Top Gear's favourite football star, the Toyota Aygo, is to receive some restyling for the first time since its launch in 2005. Like its 'siblings' (the
Peugeot 107 and
Citroen C1), the restyled city car will make its public debut at the Brussels Motor Show on January 10 ahead of going on sale in the UK in March.
The updated look is characterised by a new front-end that apes that of the recently released Yaris. Integrated fog lights feature in a new wider front bumper while a large trapezoidal air intake (said to improve engine cooling) sits below a re-profiled bonnet. Optional LED daytime running lights are also available.
Interior quality has been improved with a new dark grey finish to the dashboard and leather trim on the steering wheel. Two audio systems will be offered - a 35W AM/FM/CD package with two or four speakers, or a new unit that comes with Bluetooth and a USB port for connecting portable music players such as iPods.
The all-aluminium 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine still puts out 67bhp and 68lb.ft of torque but has been tweaked to be even more efficient than before. Fuel economy for the five-speed manual equipped cars improves from 61.3- to 65.7mpg while CO
2 emissions tumble from 105- to 99g/km. Even the model fitted with the paddle operated Multimode transmission returns 63.8mpg and emits only 104g/km.
Further details on specifications and prices of the UK model range will be announced nearer the on-sale date.
Paul Healy - 9 Jan 2012