MOTORING NEWS AND VIDEO - Sometimes you come across a massive dog with almost no bite, and then you happen to meet a miniature Doberman Pinscher with so much heart that it's six times its size. Just like the spunky new Toyota Aygo.
The Aygo is available in three models: Aygo, Ago X-Play with black and silver roof options and the Aygo X-Cite.
Exterior
The car has a fresh new design. It sports a hip look with an X-design grille - I love the look. It reminds me of a transformer that will change into a space age robot at any moment.
It is clear the designers paid a lot of attention to detail - an example is the name in chrome in the front lights. The whole vehicle speaks of quality. The sunroof of the Aygo X-Play that I test drove opened up nearly the whole roof.
Interior
The high-quality exterior extends to the interior. No cheap plastics were used and the interior is high quality throughout. The seats are extremely comfortable and except for the back seat where I had to bow my head, there is enough space to accommodate my six-foot frame with ease.
It is a small vehicle and you cannot expect a massive boot, but there is ample space for two kids and their jumbo schoolbags. The back seats can also be lowered.
The Aygo has sleek funky lines.
Technology
The Aygo has a large display screen with a touchscreen, but you can also operate the various functions, including the radio and your phone, from your steering wheel. It has Bluetooth, USB and an auxiliary input. The Aygo has electric front windows, adjustable front seats and an air-conditioning system that hardly has an effect on the engine's power.
Engine and driving experience
The Toyota Aygo has a 1000cc engine which delivers 53kW and 93Nm. This is impressive. What is even more impressive is the fuel consumption of only 4,3 litres per 100km. This little car has big bite. It is nippy and quick. At 120-130km/h I never felt I was driving a small car. It has the power and speed to zip past a truck or other vehicle travelling around 110km/h without any hassle. Around bends, even at high speed, it stuck to the road and did not once threaten to drift.
In the city it was nippy and very comfortable to park.
You can definitely take the Aygo on the long road if you do not have too much luggage. I loved driving this vehicle.
Watch a video below.
Safety
The Aygo has ABS and brake assist technology. It also has hill-assist technology and comes with vehicle stability control, which helps with cornering.
The Toyota Aygo has driver seat and passenger airbags with side curtain airbags on the X-Cite model. The car also has an anti-theft immobiliser.
The Aygo has an average bread and milk city sized boot, but can be extended by putting down the back seats.
Great price
To give you peace of mind the Toyota Aygo comes standard with a 3 year / 100 000km warranty plan. Visit Halfway Toyota to test drive the Toyota Aygo yourself.
They always have steaming hot coffee to ensure you are wide awake before the test drive.
The interior of the Toyota Aygo. It has enough space for an average family.
Pricing starts at R174 900 and at the moment Halfway Toyota offers a R10 000 discount on the recommended retail price. Limited stock available.
Phone Halfway Toyota George on 044 802 8200.
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