Toyota Aygo X review

Overview

The Toyota Aygo X takes the old city-car idea and wraps it in a taller, more confident crossover shape. This review focuses on the original 2022–2025 1.0 VVT-i Edge CVT with 72 hp, not the manual, the preceding Aygo hatchback or the materially different later hybrid. Edge adds the visual, comfort and parking equipment many buyers expect, while the CVT removes clutch work from congested journeys. The result is exceptionally approachable and still cheap to insure, but it is expensive beside some larger used superminis and the engine has little performance in reserve. Its strongest case is for urban drivers who value ease, visibility and safety equipment over rear space or motorway pace.

Exterior and interior

Chunky lower cladding, a rising window line and large-looking wheels give the Aygo X more road presence than its footprint warrants. The design is playful and easy to identify, while the elevated seating position helps the driver see over nearby street furniture without pretending this is an off-road vehicle. Edge trim adds desirable presentation, but its larger wheels can increase tyre cost and make surface imperfections more obvious. Inside, coloured details and an oval screen surround create a cheerful environment. Hard plastics remain plentiful and rear visibility is restricted by the body shape, making the camera valuable. Check wheel edges, bumpers and contrast-painted panels closely because urban parking damage can be costly to correct neatly.

Practicality

The 231-litre boot is a meaningful improvement over the old Aygo's 168 litres and copes with weekly shopping or a modest weekend away. It remains a small, high-lipped space, however, and a full-size pushchair may dictate what else can travel. The Aygo X is still a four-seater. Rear legroom is limited, the door openings are narrow and the pop-out side windows reinforce that the back seats are intended for occasional use. Two adults in front have adequate room and useful everyday storage, while the tall stance makes entry straightforward. Buyers moving from a larger supermini should test passengers and luggage together; crossover styling does not create the cabin width or flexibility of a five-seat family car.

Driving experience

Town is the natural setting for the Edge CVT. Light steering, a tight turning circle, compact extremities and the absence of clutch work make queues, mini-roundabouts and parallel parking unusually low-stress. The higher body stays controlled during ordinary cornering, although the ride can become busy over repeated sharp edges and larger Edge wheels magnify some impacts. The camera and sensors, where fitted, compensate for a restricted view over the shoulder. On rural roads the car is predictable but not quick, and a motorway exposes wind and engine noise. Adaptive cruise, where the exact car includes it, can reduce workload; it cannot create acceleration reserve or make a very small car impervious to crosswinds.

Performance

Toyota's original specification gives the 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine 72 DIN hp, and RoadMatch records about 14.8 seconds to 60 mph for this CVT version. Initial town response is sufficient and the transmission moves the car without manual shifts, but pressing harder allows engine revs to rise prominently while speed builds gradually. That is normal CVT behaviour, although shuddering, warnings or inconsistent engagement are not. Joining a short slip road and overtaking require planning, especially with passengers or luggage. The automatic is chosen for convenience, not performance. Advertisements for a later hybrid Aygo X may quote very different output and acceleration, and those figures must never be attached to this original petrol CVT.

Fuel economy

The 54.7 mpg official combined figure shows that choosing the CVT does not destroy the Aygo X's low-fuel appeal, but it remains a laboratory comparison rather than a guarantee. High-40s to low-50s is a sensible mixed-use planning range for a healthy car, with short cold trips, winter heating and sustained high speed reducing the result. Smooth anticipation limits unnecessary revs and braking, while correct tyres and pressures matter disproportionately on a light car. The original 1.0 has no hybrid assistance, despite later Aygo X publicity increasingly focusing on a hybrid range. Compare only the correct year and transmission, and assess economy over several tanks rather than trusting a dealer-reset trip computer after a gentle demonstration route.

Reliability

RoadMatch scores the original Aygo X at 4.4 with moderate confidence. Its familiar, naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine is mechanically uncomplicated, and Toyota's service-activated warranty programme can offer cover up to ten years subject to age, mileage, servicing and current terms. The model has less long-term history than the old Aygo, so that outlook is not a guarantee. Require dated service evidence, confirm warranty eligibility directly and check campaigns by VIN. Start from cold, test the CVT in forward and reverse on level ground and an incline, and operate the screen, cameras, sensors and assistance repeatedly. Inspect for water entry, battery weakness, uneven tyre wear and poorly repaired urban damage.

Safety

Euro NCAP awarded the original 1.0-litre Aygo X four stars in 2022 and records right-hand-drive applicability. Toyota Safety Sense gives the little car autonomous emergency braking, lane-related support and cruise assistance appropriate to its generation, a meaningful advantage over many older city cars. Exact functionality and optional equipment still vary, so adaptive cruise and parking sensors are conditional in this record and must be verified on the vehicle. The four-star result belongs to the 2022 protocol and original petrol specification; it is not automatically transferable to a later changed powertrain. Inspect tyres, brakes, seatbelts, warning lamps, camera calibration and previous structural repair, because the rating cannot certify a used example's condition.

Technology and features

Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a reversing camera and cruise control make the Edge feel contemporary, while parking sensors and adaptive cruise depend on the exact model year or specification. The central display is easy to understand, but connection method, screen software and option packs changed during the original range. Pair the phone that will actually be used, run navigation, play audio and make a call. Test each USB socket, camera image, sensor tone and steering-wheel button, then confirm whether the cruise function maintains a set speed or also adjusts distance as claimed. Do not use a current hybrid brochure to describe a 2022 petrol car, and treat dealer-listing feature tick boxes as leads for inspection rather than evidence.

Running costs

Insurance groups around 7–9 and official economy in the mid-50s support a low-cost ownership case, but the £10,500–£16,500 used range can overlap with larger, faster superminis. RoadMatch's estimated £1,290–£1,650 annual cost includes indicative petrol, vehicle tax, routine servicing, MOT and an ordinary maintenance allowance; it excludes insurance, finance, depreciation and major unexpected repairs. Young drivers must still obtain a registration-specific quote. Edge wheel and tyre costs can be higher than the car's size suggests, and accident-damaged trim or sensors are not basic-city-car items. Toyota servicing may preserve qualifying warranty cover, but compare its cost and terms rather than assuming every used example is protected automatically.

Advantages and disadvantages