2022 Toyota Aygo X revealed for Europe, not coming to Australia

The 2022 Toyota Aygo X has been unveiled for European markets – though don't expect this Yaris-based micro car in Australia any time soon.

Designed and developed in Europe, the new Aygo X is Toyota's entry into the 'A' segment in Europe home to cars including the Fiat 500, Kia Picanto and Suzuki Ignis – but in a bid to keep sales up as sales of city cars slow, the Aygo X benefits from an SUV-inspired makeover, with a larger footprint and higher seating position.

Based on Toyota's latest TNGA-B platform shared with the larger Yaris and Yaris Cross, the Aygo X is an all-Toyota design – a departure from its predecessor, which was developed in conjunction with Peugeot 108 and Citroen C1 twins (models which won't receive new generations).

Measuring 3700mm long, 1740mm wide and 1510mm high, riding on a 2430mm wheelbase, the new Aygo X is 235mm longer overall, 125mm wider and 90mm longer in wheelbase than its predecessor – enabling 45mm of additional front shoulder room and a 231-litre boot (up 60 litres, with 125mm of additional load length).

However, it's 50mm taller from roof to tarmac, sits 11mm higher off the ground, and features a 55mm higher seating position for a more SUV-like feel – aided by a 10 per cent steeper A-pillar for improved visibility and "more presence and assurance on the road", Toyota says.

For comparison, a Kia Picanto is 105mm shorter in overall length, 145mm narrower and 25mm lower – its dimensions carefully selected to comply with low South Korean vehicle tax brackets – while a Toyota Yaris hatch is 240mm longer, 45mm narrower and 5mm lower than the Aygo X.

Inspired by the Aygo X Prologue concept revealed in March, the production city car mixes key design elements from its predecessor – including vertical tail-lights and a black glass tailgate – with a more rugged look encompassing larger 18-inch wheels, LED lights, butch front skid plate (with fog lights), and black wheel-arch cladding.

There's even an optional soft-top roof, with a retractable canvas opening that's 40mm larger than the one offered with the outgoing Aygo, good for a 20 per cent greater viewing angle.

Buyers can choose from one of four colours, each named after and inspired by a spice, and paired with a black contrast roof: Cardamom (faded green), Chilli (red), Ginger (beige) and Juniper (blue).

Inside, a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation and over-the-air updates sits in the centre of the funkily-styled dashboard, while the trim wrapping the sports seats, dashboard and centre console corresponds to the exterior colour.

While premium features including ambient lighting, wireless phone charging, a smartphone companion app and a 300-watt, four-speaker JBL sound system (with subwoofer) might be available, the Aygo X keeps costs down with a simple instrument cluster housing a large analogue speedometer, and a small digital screen sitting below.

Toyota has fitted its Toyota Safety Sense suite as standard to the Aygo X, including autonomous emergency braking with day/night pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection, lane tracing assist, adaptive cruise control and emergency steering assist.

There's no hybrid powertrain available with the new Aygo X – instead, the sole engine is a 1.0-litre non-turbo petrol three-cylinder, sending 53kW and 95Nm to the front wheels through a choice of five-speed manual or CVT automatic gearboxes.

Toyota claims a leisurely 15.5-second 0-100km/h time with the CVT (or 15.6 seconds with the manual) though combined fuel consumption comes in at just 4.7L/100km.

Improved roll stiffness, lower roll angles and smoother aerodynamics are quoted for keen drivers – and a high-performance GR version could be on the cards if customer demand is there, with Toyota Europe boss Andrea Carlucci telling Autocar "let’s be clear: it’s not in our plans," but to "never say never".

The 2022 Toyota Aygo X will go on sale in Europe next year, with all vehicles to be built alongside the European-market Toyota Yaris in Kolin, Czech Republic.

It won't come to Australia, with the Yaris to continue as Toyota Australia's entry-level offering for the foreseeable future. A Toyota Australia spokesperson told Drive: "The Toyota Aygo X is not currently being considered for the Australian market."