Hot off the press: Regroomed, the popular Aygo supermini boasts improved looks and kit as well as a new line-up for 2012. Having broken cover at the Brussels motor show at the beginning of the year, the new range is now available in South Africa.
As well as adopting the new smiling face of Toyota’s latest generation of small cars, Aygo has a new flagship model – the special edition Inferno now leads the revitalised line-up.
Wild on design
Aygo has a striking front-end treatment that follows Toyota’s new design language, echoing some of the features that characterise new Yaris. There is a greater emphasis on the lower section of the car, to express a more planted, purposeful stance, evident in the wider front bumper, and a large trapezoidal air intake.
The upper front grille has been rendered more slender and now has the characteristic Toyota ‘smile’. Completing the makeover is a new bonnet design which adds to Aygo’s overall road presence. The re-style has added increased Aygo’s length by 15mm; other dimensions – including the car’s tight 4.73m turning circle – remain unchanged, making Aygo as well-suited to zipping around town as ever.
Worthy of mention is the fact that the design changes are not just about looking good: the new bumper is more aerodynamically efficient while the larger intake improves engine cooling performance.
Fiery flagship
Just in case you’re wondering why this release is peppered with references to “fresh”, “wild” and “hot”, the explanation is simple. It refers to the three model grades available on the Aygo, with the Inferno Special Edition being the hot new leader of the pack.
Sure to set the motoring world on fire, the focus for this five-door model is on the sporty details:
• Exclusive burnt orange metallic paintwork with matching side protection mouldings and interior trim
• Alcantara seats
• Front fog lamps
• Leather steering and gearshift knob
The other four models in the Aygo range are available in three- and five-door variants and as before, are badged Fresh and Wild, denoting entry-level and mid-spec trim grades (see price list below for specific model breakdown). The good news is that all models now come with a radio/CD player as standard, while all but the entry-level model are now also equipped with a tachometer.
A ‘stroll’ through the grade walk reveals that this supermini packs a maxi punch when it comes to kit:
Fresh
• Power steering
• Air conditioning
• Clock
• Two-speaker audio system
• Tilt-adjustable steering column
• Foldable rear seat
• Accessory socket
• ABS, EBD and BAS
• Dual front airbags (driver and passenger)
• Headlamp levelling system
• Rear fog lights
• Immobiliser
• Toyota Microdot System
• 4-year/60 000 km service plan
Wild models top up with the following additional spec:
• 14-inch alloy wheels with full size alloy spare wheel
• Colour-coded mirrors and door handles
• Tachometer
• Front power windows
• 4-speaker audio system
• Split-folding rear seat with rear headrests
• High-grade seat trim
• Rear and side privacy glass
• Side airbags (4 in total with dual front airbags)
• Remote central locking
Toyota Optimal Drive – A breath of fresh air
Right from the start, clean performance that is easy on the wallet has been central to Aygo’s
qualities. With a string of International Engine of the Year awards for “green” performance
under its belt, the 1.0-litre VVT-i Toyota Optimal Drive three-cylinder petrol continues to impress with its refreshingly low emissions (102g) and even lower fuel consumption (averages out at just 4,6 litres/100km). This means that the Aygo will not only save you on regular visits to the fuel pump, but it will also allow you to escape any CO2 emissions tax penalties.
Pricing and servicing
Aygo 3-dr Fresh – R111 900
Aygo 5-dr Fresh – R118 100
Aygo 3-dr Wild – R121 200
Aygo 5-dr Wild – R127 400
Aygo 5-dr Inferno – R135 100
All new Aygo models come with a four-year/60 000 km Service Plan included in the purchase price (service intervals are every 15 000 km), along with Toyota’s comprehensive three-year/100 000 km warranty.
Aygos are supported by the ToyotaCare Roadside Assistance Programme and entitles customers to 24 hour roadside assistance, ensuring ultimate peace-of-mind motoring.
