City cars these days have to look good in order to have a broad appeal, and the Toyota Aygo X-Wave Hatchback certainly boasts a pretty but assertive face. Its distinctive styling is only part of its charm, though; it’s bigger than last time around, which makes it more useful, and it’s also really economical.
There isn’t a huge amount of power available, but if you’re on the lookout for something that’s small but practical, doesn’t cost much to buy or run, and handles consummately, this super-compact and super cheerful city car is worth a closer look. OSV investigates with our Toyota Aygo X-Wave Hatchback review.
Overview Of The Toyota Aygo X-Wave Hatchback
On The Road
[vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”40097″ img_size=”article-image”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″]As expected, the Aygo hatchback is right at home when it’s pottering around the town. Its compact dimensions prove useful in tight spaces, while its good visibility gives you confidence when driving in traffic. The entry-level model doesn’t come with the useful height-adjustable seat, though.
Steering is better in this second generation variant. It’s more direct, but lean is still an issue, especially if you choose to tackle bends with a bit of gusto. The ride quality doesn’t stand up to poor surfaces, but things never become too unpleasant.
You get to choose between a 5-speed manual ‘box and a 5-speed automatic transmission which the brand have christened x-shift. The manual is our pick; it’s convenient and offers better running costs. The automatic is unavailable with the entry-level models.
There is only one engine available, a 1.0-litre petrol unit that can get you from rest to 62mph in 14.2 seconds with the manual gearbox.It’s a respectable time, and is faster than the rival Hyundai i10, and even the fun Volkswagen Up! The automatic transmission slows things down to 15.2 seconds.
There is a lot of pace available if you’re mainly going to be spending your time in the city. There is 68bhp available, which is all a car of this ilk really needs. It lacks power in reserve, but overtaking is not too hard.
Interior, Design & Build
[vc_column_inner width=”1/3″]Last time around, this car was quite noisy. And although some engine noise still seeps into the cabin, it’s a decidedly quieter affair and won’t be taxing on your ears, even on longer journeys. In fact, a bit of road and wind noise is even welcome at higher speeds and the sound is almost kinda sporty. Kinda.
The interior fit and finish is also much better. Whereas its predecessor looked like a baby without a bib during meal time, Toyota has now added a bib – and cleaned it up. It looks tidy, easy on the eye and contemporary.[vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_single_image image=”40100″ img_size=”article-image”]The dash is defined by a neat gloss-black finish, and we especially love the stylish speedometer. It’s classy and tells you that Toyota have really worked hard at improving this car. There are a few hard plastics here and there, and they do let things down slightly, but it’s hard to complain too much.
The car is not very big at all and is smaller than the Skoda Citigo. It’s perfect for driving around the city, but how practical is it? Any car above entry-level benefits from good visibility, and the Toyota Aygo has more head room than last time around thanks to the introduction of a double-roof and front seats that sit lower by 10mm.
Rear seat passengers might struggle for leg room, while the windows are a tad small and front seats might be too tall for rear seat passengers who suffer from claustrophobia. Overall, though, there is more interior room in here than inside most rivals’ cabins.
The glovebox is adequately-sized, while the door bins are useful. There is a choice between a five-door and a three-door body style, with rear seat access easier with the former. The boot measures at just 168-litres, which is a bit disappointing. The boot isn’t particularly accessible, while the floor isn’t totally flat when you fold the rear seats.
Equipment
Standard kit across the range is mostly decent, but the entry-level model is a bit too bare. It gets hill-start assistance, a USB port and LED daytime running lights, but not a lot else.
The further you go up the trims, though, naturally the price goes up. The X-Play adds Bluetooth phone connectivity, and a multifunction height-adjustable steering wheel, while the X-Pression model comes with a DAB digital radio and air conditioning.
The range-topping X-Clusiv trim has lots of nice touches, including leather upholstery, a reversing camera, climate control and keyless entry.
Satellite navigation is an optional extra that will cost you £400.
Costs Of The Toyota Aygo X-Wave Hatchback
[vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_single_image image=”40113″ img_size=”article-image”][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″]Prices for the new car start out from £9,000 and rise to around £14,500. If you want to lease the car over a term of three years on a contract hire, you could pick one up for as little as just £99 per month.
There is only one engine available, and it’s really cheap to run. A 1.0-litre VVT petrol that was also used in the outgoing model, it’s been tweaked slightly for better fuel efficiency and less CO2 emissions. As such, it can return 68.9mpg off a sensible drive, while emitting less than 100g/km of CO2, which means that it’s free to tax.If you choose to pair it up with the automatic ‘box, the figures won’t change too much.
Entry-level models are cheap, but they’re also threadbare. To get the best out of this car, you have to move up the trim levels. And when you add some potentially essential optional extras, such as sat-nav, the Aygo Hatchback seems expensive for a city car.
It’s also more expensive to insure than its competitors, with most of the range sitting in insurance group seven. There is the bonus of a five-year/100,000 mile warranty, though, which is a lot better than what most cars in this sector are offering.
Pros And Cons Of The Toyota Aygo X-Wave Hatchback
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Pros:
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Looks Great
Mechanically, this car is pretty similar to the car it succeeded. But in terms of styling, it has a refreshingly contemporary look that sets it apart from any other car in this class.
It looks personable and friendly, but also assertive and dynamic. It emits a youthful slant, and it’s hard to believe that its predecessor looked so bland.
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Very Economical
Toyota have worked hard to improve the economy of their city car, and it can now potter around town without costing you too much cash. Off a sensible drive, it should be able to return 68mpg, which makes it competitive with rivals, such as the Volkswagen Up! and the Skoda Citigo.
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Easy To Park
Thanks to its compact dimensions and good visibility, the Aygo X-Wave is a dream to park, even in the tightest of spaces. Opt for any model other than the entry-level, and you’ll also benefit from height-adjustable seats that improve visibility.[vc_column_inner width=”1/2″]
Cons:
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Entry Level Trim Too Basic
You get the feeling that you’ve been shopping down the market for top quality products if you take home an entry-level Aygo. It works, but there are bits missing. Frustratingly, there is no height-adjustable seat, which has a negative effect on visibility. You also don’t get the choice of pairing this model up with the five-speed automatic gearbox – a choice which would be nice to have.
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Only One Engine Available
Toyota aren’t offering much of a choice with this car, and they lump you with a modest 1.0-litre petrol engine which you will also find in the Citroen C1. The Citroen, however, at least has other engines available.
It isn’t a bad engine at all, but it won’t suit everyone, and it isn’t much use on the motorway.
Toyota Aygo X-Wave Hatchback vs. Volkswagen Up! vs. Skoda Citigo
City cars are getting better all the time. Let’s see how the Aygo X-Wave measures up against its closest rivals in the comparison section of our Toyota Aygo X-Wave Hatchback review.
Toyota Aygo X-Wave Hatchback vs. Volkswagen Up!
[vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_single_image image=”40114″ img_size=”article-image”][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″]The Volkswagen Up! is one of the most popular city cars on the market at the moment. Although the Toyota Aygo does a better job at standing out, the Up! has a bright and cheerful face that gives it plenty of character. One look at it and you just want to pinch its cheeks before stepping inside.
Like the Aygo, there is no diesel engine available. But you do get to choose between two power outputs from a 1.0-litre petrol unit, a 59bhp variant or a 74bhp variant.They’re not even remotely powerful, but the 74bhp version is your best bet if you’re going to be spending a fair amount of time beyond the city. The less powerful of the two is made only for getting you out and about around town.
Like the Aygo, the Up!’s compact dimensions make it easy to park. The steering is accurate, and the car can turn on a sixpence. There is a significant amount of body lean when you tackle bends, though. The engine gets a bit noisy when you put your foot down, but it fades once you get up to speed.
The Up! is a comfortable car. The interior is classy, and looks even better than the Hyundai i10, a city car that has attracted a lot of praise for its cabin. The quality of the plastics is top notch, while a body-coloured trim helps to give it a contemporary shine. Getting comfortable is easy, but a height-adjustable driver’s seat is missing from the entry-level trim – just like it is in the Aygo. Similarly, the base-level model isn’t really worth your money – it’s threadbare.
Opt for this over the Aygo and you’ll benefit from a 251-litre boot that is considerably bigger than the one in the Totoya. There is also a false floor, which means the boot lies totally flat when you fold the rear seats. Overall, practicality is never going to be fantastic in a car of this size, but it uses its dimensions well. Two adults in the rear should be fairly comfortable on shorter journeys, but a real lack of headroom could cause problems on lengthier trips.
Price:
Toyota – £9,000 – £14,500
Volkswagen – £9,000 – £12,500
Toyota Aygo X-Wave Hatchback vs. Skoda Citigo
[vc_column_inner width=”1/3″]The Skoda Citigo has grown up – but it still knows how to have fun in the city.
As always with any Skoda, the Citigo is super reliable, and offers lots of value for money in a sector where consumers don’t want to part with a bundle of cash on a car that ferries them to and back from work.
And it ferries you about quite well. Like the Volkswagen Up!, the solitary 1.0-litre petrol engine comes in two different power guises – 59bhp and 74bhp.[vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_single_image image=”40115″ img_size=”article-image”]The less powerful of the two feels really slow, and takes 14.4 seconds to cover the 0-62mph sprint. When you work it hard, though, the engine sounds pretty good and it actually feels quicker than it really is.
The grip is excellent, the steering is direct, and body lean around bends is well resisted.
There isn’t much to separate any of these three city cars when it comes to running costs, and like the Toyota, the Skoda can return 68.9mpg off a sensible drive and is free to tax. Its secondhand values are good, but it depreciates worse than the Volkswagen Up!
One of its biggest strengths is its high quality and solid reliability. It’s small but durable, and there are plenty of safety features that are offered as standard. Its compact dimensions are deceptive, too; inside, there is a lot more room than you’d have expected, and there is more rear legroom than inside the otherwise large Kia Picanto. And although it’s no rival for a family hatchback, the 251-litre boot is impressive and easily knocks the Toyota’s into touch.
Like the Aygo Hatchback and the VW Up! the entry level model is too basic. You get what you pay for – which isn’t a lot.
Price:
Skoda – £8,000 – £11,000
Verdict Of Our Toyota Aygo X-Wave Hatchback Review
The new Aygo hatchback is not perfect. Like others in this sector the entry level is way too basic to satisfy anyone but the most-easiest-to please, while only one engine is a bit of a gripe – albeit only a small one.
Overall, it’s a big improvement on its predecessor. It’s more economical, easier to park, and looks as good as any small car on the market. For a budget buy that gets you from A to B with very few problems, the Toyota Aygo X-Wave Hatchback is worth a shot.[vc_single_image image=”40116″ img_size=”article-image”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#00625a”][vc_row content_placement=”middle” bg_type=”image” parallax_style=”vcpb-default” bg_image_new=”id^51445|url^https://www.osv.ltd.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/MercedesGLE0915.jpg|caption^null|alt^Mercedes GLE Front View|title^MercedesGLE0915|description^null” css=”.vc_custom_1581605058065{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;background-color: #f4f4f4 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1581605012017{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-right: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;margin-left: 30px !important;border-bottom-width: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”]
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