Toyota Aygo X Air Edition (2021 - )

Toyota has added the true fun factor to its funky Aygo X model by introducing an open-top version to the line-up.

Featuring all the features that have made the Aygo X so appealing, this latest arrival is offered in the same spice-themed colours called Juniper Blue, Chilli Red, Ginger Beige and Cardamom Green.

The vehicle is powered by a punchy three-cylinder, 1.0-litre petrol engine and is offered with the choice of a five-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission.

And for anyone not in the know, the X in Aygo X is pronounced Cross.

The five-door Aygo X Air Edition is a compact city car that is very big on personality and the addition of a canvas roof offers open-top fun at the press of a button.

Designed and produced in Europe, the Aygo has morphed from hatchback looks to Aygo X crossover styling and it is very easy on the eye.

Our test car was supplied with striking Ginger Beige bi-tone paintwork which looked fabulous in the bright sunshine. Eye-catching features include rear privacy glass, black wheel arch mouldings, a gloss black upper front grille, sweeping light clusters and 18-inch matt black alloys with beige accents.

Moving inside, the interior is modern and neat in its design and layout with upmarket fabric seats, a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, and an eight-inch Toyota Touch multi-media system offering access to the many on-board features.

Creature comforts include full smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a reversing camera, automatic air conditioning and a four-speaker sound system with DAB digital radio.

Our Toyota Aygo X Air Edition featured a 999cc, three-cylinder petrol engine matched to a five-speed manual gearbox.

With 71bhp and 93Nm of torque, it could complete the 0-62mph sprint in 14.9 seconds and topped out at 98mph (14.8 seconds and 94mph on the automatic version). While those performance stats are not exactly mind-blowing, it’s worth remembering this is a city car so will rarely be driven hard along mountain passes.

And in its defence, the performance is just right in and around town with impressive agility and ample pace out the blocks. It is well balanced on twisting country lanes and special mention to the great gearbox and nicely weighted steering that offers ample driver feedback.

The Aygo X can cope with motorway miles, but the noise levels from the engine do become more noticeable at 70mph.

Despite the cabin being compact in size, it feels roomy up front and with seat and steering wheel adjustment, it’s easy to get comfortable. The driver visibility is okay, but not perfect. And that’s down to the fairly wide B pillars blocking the over-the-shoulder view a little.

But on a positive note, when the sun puts in an appearance, the folding canvas roof can be opened at the press of a button – a process that takes about 10 seconds to complete.

The Toyota Aygo X Air Edition looks fabulous when approached from any angle and is ultimate proof that big things can come in small packages. It stretches just 3,700mm in length, is 1,740mm wide, 1,525mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,430mm.

Up front the driver and passenger have ample room to stretch out. Unfortunately, the same can’t really be said for anyone sitting in the back with limited leg, elbow and head room. But, in all honesty, all models in the sector are the same. The space would be perfect for children though who would be more than happy being driven round in such a charming car.

The boot can hold 269 litres of goodies, which is plenty big enough to deal with the weekly shopping trip. And this limit increases to 829 litres with the 50:50 split-folding rear seats dropped flat.

In addition, there are numerous practical storage options scattered throughout the car, including a glovebox, door bins, a central cubby, trays  and cupholders.

The rear seats have Isofix fixtures to fit child seats and the doors have child locks fitted too.

The Toyota Aygo X line-up is priced from £15,990 for the entry-level Pure model with five-speed manual gearbox and rises to £21,215 for the Undercover Edition with automatic transmission.

Our Aygo X Air Edition cost £19,380 (the auto version is priced at £20,565) and according to official figures, under WLTP testing, it could deliver a combined 57.6mpg with carbon emissions of 110g/km.

This CO2 figure would result in a first-year road tax charge of £185 dropping to the standard fee of £180 after the first 12 months.

For company car drivers, the vehicle has a Benefit in Kind tax rating of 27 per cent and it sits in insurance group 6.

At launch, the Aygo X Air Edition model was available to purchase exclusively online, via the www.toyota.co.uk website. This simple process allowed customers to specify their vehicle and, if required make appropriate arrangements for part exchange of their current car and organise finance. 

Another plus-point for anyone considering a Toyota is the excellent warranty package. While the car comes with a standard three-year, 60,000-mile warranty, it can be extended free of charge to 10 years and 100,000 miles provided the vehicle is serviced regularly at a Toyota approved workshop.

The Aygo X is a popular model for Toyota and the introduction of the Air Edition has added extra appeal to the line-up. And that’s clever thinking because Aygo customers welcome the exclusivity this type of model brings with it.

It is full of character, beautifully styled and excellent fun to drive. All without breaking the bank. Now all we need is some sunshine!