Toyota Aygo X Hybrid review: Frugal, funky – and no need for a plug

We get behind the wheel of the new hybrid version of Toyota’s dinky Aygo X supermini

When the original Toyota Aygo X was launched in 2022, it made a big impact, because the previously popular Aygo city car had been transformed into a funky, affordably-priced, urban crossover.

At the time, the Aygo X (pronounced “Aygo Cross”) was only available with a 1.0-litre petrol engine combined with either a five-speed manual or CVT transmission.

The new model replaces the small engine with the full hybrid set-up already doing great service in the Yaris and Yaris Cross.

In other words, a 1.5-litre petrol engine is paired with a small electric motor and battery pack, powering the front wheels via a CVT transmission.

The 114bhp hybrid unit delivers 43bhp more, along with the lowest CO2 emissions (87g/km) of any non-plug-in vehicle and economy of up to 74.3mpg.

Top speed is now 107mph and the 0-62mph time is 9.2 seconds, compared with 98mph and 14.9s.

Priced from £21,645, it’s available in four trim grades – Icon, Design, Excel and GR Sport.

Entry-level Icon gets 17-inch alloy wheels, a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, 7.0-inch driver’s display, automatic air conditioning, a new seat upholstery made from recycled materials and two USB-C ports.

Design adds 18-inch alloys, LED headlights, push-button start, wireless device charger, new fabric upholstery with X-pattern embroidery and piping, auto-retracting heated door mirrors and electronic parking brake.

Excel specification features a 10.5-inch Smart Connect multimedia system, front and rear parking sensors, Smart Entry, a perforated upholstery fabric – again made from recycled materials – and heated front seats. The Premium Pack option provides a JBL premium audio system and retracting canvas roof.

The new GR Sport model benefits from sports-tuned suspension, special GR-Sport 18-inch alloy wheels, seat upholstery and interior/exterior design details. The bi-tone paint finish includes a black bonnet.

All grades come with Toyota Safety Sense, which includes autonomous emergency braking, emergency brake assist, lane keep assist, automatic high beam lights and road sign assist as standard.

The most noticeable difference is at the front end where its new nose echoes the styling of its bigger siblings. It’s also slightly longer (the front overhang extended by 76mm) in order to house the larger engine.

At 1,090kg, its kerbweight is some 100kg heavier than the original Aygo X, which is still featherweight compared to most cars these days.

Apart from the new dashboard, the interior is much the same cheap and cheerful look, but then what would you expect for the price?

So, you’ll find hard plastics and exposed painted metal. On the plus side, the infotainment system works well enough, and there are still some physical buttons and dials (for the air con – crucially).

There’s plenty of room up front and the driving position is comfortable. However, it’s tight in the back and the passenger experience isn’t helped by the small, rear-hinged windows which don’t fully open.

The boot continues the cosy theme, offering 231 litres of space, expanding to 829 litres with the rear seats folded.

The addition of a hybrid system has transformed the Aygo X. Not only is it more refined, but it’s sportier too, thanks to the bigger, smoother engine and electrical assistance.

While it’s quicker off the mark and there’s more mid-range poke, it’s still not a hot hatch, even in GR Sport trim.

But then hybrids are all about economy, and that’s where the Aygo X Hybrid scores.

In traffic, it slips into pure electric mode for short bursts, while the gear selector gets a ‘B’ mode for higher levels of brake energy regeneration. It’s only a small battery, so well worth charging it up by using ‘B’ mode to slow down for junctions or on steep downhill stretches of road.

The Aygo X Hybrid’s engine doesn’t have to be worked as hard as its predecessor, so it’s generally more relaxed, while Eco, Normal and Power driving modes alter throttle response, but frankly Normal is the best balance, and works just fine.

I’m not fan of CVT auto gearboxes, but as they go, the Aygo X Hybrid’s is one of the better ones. It still has its high-rev moments, but it seems better balanced than before.

The ride is on the stiff side, but not uncomfortably so, and it handles well, staying remarkably flat in more challenging corners.

It’s probably at its best in an urban environment, where its light steering and tight turning circle (just 4.7 metres) come into their own, but it can now also hold its own on A roads and motorways.

I’d need a week or so to give a more precise estimate of the Aygo X Hybrid’s real-world economy, but based on a day of driving on mixed roads, I’d say 60mpg-plus is very achievable if driven sensibly.

Ultimately, the Aygo X is all grown up and more sophisticated than before. And if you want peace of mind, it has a basic three-year, 60,000-mile warranty, but customers can get up to 10 years or 100,000 miles of warranty by getting their cars serviced annually at a Toyota dealership.

Verdict: If you’re looking for an economical city car, but you’re not ready to switch to 100% electric, then the Toyota Aygo X Hybrid could be for you. Distinctively styled, easy to drive and capable of up to 74.3mpg, it’s well worth a test drive.

Review in association with AutomotiveBlog