in urban conditions. With a 35-liter tank, you’re looking at a range of about 625 km.
There’s no hybrid or diesel option, and that’s a deliberate choice by Toyota to keep costs down. The result is a simple, honest drivetrain that gets the job done without frills.
Toyota Aygo X Technical Specifications
For factual accuracy, every piece of technical data comes straight from Toyota’s official web source.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.0L 3-cylinder petrol |
| Power | 72 PS @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 93 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual or CVT |
| 0-100 km/h | 15.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 158 km/h (151 km/h with CVT) |
| Fuel Consumption (WLTP) | 4.8 l/100 km |
| Real-World Consumption | 5.6 l/100 km |
| CO2 Emissions | 108 g/km |
| Boot Capacity | 231 L (up to 829 L with seats down) |
| Length x Width x Height | 3,700 x 1,740 x 1,510 mm |
| Curb Weight | 1,015 kg |
| Turning Circle | 10.0 m |
| Price (base) | From €17,550 |
Conclusion – A Little Crossover That Makes a Big Statement
After a full day of driving through cobbled villages, sweeping forest roads, and narrow scenic trails, I came away impressed by the Toyota Aygo X. It’s not perfect, the rear seat is cramped, the engine is underpowered, and the boot could be more practical. But what it lacks in brute performance, it makes up for in charm, agility, and clever packaging.
This is a car tailor-made for the city, but with enough style and confidence to take on a countryside weekend. It’s fun to drive, smartly equipped, and surprisingly refined for its size. If you’re in the market for a small, stylish urban crossover that doesn’t pretend to be more than it is, the Aygo X is well worth a look.
Is the Toyota Aygo X suitable for highway driving?
Yes, but it’s more comfortable at moderate speeds. The engine can feel strained at higher speeds.
Does the Aygo X come with a hybrid option?
No, it only comes with a 1.0L petrol engine. Toyota chose simplicity and affordability over electrification for this model.
How safe is the Aygo X?
It comes with Toyota Safety Sense as standard and scored four stars in Euro NCAP crash tests.
