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Hybrid in A-segment

Years ago, Toyota was skeptical about an A-segment car with hybrid technology. Because too expensive and therefore unmarketable. But times are changing. Hybrid technology is becoming cheaper and because the previous Aygo X has already sold more than 210,000 times since 2022, Toyota sees (financial) room to take the next step in the A-segment. The fact that it is now technically possible to downsize components such as power control units, engines and inverters also plays into Toyota introducing hybrid technology to the A-segment. Welcome Toyota Aygo X Hybrid. A car with CO2 emissions of 85 g/km on paper, but more importantly, significantly better performance. Also nice: Toyota now delivers a hybrid in all vehicle segments.

Limited motor power

With 72 hp, the outgoing Aygo X was basically a neat car, but in terms of engine power, the 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine did not really impress. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h took about 15 seconds, due in part to gearbox gears that were too long and limited engine torque of 93 Nm from 4,400 rpm. Otherwise, it was a fine A-segment car. Not perfect, of course, because limited seating space in the rear and a high lift threshold, but for a lot of people it was excellent and reliable transportation.

Also as GR Sport

The Toyota Aygo X Hybrid goes one step further. Or rather, the Aygo X is more mature than ever. Later the technology, first the cosmetic part. The front has been redesigned and Toyota also supplies new 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels. Moreover, for the first time a GR Sport version is also available. This features a sportier suspension tuning (23.1 percent thicker struts with 16.9 more suspension travel) and steering and offers striking visual touches. 18-inch alloy wheels are standard on this version. A unique Mustard color is available for the GR SPORT version. To further emphasize sportiness, the Aygo X GR Sport features a black hood.

Toyota has snazzy colors in the lineup for the Aygo X Hybrid anyway. There is a choice of Cinnamon, Jasmin, Tarragon and Lavender. These colors always come as bi-tone with a contrasting black color for the rear of the car. An optional fabric convertible roof is available, with a unique pattern in the fabric for the higher trim levels.

Interior Toyota Aygo X Hybrid

Toyota is also introducing an enhanced Toyota Smart Connect system. A 10.5-inch HD touchscreen multimedia system is available on higher trims, including the GR SPORT. Other versions come standard with a 9-inch screen. A premium JBL audio system with four speakers and a subwoofer in the luggage compartment is standard on GR Sport. That leaves 189 liters of luggage space, as the subwoofer takes up some space. Toyota Smart Connect offers wireless smartphone connectivity via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Additional convenience comes from two standard USB-C ports and an optional induction charger for smartphones.  

SakuraTouch

Sustainability has also been considered. Among other things, Toyota uses recycled plastics and fabrics for the seat cover (SakuraTouch), which consists of more than 40% vegetable PVC derived from by-products of wood pulp processing, cork waste from the wine industry and recycled PET. This mix of animal-free materials reduces CO₂ emissions in material production by 95% compared with genuine leather. In addition, Toyota uses in-mold color technology to make components directly in the correct color, without the need for subsequent spray painting.  

Luggage space Toyota Agyo X Hybrid

Smart use of the available space also means that the auxiliary battery has been placed under the luggage compartment, which allowed hybrid technology to be integrated without losing storage space. The luggage compartment has a capacity of 231 liters. No change in that area. Remaining is the higher lift threshold.  

Technology Toyota Aygo X Hybrid

OK, now to the technology. The Aygo X Hybrid has the same hybrid technology as the latest Yaris. The powertrain has a system output of 116 hp, a hefty 32 kW (44 hp) increase. The gasoline engine itself produces 91 hp and 120 Nm, and the electric motor 59 kW and 141 Nm. This results in a considerably faster 0-100 time of 9.2 seconds, a gain of more than five seconds. Electric driving is possible up to a speed of 130 km/h. The evolution from nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) to today’s lithium-ion technology has resulted in smaller, more energy-dense batteries that rely less on rare earths. Toyota did have to make some modifications to the Aygo X’s platform to accommodate all the components.  

Extended front

The front end has been lengthened by 76 mm to accommodate the 1.5-liter engine. For the first time in a Toyota hybrid, the two stacks of battery cells are placed side by side across the width of the floor under the rear seat. Other Toyota hybrids use a parallel configuration, which requires more longitudinal space. Making clever use of the available space, the 12V battery has also been placed under the luggage compartment without sacrificing storage capacity.

Better cooling system

In addition to the placement of the hybrid battery, the cooling system has also been revamped. The cooling fan, normally located right next to the battery, is now placed at the front of the space under the rear seat. This solution not only optimizes interior space, but also creates two airflows to the battery for efficient cooling.  

New cabling

Integrating the hybrid powertrain also required a new wiring system. In the process, Toyota immediately implemented new electronics, such as new electronic control units (ECU). This not only improved system performance and hybrid integration, but also enabled the introduction of a 7-inch driver display. In addition, Toyota completely replaced the air conditioning system with an upgraded version. More expensive versions have dual-zone climate control as a result.

The undercarriage

Although the GA-B platform is also used for the Yaris, the new Aygo X has a modified rear end. The suspension – including stabilizer bars, springs and dampers, as well as new five-point wheel hubs – have also been modified. Silencers in the dashboard, insulation under the hood and engine covers work together with an updated exhaust system and muffler to make the ride quieter.

Additional sound insulation and improved streamline

At higher trim levels, noise levels are further reduced by additional measures such as thicker glass and additional sound insulation in the body. Sound-deadening materials behind the dashboard, hood insulation and a different bottom cover, combined with an upgraded exhaust system and silencer, ensure a quiet journey. Toyota further applies engine cover. This improves underfloor aerodynamics and lowers drag.

How does the new Toyota Aygo X Hybrid drive?

Well, here we have only one word: bizarre! That’s how big the difference is from the outgoing model. This A-segmenter benefits from a blissful powertrain with much more torque, a larger power reserve and much quieter running. Of course, you also make concessions, such as a 150-kilogram higher vehicle weight that will make you pay more road tax (now 1,090 kilograms). But oh well, the powertrain has become more fuel-efficient, so that makes up for that difference. In any case, the Aygo X Hybrid has become a more mature car thanks to this hybrid upgrade.

Safety

Of course, the new Aygo X Hybrid has the latest driving assistance systems on board. Think enhanced Pre-Collision System, Lane Trace Assist and Road Sign Assist, as well as the new Emergency Driving Stop System and Proactive Driving Assist. For the first time on an Aygo X, Toyota Safety Sense features over-the-air updates to ensure the safety systems are always up to date.

Market introduction Toyota Aygo X Hybrid

Sales start in late 2025 in the first European markets. In the Netherlands, the new Aygo X is expected in showrooms in December. Expect a higher starting price, also because the manual transmission version will disappear. The Aygo X Hybrid is always an automatic transmission (CVT). The previous Aygo X 1.0 with automatic had a starting price of 23,150 euros. Count on at least 25,000 euros for this Aygo X Hybrid.

This is also useful to know!

• In the interior, new trims stand out, with the motif of a bowling ball or marble. What is special is that Toyota already adds these colors during the molding process, eliminating the need for painting afterwards.  
• This car got a new air conditioning module with two zones. And yes, the car also has two USB C charging points
• Case in point: the steering wheel is not adjustable in depth, only in height. That’s a cost savings by Toyota.
• Also important to keep in mind: the rear door does not open very far, leaving limited boarding space. Also, watch your head while getting in.
• The rear windows can be opened with a folding system.
• Remaining are the narrow seats. The seats themselves are quite okay and not even that short, but don’t expect a wide seat.
• The luggage space has a capacity of 231 liters, but if the car is equipped with a JBL audio system with subwoofer, the luggage space reduces to 189 liters.
• A strong feature of the Toyota Aygo X is its warranty. In fact, Toyota provides a 10-year warranty up to 200,000 km. And that is unique in the A-segment.