Toyota Aygo X Edge Crossover road test

As time and tastes change, Toyota has updated its original Aygo model to create the 5-door Aygo X, which has a chunkier and stronger look, better equipment, and maintains its agility.

The Toyota Aygo X Crossover comes in a choice of 8 models based on four trim levels, five-speed manual or automatic transmission and priced from £14,805 to £20,750, all using a 72bhp 3cyl sub-1.0 litre petrol engine.Among the options unusual in this class is the option of a folding canvas roof to give the Aygo X a feeling of openness.

The Toyota Aygo X Edge Crossover has a powerful 998cc three-cylinder petrol engine which proved ideal in town and ultimately surprised us with its overall economy above 62mpg comfortably exceeding the stated WLTP best of 57.65mpg.

With the need to quickly move out of the shorter first gear to make reasonable progress, the pickup is good and the Aygo X easily maintains its place in urban flows but it needs planning and frequent downchanges to pass other vehicles on main roads.

The brakes were very good, modest pressure bringing about a quick and progressive slowing while the handbrake did its job and the steering imparted good feeling, had a tight turning circle and did not suffer any vibration or kickback.

The Aygo X comes with a good suite of safety features including intelligent brakes, steering assist and lane warning, automatic headlight and intelligent cruise control as well as fatigue monitor.

Commonly used stalks operated efficient wipers and effective headlights for the possible speed but I thought the black finished buttons on the wheelspokes for ancillary functions and those on the lower edge of the central display for heating and ventilation were disastrous and should be backlit for clarity and safety.

Simple instruments in front of the driver were big and clear by comparison and the eight-inch infotainment display was sharp but needed hooking up to a mobile phone for navigation.

There was enough storage for a small family car, and the boot could hold a few shopping bags or two weekend bags, but not much more without removing the seatbacks individually.

Once inside, whether in front or back, the seats were cloth covered, nicely shaped and supporting for comfort and the adjustment range was reasonable but not generous on the front pair. It is a city car after all but was good for a 160 miles trip we undertook during the test week.

The Aygo X was very easy and unchallenging to drive, it proved nippy, had good roadholding and predictable safe handling and was not too upset by mid-corner bumps.