09 Aygo: Greener – And Black And Blue, Too

Aygo is a success story in miniature. Since launch in 2005 this small but perfectly formed Toyota has amassed more than 100,000 sales a year across Europe, its combination of low cost of ownership, contemporary styling and fun-to-drive character making it a top performer in the expanding A-segment.

Now the factors that have made Aygo a winner have been further sharpened to make it an even stronger proposition. The result is the new 2009 Aygo, on sale now.

The revised Aygo range includes two new feature models, Aygo Blue and Aygo Black, with exclusive equipment specifications, plus the established Aygo and Aygo+, in three and five-door body styles. All are powered by the Engine of the Year class-winning 1.0-litre VVT-i petrol unit, with five-speed manual or MultiMode transmission.

Sales Success British drivers were quick to take Aygo to their hearts and the car was named Top Gear Car of the Year in 2005 – an honour it held jointly with the Bugatti Veyron. Since launch more than 44,000 have been sold in the UK, while Europe-wide the figure has already passed the 300,000 mark.

Aygo's sales performance has been helped by rising fuel costs and taxation linked to emissions: with its low on-the-road price, rock-bottom 1E insurance group, combined cycle fuel consumption of 62.8mpg and £35 (Band B) Vehicle Excise Duty bill, Aygo makes perfect economic sense.

Market indicators suggest Aygo is well-positioned to benefit from a trend for car owners to downsize: the A-segment is expected to grow from 4.7 to 7.0 per cent of total European car sales by 2010, growth powered in part by the wider adoption of emissions-based tax plans.

It's a car with big appeal for younger drivers, and it has attracted a large number of women drivers, too, who account for 68 per cent of European sales.

1.0-litre VVT-i engine with Toyota Optimal Drive Toyota's three-cylinder 1.0-litre VVT-i petrol engine, a category winner in the International Engine of the Year awards in 2007 and 2008, now benefits from the application of Toyota Optimal Drive, a raft of technologies that deliver greater efficiency, improved performance and lower emissions.

When the engine was first launched in Aygo in 2005, it produced 109g/km of carbon dioxide. By early 2008, this figure had been reduced to 108g/km and for the 2009 Aygo it has fallen even further, to 106g/km.

The engineering improvements that make this possible include a new cut-off system that saves fuel during gear changes and the adoption of low viscosity oil for less engine resistance.

With its all-aluminium construction, the 1.0-litre VVT-i is the lightest internal combustion engine on the market, weighing just 67kg.  It is also the most powerful in the A-segment, producing 67bhp (68 DIN hp), and it delivers class-leading torque of 93Nm at 3,600rpm.

To provide better driveability in urban traffic, the development team worked to ensure strong torque at low to medium engine speeds by optimising the intake system, setting the appropriate manifold length and giving the intake ports a smaller diameter. The three-cylinder configuration also promotes the availability of torque in the low to mid-range, with less "metal" to move at lower speeds.

The engine remains remarkably fuel-frugal, with consumption improved from 61.4 to 62.8mpg in combined cycle driving with five-speed manual transmission (the figure is unchanged for versions with the MultiMode gearbox at 61.4mpg).

Design and Refinement Designed and built in Europe, Aygo is 100 per cent Toyota. Its design features familiar elements, such as the characteristic bulge around the Toyota badge on the bonnet and the triangular quarter light. Overall Aygo's appearance projects a sporty and fun character, with a high quality finish and a comfortable interior.

This spirit is reinforced in the 2009 Aygo, with a re-sculpted front grille and bumper that emphasise the car's low centre of gravity, giving it a more ground-hugging appearance. The extended front bumper increases overall length by 10mm and allows for neater integration of front fog lights, when specified.

At the rear the rear lamp clusters have gained circular chrome detailing to accentuate their appearance, with a dark finish to the cover to match the look of the headlamps.  There are also new-design wheel covers and 14-inch alloys.

On five-door versions the B-pillar is finished in black for a smarter, sportier look and colour side protection mouldings are introduced on the new Aygo Blue feature model.

Aygo Black comes with new Alcantara and leather upholstery and leather trim for the steering wheel and gear knob.

Noise, Vibration and Harshness Improvements True to Toyota's philosophy of kaizen – continuous improvement – Aygo's NVH levels have been reduced. Sound-absorbing felt has been added to the interior A and C-pillar trims; thicker, denser materials have been used for the package tray; and asphalt sheets have been added between the carpets and vehicle floor.

Under the bonnet, a new, damped engine pulley has been added to reduce vibration in the engine bay.

Aygo Blue and Aygo Black In addition to the regular three and five-door Aygo and Aygo+, Toyota has introduced two new feature models for 2009.

Aygo Blue puts the emphasis on comfort and convenience, with air conditioning and Bluetooth connectivity provided as standard, plus an exclusive Cayman Blue metallic paint finish.

Aygo Black ups the style factor with 14-inch alloy wheels, Alcantara and leather upholstery and leather trim for the steering wheel and gear knob, together with a black metallic exterior. This specification is available exclusively with manual transmission; further Aygo Black models with air conditioning added to the specification are available with a choice of both manual and MultiMode transmission.

Accessory Packs Owners can add more features to their Aygo with a choice of two accessory packs. The Style pack for Aygo Blue (£580) provides alloy wheels, front fog lamps and front scuff plates. The Xtra Protected pack, available for Aygo Blue (£330), includes rear parking sensors, mud flaps and carpets. For Aygo Black the Xtra Protected Pack (£380) also provides side and rear bumper protection mouldings.

2009 Toyota Aygo Prices