Toyota Aygo, pronounced as ‘i go’, is the smallest Toyota yet. In times where cars get bigger with each new generation, it is no surprise that many car models have grown bigger, heavier, costlier and consume more fuel. Yet there is growing demand for minicars in many markets where congestion and parking is a problem for larger cars. Many drivers want a car that fast, nippy, cheap to buy and to run. And the Aygo is designed just to be that. It’s first cousin are the Peugeot 107 and the Citroen C1, as they are all built on a same platform. Just a bit of trivia, I-Go, symbolizing freedom and mobility.
At just 3,405mm long, its fulfils it main mission to carry four people in reasonable comfort. The engine, at the moment is the lightest petrol engine in the world for a 4 seater car, that weighs just 67 kgs. You get an all aluminium 998cc three-cylinder VVT-I petrol engine, that pumps out 67 bhp (50kW) at 6,000rpm and (69lb ft) 93Nm torque at 3,600rpm to pull along a kerb weight of 790-890kg. It won’t break as speed records but Toyota have engineered fun into the car.
To make the car cheap and light, Toyota used thin sheet metal for the outer skin on the bonnet and doors and rear windows simply pop open rather then winding up and down. The rear hatch is completely glass! However, the Aygo bodyshell is made of 50% high tensile strength steel to meet necessary safety standards.
You can get the basic 5 speed manual or a 5 speed MMT, semi automatic manual, where you get to enjoy the benefits of an automatic shift without the losses of a torque converter nor the cost of a CVT transmission. The MMT is not a smooth as a normal auto or a CVT though.
The basic model cost around £ 7,000. On a sideline, the Aygo may make it to the US in 2008 to compete with the Smart.
Dimensions
Length – 3,405mm
Width – 1,616mm
Height – 1,465mm
Weight – 790-890kg
Suspension -Independent front suspension with coil springs, semi-independent torsion beam rear suspension with coil springs
Transmission – 5-speed manual, 5-speed ‘Multi-Mode Manual’ (semi automatic, with manual sequential and fully automatic modes).
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