Toyota Aygo Hatchback

We say One of the best - and best value-for-money - city cars out there, the Aygo is great in the city and comfortable on the motorway.Performance A 1.0-litre

We say One of the best - and best value-for-money - city cars out there, the Aygo is great in the city and comfortable on the motorway.Performance A 1.0-litre 67bhp petrol is nippy and has enough power on the motorway once you get up to speed while the 1.4-litre 54bhp diesel has more pull in the mid-range but is only available on Sport versions. The engines feel much more powerful than they sound which is in part down to the low weight of the Aygo.Emissions With the 1.4-litre diesel unit, no longer being built by Toyota, CO2 emissions stand at 109g/km and it returns 68mpg on a combined cycle. The 1.0-litre petrol returns 62mpg and emits 106g/km in CO2 emissions as well. Both allow for low running costs but other small city cars offer better emissions and fuel economy figures.Driving The Aygo has one of the widest stances in the industry with all four wheels pushed to the extremities of the car. That means there’s plenty of grip and composure around corners with little bodyroll. Again though, Toyota’s steering wheel feedback is poor and vague. Fortunately it’s light and easily manoeuvrable, too.Feel Wind and road noise intrude at speed, particularly with the 1.0-litre unit which needs to be worked hard for rewards. At times the Aygo can feel overly firm but generally it absorbs bumps and blemishes in the road’s surface well.Space Four adults will fit in fine but the boot is tiny at just 139-litres. 50/50 folding rear seats extend this somewhat though however it’s not the most flexible of interiors. There are some additional storage units dotted about the cabin.Equipment CD player is standard, and that's about all. Metallic paint and air conditioning are options.Price Priced between the similar Citroen C1 and Peugeot 107 at around £8,500 to £11,000. Running costs will be low and residuals are strong however newer city cars, superminis and hatchbacks have much improved emissions and fuel economy figures.Quality The Aygoo’s interior is best described as basic, particularly in terms of layout and gadgets in the cabin. There’s relatively little going on but what’s in there is solidly fitted and well put together if a little uninspiring.Safety Front airbags and ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution come as standard.Pros The Aygo is an unusual car with a distinct design and a solid interior. It’s also excellent around town because it’s agile and manoeuvrable. Running costs are good and list prices are tempting.Cons The Aygo is basic in terms of kit and there are much more glamorous options on the market which will also offer lower running costs, too.Alternatives Citroen C1, Peugeot 107, Kia Picanto

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