motoring Motoring ROAD TESTS BY AWARD WINNING MOTOR JOURNALIST NICK FLETCHER
Experienced and award winning local motoring journalist, Nick Fletcher,
helps us choose the best of the latest cars available.
TOyOTA AyGO
The Aygo is Toyota’s popular city car and the latest re-styled version gives it much more visual presence and a distinctive edge in a fiercely fought sector of the market. Never before has a Toyota offered so many
opportunities for personalisation with a wealth of features inside and out that can be specified in different colours and finishes. Customisation is just one aspect of the
fresh, vibrant approach Toyota has taken with its new city car which is priced from £8,595. It has higher equipment levels, which include plenty of “big car” features, such as the new x-touch multimedia system with smart connection for mobile phones. New Aygo comes in three
X models have electric windows, daytime running lights and a USB port and are decent value for money. However, most buyers are likely to opt for the mid-range X-play versions, which have extra equipment including air- conditioning and Bluetooth. Upper range models, like my x-clusiv test
car priced at £11,790, have many additional features including rear-view camera, upgraded audio system, chrome detailing, 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps and an integrated rear spoiler.
On the road, the
NEVER BEFORE HAS A TOyOTA OFFERED SO
and five-door bodystyles and three grades, x, x-play and x-pression, plus two special editions, x-cite and x-clusiv. All models use an award-winning 1.0-litre three-cylinder 69 hp VVT-i petrol unit mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Top speed is 99 mph and the 0-60mph time a modest 14.2 seconds but that helps account for its outstanding fuel economy - 68.9 mph combined. And with emissions of just 95g/km, there is no road tax to pay. All versions come with stability control, six
airbags, anti-lock brakes, hill-hold control and a tyre-pressure-monitoring system. Entry level
MANy OPPORTuNITIES FOR PERSONALISATION
new Aygo is neat and nimble, offering excellent road-holding and a comfortable ride. The small engine isn’t quickest off the mark but it does have mid-range flexibility and the slick gearshift helps makes the car fun to
drive and it is very agile in city traffic. The new-style X-shaped front gives the Aygo
stand-out looks and inside, the cabin in neat and practical, with a large speedometer and a centre touch screen for main functions. Cabin space is fine for four adults though like most city cars, boot space is tight unless you fold down the rear seats. The Aygo is one of the most attractive all-
round packages in its class and is underpinned by Toyota’s outstanding record for reliability. •
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