Toyota Aygo X Driving, Engines & Performance
Driving
What is it like to drive?
First thing to note is that the Aygo X is not a quick car. The naturally aspirated three-cylinder kicks out a mighty 71bhp and 69lb ft of torque, and 0-62mph takes 14.9 seconds in the manual or 14.8 in the CVT, by which time you'll be tone deaf, as well as late. Does that really matter, though?
Not if you're exclusively using this as a town runaround. At low speed the X is nippy enough, but get it onto a motorway and the 1.0-litre does sound strained. Even through the extra insulation that the old hatch didn't have.
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And the thing is, as much as carmakers like to pretend that city cars live in cities, they don't. Young people bomb up and down motorways to university or college in them. The elderly sometimes want to go cross country too. And that's where a really grown-up and refined supermini like the Renault Clio comes into its own, and the Aygo X does not.
Through twisty stuff it fares better, though. The Aygo X stays remarkably flat despite the taller suspension and higher centre of gravity, while the steering is nicely weighted. The turning circle is also a usefully tight 4.7m. Which gearbox should I go for?
We've driven both, and our ears have now finished bleeding from trying the CVT: it's everything you hate about CVTs, people. Dreadful throttle response, migraine-inducing noise and unimpressive fuel economy. If you're medically able, buy the manual. If not, try a second-hand Renault Zoe, or a mobility scooter.
The manual is a decent shift and offers more control when you only have 71bhp on tap, although the bite point was unusually high on several of our test cars. Not great for learners if that's the case across the board. Toyota reckons the manual/auto split will be around 60/40.
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Is it comfortable?
For a tall-ish car with big wheels, the Aygo X seems to ride surprisingly well, though you can hear more of what the suspension is up to than in rivals. That said, the extra ride height and taller tyres mean that you don't feel the jolts from speed humps shuddering through the chassis as badly as in the old Aygo. So, if you're too lazy to slow down for speed bumps, here's your car. Delivery drivers will adore it.
It's certainly not revolutionary, but then again no part of the X's driving experience really is. It has been designed for right now. It might not have the futureproofing, the refinement or the instant torque of an EV, but it almost stands out as being a little bit fun to drive because of the lesser-spotted combustion-engine/manual gearbox combination and the circa one tonne kerb weight. Just avoid the CVT. Please. What about running costs?
The little three-cylinder engine is reasonably efficient: Toyota quotes 54-56mpg for the CVT and 56-58mpg for the manual on the WLTP cycle. We managed just under 40mpg in the former and just over 40mpg in the latter on a test route that included some country lanes, motorways and busy city streets. Taking the CVT on the motorway will result in very low 40s to the gallon. And a headache.
There's plenty of active safety tech on all trims too, although the incessant beeping from the lane keep assist system is far from pleasant. Happily you can turn it off with a long press of a steering wheel button.
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The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
I fear the worst for my dear pal Michael Schumacher – if only we could know more about how he is
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It's very sad that we just don't know and we don't hear from him. It's sad that he doesn't attend races or make public appearances. 'He was an amazing guy, extraordinary character and amazingly successful." Close pal Flavio Briatore, who led Schumacher to his first two titles at Benetton, recently offered a heartbreaking insight into his health. He appeared to confirm Schumacher, who joined Ferrari after Benetton where he won five titles, was bed-bound. What do we know about Schumacher since his accident? MICHAEL Schumacher's life changed forever on December 29, 2013, when a skiing accident left the seven-time F1 champion with a severe brain injury. Since then, his family has protected his privacy, with only a select few remaining in contact with the racing legend. December 29, 2013 - The skiing accident: Schumacher suffers a life-threatening head injury while skiing off-piste in Méribel, France. 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Guests are reportedly required to hand over their phones to prevent leaks. March 2025 - Schumacher becomes a grandfather: Daughter Gina announces arrival of first child with husband Iain Bethke. The pair tied the knot in September 2024. Gina revealed the birth on Instagram and wrote: "Welcome to the world, Millie. Born on March 29th, our hearts are fuller than ever." Briatore told Corriere della Sera: 'If I close my eyes, I see him smiling after a victory. 'I prefer to remember him like that rather than him just lying on a bed.' Hopkins said he used to bump into Corinna but hasn't seen her, or anyone else close to him, since the crash. He added: 'I just haven't crossed paths with them. 'The circle of people close to Michael is very small, Jean Todt, Corrina, Mick, and a few others who spend time with him. 'Everything about Michael's situation is kept private, and those who are close to him, including his nursing team, are bound by an absolute circle of trust. 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Schumacher retired in 2006 but made a brief comeback for Mercedes from 2010 to 2012. He is widely considered among the best to ever race in the sport. Only small hints have been released about his health since the accident. Briatore's ex-wife, Elisabetta Gregoraci, previously said he doesn't speak but communicates with his eyes. Corinna has also previously said he is now 'different, but here'.
BBC News
2 hours ago
- BBC News
Austrian Grand Prix final practice before qualifying
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Reuters
2 hours ago
- Reuters
Yamaha's Quartararo pips Ducatis to clinch Dutch Grand Prix pole
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