Toyota’s Smallest Car Gets the GR Sport Treatment

The funky Aygo X is the smallest model Toyota sells outside of Japan’s kei car segment. It’s a diminutive vehicle competing in Europe’s rarefied A-segment, especially after the exit of the Volkswagen Group’s trio (VW up!, Skoda Citigo, and SEAT Mii) a few years ago. Previously a traditional hatchback, the Aygo X adopted crossover styling cues with the launch of its latest generation in 2022. A mid-cycle refresh now brings substantial changes.

Not many may recall, but the Aygo X was once available with a five-speed manual gearbox. Well, that’s no longer the case. The facelifted version is now automatic-only and features a new engine. The naturally aspirated 1.0-liter unit has been replaced by a larger 1.5-liter powertrain sourced from the Yaris supermini. It produces 114 hp, which, although nothing to write home about, is still a healthy 43-hp increase over its predecessor.

This power bump has dramatically improved performance, reducing the 0–62 mph (100 km/h) time from a sluggish 14.9 seconds to just under 10 seconds. Toyota is also electrifying the Aygo X, making it the only full hybrid in its class. Emissions are impressively low at just 86 grams of CO₂ per kilometer, the best figure among non-plug-in vehicles. Fuel consumption is rated at only 3.8 liters per 100 km, which translates to roughly 61.6 miles per gallon.

To accommodate the hybrid bits, the front overhang has been extended by 76 millimeters (nearly 3 inches). Given the Aygo X’s compact length of just 3.7 meters (145.7 inches), engineers had to innovate with the battery packaging. For the first time in a Toyota, two stacks of battery cells are installed side by side across the floor beneath the rear seats. This longitudinal layout contrasts with the parallel configuration found in larger vehicles, which have more space to spare.

These mechanical upgrades are accompanied by design tweaks, including a new grille, updated headlights, and a revised hood. For the first time, the Aygo X is available in a GR Sport trim. While it doesn’t receive extra power, it promises sharper handling through quicker-reacting electric power steering and revised tuning of the coil springs and shock absorbers.

Despite the addition of hybrid hardware and the relocation of the auxiliary battery beneath the cargo floor, luggage capacity remains unchanged at 231 liters (8.15 cubic feet). Elsewhere, Toyota has added more soundproofing for a quieter ride, with higher trims also benefiting from thicker window glass. And yes, the rear doors’ windows still pop out. The analog instrument cluster has been replaced with a seven-inch digital display, and an electronic parking brake is now standard.

Although it’s Toyota’s smallest car, the Aygo X comes well-equipped, offering features such as a wireless smartphone charger, power-folding mirrors, and Panasonic’s nanoeX air purification system. Additional highlights include dual USB-C ports, over-the-air updates, and a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance features.

The updated Aygo X will go on sale in Europe later this year. As Toyota’s most affordable offering on the continent, it has sold over 287,000 units since its debut three years ago. Unlike previous generations, which had Peugeot and Citroën counterparts, this iteration is an in-house effort.