The Aygo X Embraces Hybrid, Bidding Farewell to Manual Driving
Toyota just killed off another stick shift. The tiny Aygo X is getting a major update that dumps its basic gas engine for hybrid technology borrowed from the Yaris.
When this car hits UK dealerships in late 2025, it'll become the smallest full hybrid you can buy there. But here's the catch - Toyota is ditching the current 1.0-litre manual transmission setup completely. So yeah, another manual bites the dust.
Most car companies have abandoned the city car market entirely. Toyota? They're sticking around. Since 2022, they've moved almost 300,000 of these little cars. That's pretty impressive for such a tiny vehicle.
What's Under the Hood Now?
The new Aygo X borrows the exact same hybrid system from its bigger siblings - the Yaris and Yaris Cross. We're talking about a 1.5-litre gas engine paired with electric motors that pump out 114 horsepower total.
Toyota had to get creative with the battery placement though. The Aygo X is so small that they couldn't use their normal setup. Instead of stacking battery cells in a single row, engineers positioned two stacks side by side under the back seats. The auxiliary battery got moved under the trunk floor to save interior space.
This hybrid setup delivers 43 more horsepower than before. Toyota claims the 0-62 mph sprint takes under 10 seconds now. The old 1.0-litre engine was painfully slow - imagine driving the cheapest rental car you've ever experienced in Spain.
Fuel economy should exceed 70 miles per gallon. CO2 emissions drop to just 86 grams per kilometer, making it the cleanest car that doesn't require plugging in.
Looks Got an Update Too
The front end received a complete redesign. Sharp LED headlights replace the old units. A new front bumper extends the car's nose by 76 millimeters to fit the larger hybrid components inside.
There's a fresh hood design as well. If you want open-air driving, the retractable canvas roof option returns.
Toyota drew inspiration from kitchen spices for the new color palette. You can pick from Cinnamon, Jasmine, Tarragon, or Lavender finishes.
GR Sport Trim Joins the Party
Toyota is adding a GR Sport version to the lineup. They claim motorsport inspiration, but we'll see if it's more than just cosmetic changes.
The GR Sport gets a two-tone paint scheme with a black hood, special grille, and unique alloy wheels. Toyota promises improved handling through redesigned suspension and sharper power steering response.
Could we see a hot hatch GR Aygo X eventually? That would be interesting.
Interior Changes Are Modest
Inside, updates are pretty limited compared to the exterior work. A new seven-inch digital gauge cluster replaces analog dials. The climate control panel comes straight from the Yaris parts bin.
Higher trim levels get wireless phone charging capability. That's about it for cabin improvements.
When Can You Buy One?
Don't expect to see the hybrid Aygo X until very late in 2025. Toyota hasn't announced official pricing or final specifications yet.
The current model starts at £16,845. Expect the hybrid version to cost significantly more - probably around £20,000. That would still undercut the entry-level Yaris by over £3,000.
This represents Toyota's commitment to keeping affordable hybrid technology accessible. While other manufacturers flee the small car segment, Toyota keeps pushing forward with efficient, practical transportation for city dwellers.
The manual transmission's disappearance is unfortunate for driving purists. However, the hybrid system should make daily driving much more pleasant than the old naturally aspirated engine that required constant gear changes to maintain momentum.
Source and Images: CarMagazine