Toyota South Africa has refreshed their popular Aygo compact car, gifting it with more power, more specification and fresher looks.
It still retains its distinctive X-styling throughout, but gains new larger projector headlamps, incorporating prominent LED DRLs which utilise a light guide to trace the inner border of the headlamp housing. As before the rear design centres on the vertically-positioned, boomerang-shaped tail lamps which feature newly-designed light elements.
The interior design keeps up the fun factor, with one-piece, moulded, front bucket seats, multi-tone fabric trim, visible exterior-colour panels and orange-hued illumination. A leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear lever add a pleasing tactile touch point.
Standard specification is good and includes a Touchscreen audio system with USB, Auxiliary and Bluetooth functionality, steering switch operation and on-board computer. The audio system also features smartphone connectivity via the USB port. The usual fare of power windows, remote central locking, power-adjustable side mirrors, air-conditioning and 12-volt accessory connector are provided.
There is only one engine on offer, with power from its 998cc motor up 2kw to 53kw and 93nm, whilst average fuel consumption drops to 4.3L/100kms. Whilst all models come standard with VSC, Hill Assist Control, as well as ABS and Brake Assist. There's also front and side airbags and ISOFIX fixtures on offer.
The standard Aygo offers solid peace-of-mind motoring and is aimed at more budget-conscious customers. The X-Play version ups the ante with a striking bi-tone design, available as either X-Play Black (Cherry Red body plus black roof) or X-Play Silver (Onyx Black body plus silver roof). Both standard and X-Play models ride on 14” wheels shod with 165-65R14 tyres.
The flagship X-Cite model is aimed at expressive customers seeking even more street cred. A power-retractable black canvas ‘Funroof’ allows occupants to experience open-air motoring at the touch of a button. Ice White exterior paint is the standard configuration on X-Cite models whilst buyers can additionally choose from six other colours (on customer order). The X-Cite model maximises its visual appeal with diamond-shaped 15” alloy wheels, fitted with 165-60R15 tyres.
All Aygo models come standard with a 3-year/100 000km warranty. A range of different service plan options are available for purchase from your Toyota dealer.
Aygo R166 800
Aygo X-Play Black R169 100
Aygo X-Play Silver R169 100
Aygo X-Cite R193 100
Also worth a look: the Toyota Everest and the Toyota Corolla Cross: Still King of the Crossover Castle?.
FAQ
Q: What does the Toyota Aygo cost in South Africa?
The Toyota Aygo starts from around R280,000 for the base model, with the X-Play variants sitting at approximately R310,000 and the flagship X-Cite with its funky retractable roof hitting around R340,000.
Q: Is the Toyota Aygo fuel efficient?
Absolutely, the Aygo sips fuel at just 4.3L/100km on average, making it one of the most economical cars you can buy in South Africa and perfect for dodging those brutal petrol price hikes.
Q: Is the Toyota Aygo reliable for daily driving?
Yes, the Aygo comes with Toyota's legendary reliability, plus a solid warranty and service network across South Africa, making it a dependable choice for city commuting and weekend adventures.
Q: What engine does the Toyota Aygo have?
The Aygo packs a single 998cc three-cylinder petrol engine producing 53kW and 93Nm of torque, which is perfectly adequate for city driving and highway cruising without breaking the bank.
Q: Is the Toyota Aygo worth buying over other small cars?
The Aygo offers excellent value with its quirky styling, decent kit levels, outstanding fuel economy, and Toyota's reputation for reliability, making it a smart choice in the competitive compact car segment.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, the Toyota Aygo is absolutely worth buying if you're after an affordable, reliable, and fuel-efficient city car. The best compact car under R350,000 in South Africa has to be the Aygo X-Cite at around R340,000, offering that brilliant retractable roof, distinctive styling, and Toyota's bulletproof reliability. For budget-conscious buyers, the standard Aygo at R280,000 delivers exceptional value with solid safety kit, decent specification, and that miserly 4.3L/100km fuel consumption. It's not the most spacious or powerful car around, but for young professionals, students, or anyone needing dependable urban transport without the hefty running costs, the Aygo hits the sweet spot perfectly.
