A facelifted version of the Toyota Aygo has touched down in South Africa, with the refreshed local range comprising three derivatives.
The line-up kicks off with the base Aygo, priced at R166 800 (an increase of R4 700 over the pre-facelift model). This derivative is offered in Ice White, Quicksilver Metallic or Blue Metallic, and boasts standard features such as leather trim for the steering wheel, manual air-conditioning, a four-speaker audio system (with USB and Bluetooth), LED daytime running lights and 14-inch steel wheels, along with ABS, stability control, hill assist control and four airbags.
The Aygo X-Play is next up at R169 100, which buys you two-tone paintwork (either Onyx Black Metallic with a silver roof or Cherry Red with a black roof). The variant furthermore gains a rear spoiler and a tonneau cover.
The flagship is again the X-Cite model (with its price unchanged at R193 100), which features a large, black canvas roof that stretches all the way back to the C-pillar. In addition, this range-topper boasts 15-inch alloys (although it lacks the space-saver spare offered by the two cheaper derivatives) and two extra (curtain) airbags. It is offered in seven colours. As before, note that a service plan is an optional extra on all models.
First revealed back in February 2018, the refreshed Aygo retains its signature frontal “X” design but features various changes to its face, including redesigned headlamp clusters with neatly integrated daytime running lights.
Round back, Toyota has tweaked the taillamp design, while inside you’ll find an upgraded instrument cluster with new colours and three-dimensional graphics, along with fresh seat fabric options.
Toyota claims that under-the-skin changes have led to “enhancements” to the Aygo’s performance and “improved driving dynamics” (thanks to suspension tweaks and alterations to the steering software), along with a “marked reduction in noise, vibration and harshness” (the result of added sealing and absorption materials).
The naturally aspirated 1,0-litre, three-cylinder petrol unit is still the engine of choice (again mated to a five-speed manual), although the Japanese automaker says it is now Euro 6,2 compliant. A new dual fuel injector system, a higher compression ratio, new low-friction components, a cooled exhaust gas recirculation system and an improved balance shaft to reduce vibration at idling speed have all been introduced.
The result is peak outputs of 53 kW (up two units) and 93 N.m (down two units), allowing the revised Aygo to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in a claimed 13,8 seconds, before topping out at 160 km/h. Claimed fuel consumption comes in at 4,3 L/100 km.
Pricing:
Toyota Aygo: R166 800
Toyota Aygo X-Play: R169 100
Toyota Aygo X-Cite: R193 100
