New-look Toyota Aygo X gains 74mpg hybrid; drops manual
Toyota has given the Aygo X an aggressive new look and a hybrid powertrain that is claimed to emit the least CO2 of any non-plug-in car in Europe.
The brand's smallest and most affordable car has adopted the same 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid powertrain that is used in the larger Yaris, sending up to 114bhp through the front wheels.
This is enough to send the Aygo X from 0-62mph in less than 10sec – a significant improvement on the previous 14.9sec. And, product manager Cesar Romero told Autocar, it will yield fuel efficiency in excess of 74mpg, pending official WLTP testing.
The existing 71bhp 1.0-litre three-pot, which traces its lineage back to the original Aygo of two decades ago, is being removed from the line-up, and the option of a manual gearbox goes with it; the Aygo X is now fitted with the Yaris's CVT-like epicyclic automatic as standard.
In addition to the much-improved performance of the hybrid, two key motivators for the older lump's removal from the line-up are the UK's zero-emission vehicle mandate and fleet CO2 emissions targets.
The ZEV mandate contains a provision that allows car manufacturers to convert reductions in their total CO2 outputs into de facto 'sales' of electric cars, giving them extra flexibility to meet EV sales targets.
Every 167g/km of CO2 cut from a firm's total output in any given year can be converted into one ZEV 'sale', meaning they have to sell one less electric car to meet compliance targets – or they can sell an extra petrol, diesel or hybrid car within their limit.
This is particularly relevant for the Aygo. It is one of Toyota's best-selling models in the UK, and the new hybrid system emits significantly less CO2 than the previous petrol engine. It's rated at 86g/km, a reduction of 23g. For reference, the rival MG 3 Hybrid+ emits 100g/km.
Autocar understands that Toyota sold some 14,000 examples of the city car in the UK last year. Had those all been the new hybrid, Toyota would have been able to sell in excess of 2000 additional ICE cars while remaining within its limit.
Separately from the ZEV mandate, such a significant reduction would have given Toyota crucial leeway in its fleet emissions targets: it would have offset the total output of nearly 1600 GR Yarises (rated at 215g/km) or 1400 Land Cruisers (240g/km).
The uprated powertrain will, however, bring an increase in cost. Toyota has yet to confirm numbers, but Romero said: "What we're targeting is, especially on a monthly payment, the total cost of ownership. Fuel consumption of the vehicle will be much lower than for the current car, thanks to the hybrid powertrain. We expect the step [in overall costs] not to be so big."
For reference, the current pure-petrol Aygo X starts at £16,485, while the Yaris opens at £23,445.
Inside, the new Aygo X features a series of subtle changes. The outgoing car's analogue speedometer and rev counter are swapped for a small digital instrument screen, and there is now a pair of USB-C ports below the climate control panel.
An infrared sensor is now mounted on the steering rack (for the EU-mandated driver attention monitoring system) and there are updated buttons on the steering wheel for the speed limit-warning and lane-keeping systems.
Toyota has also added more sound deadening around the dashboard and under the bonnet, and the exhaust has been reworked to improve refinement.
Higher trim levels will get yet more soundproofing and thicker window glass. The first examples of the new Aygo X are due in the UK early next year.
The new GR Sport trim (pictured above) aims to imbue the sensible Aygo X with more dynamic appeal, bringing with it a stiffer chassis and quicker steering.
A full-fat GR model isn't planned, however; Toyota says the new hybrid powertrain's 114bhp – yielding a power-to-weight ratio similar to that of the old VW Up GTI and Fiat Panda 100HP – is sufficient to make it fun to drive.
]]>
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Motor 1
2 hours ago
- Motor 1
New Lexus LFR Supercar Spotted in California
It's been over three years since Toyota unveiled the GR GT3 concept to preview a future race car. Since then, our sister site has reported that a street-legal version with a Lexus badge is in the works. Fast-forward to mid-2025, and the production model is still a no-show. That said, we still get giddy with excitement whenever a prototype is spotted testing on public roads. A new spy video shows the road-going model out and about in California. Shared on Instagram by veteran journalist Jonny Lieberman , the footage, which was recorded from inside a BMW M5 Touring on Angeles Crest, shows what reports suggest will be called the Lexus LFR. The low-slung performance machine was in good company, as it appears Lexus was benchmarking the prototype against a previous-generation Mercedes-AMG GT. The two coupes were accompanied by a current-generation Toyota Sequoia equipped with power-extending tow mirrors. The SUV in the front of the fleet was also a Sequoia . You know the LFR is going to look great when even the camouflaged prototype turns heads. Notably, it's missing the large rear wing previously seen on another test car. That aero element might be reserved for a hardcore, track-focused version, or it could be part of an optional package. You can tell the suspension is stiff from how the car bounces over even slight road imperfections, but that's how the cookie crumbles with dedicated sports cars. So, why is Lexus testing the AMG GT ? The new LFR is also expected to feature a front-mounted twin-turbo V-8, albeit with a hybrid twist. Affalterbach's second-generation model is electrified as well, but the AMG GT seen in the footage was the original, purely combustion-powered version. The upcoming Japanese rival boasts sexy proportions with a wide body, lending it an exotic presence to match the Mercedes. The fact that Lexus is benchmarking the AMG GT suggests it's setting the bar high for the LFR. However, don't expect it to be a direct successor to the LFA , as the new model is likely to slot lower in the lineup. As a result, it should significantly undercut the LFA's $375,000 price tag. A well-informed guess would place it above $150,000, especially considering the RC F already hovers around six figures. LFR Is Coming: Toyota Files For Lexus LFR Trademark In Europe Watch Lexus Test Its New High-Performance Coupe For reference, the least expensive AMG GT with a V-8 is the GT 55 at $138,700. However, Lexus might be targeting the GT 63, which begins at $179,050. Mercedes also offers two flavors at $195,900: the hybrid GT 63 S E Performance and the track-ready GT 63 Pro. Since Toyota and Lexus have been testing their new cars for years, we're hopeful they'll be revealed sooner rather than later. The race car is expected to compete in WEC in 2026, so the wait should be nearly over. Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
USA Today
9 hours ago
- USA Today
Chase Briscoe holds off Denny Hamlin at Pocono for first NASCAR Cup win of 2025
Chase Briscoe had enough gas to get to the end and hold off Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Denny Hamlin on Sunday, June 22, to win the NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway. Driving in his first season for JGR, the 30-year-old Briscoe, who led 72 laps in The Great American Getaway 400, held the point most of the final stage but appeared to be short on fuel after leaving his pit box early on Lap 119. However, the Indiana native held a consistent half-second lead over Hamlin's No. 11, beating him by 0.682 seconds for his third career win in 161 starts and earning a postseason playoff berth. FULL RESULTS: Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway Good to the last drop. Following Hamlin in the seven-caution race were Ryan Blaney in third, Chris Buescher in fourth and Chase Elliott in fifth. Returning to his No. 11 Toyota after missing last week's race in Mexico City due to the birth of his third child, polesitter Hamlin had to wait out inclement weather and took the green flag at 4:30 p.m. ET for the 160-lap competition, the 17th race on the Cup series schedule. With a week's rest behind him, Hamlin was tough right away on the 2.5-mile tricky tri-oval. Fellow Row 1 starter Buescher kept within striking distance early in his No. 17 Ford, but Hamlin outdistanced Buescher easily to lead all 30 laps of Stage 1. With some drivers short-pitting a few laps before the end, Buescher held on to second for valuable stage points. Tyler Reddick finished third, followed by Briscoe and Erik Jones. On Lap 83, four-time Pocono winner Kyle Busch was squeezed in the tunnel turn and spun to spark the fifth caution just past the Turn 2 area. Last week's winner Shane van Gisbergen, Ty Dillon and Christopher Bell all spun but received almost no noticeable damage. However, winless Reddick took his No. 45 Toyota to the garage with brake problems, which also failed teammate Bubba Wallace earlier. Briscoe's No. 19 Toyota came alive in the second stage and won the 65-lap segment, his first stage victory since 2022. Josh Berry, Elliott, William Byron and Buescher secured top-five bonus points. With 36 laps to go, the seventh caution for van Gisbergen spinning off Turn 1 was a bad break for leader Brad Keselowski, who had earlier been penalized for entering a closed pit and had yet to pit in the late cycle of stops.
Hamilton Spectator
9 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Chase Briscoe holds off Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Denny Hamlin to win at Pocono
LONG POND, Pa. (AP) — Chase Briscoe returned to victory lane Sunday at Pocono Raceway, conserving fuel down the stretch to hold off Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Denny Hamlin for his first win with his new race team. Briscoe raced his way into an automatic spot in NASCAR's playoffs with the win and gave the No. 19 Toyota its first victory since 2023 when Martin Truex Jr. had the ride. Briscoe lost his job at the end of last season at Stewart-Haas Racing when the team folded and he was tabbed to replace Truex in the four-car JGR field. Hamlin, who holds the track record with seven wins, appeared on the brink of reeling in Briscoe over the final, thrilling laps only to have not enough in the No. 11 Toyota to snag that eighth Pocono win. 'It was just so hard to have a guy chasing you, especially the guy that's the greatest of all time here,' Briscoe said. Briscoe made his final pit stop on lap 119 of the 160-lap race, while Hamlin — who returned after missing last week's race following the birth of his son — made his final stop on 120. Hamlin's team radioed to him that they believed Briscoe would fall about a half-lap short on fuel — only for the first-year JGR driver to win by 0.682 seconds. Briscoe, who won an Xfinity Series race at Pocono in 2020, raced to his third career Cup victory and first since Darlington in 2024. Briscoe has been on bit of a hot streak, and had his fourth top-10 finish over the last six races, including a seventh-place finish in last week's ballyhooed race in Mexico City. He became the 11th driver to earn a spot in the 16-driver field with nine races left until the field is set and made a winner again of crew chief James Small. Small stayed on the team through Truex's final winless season and Briscoe's winless start to this season. 'It's been a tough couple of years,' Small said. 'We've never lost belief, any of us.' Hamlin finished second. Ryan Blaney, Chris Buescher and Chase Elliott completed the top five. Briscoe, a third-generation dirt racer from Indiana, gave JGR its 18th Cup victory at Pocono. 'I literally grew up racing my sprint car video game in a Joe Gibbs Racing Home Depot uniform,' Briscoe said. 'To get Coach in victory lane after them taking a chance on me, it's so rewarding truthfully. Just a big weight off my shoulders. I've been telling my wife the last two weeks, I have to win. To finally come here and do it, it has been a great day.' The race was delayed 2 hours, 10 minutes by rain and the conditions were muggy by the time the green flag dropped. Briscoe led 72 laps and won the second stage. Briscoe wrote before the race on social media, 'Anybody going from Pocono to Oklahoma City after the race Sunday?' The Pacers fan wasn't going to make it to Game 7 of the NBA Finals. He'll certainly settle for a ride to victory lane. Clean race Carson Hocevar made a clean pass of Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and two feuding drivers battled without incident on restarts as they appeared to race in peace after a pair of recent wrecks on the track threatened to spill into Pocono. Stenhouse's threat to beat up his racing riva l after last weekend's race in Mexico City but cooler heads prevailed back in the United States. Hocevar finished 18th and Stenhouse 30th. Ouch There was a minor scare on pit road when AJ Allmendinger struck a tire in the carrier's hand with his right front side and sent it flying into the ribs of another team's crew member in the pit ahead of him. Jonpatrik Kealey, the rear tire changer on Shane van Gisbergen's race team, was knocked on all fours but finished work on van Gisbergen's pit stop. Brake time Bubba Wallace, Michael McDowell and Riley Herbst all had their races spoiled by brake issues. 'It was a scary feeling for sure,' Herbst said. 'I was just starting to get tight, just a bad adjustment on my part. Getting into (turn) one, the brakes just went to the floor. A brake rotor exploded and I was along for the ride.' Up next NASCAR heads to Atlanta. Christopher Bell won the first race at the track this season in March. ___ AP auto racing:
