AM Awards: Used Car of the Year, Toyota Aygo

Used Car of the Year sponsored by Car Care Plan

Since its 2005 launch, the Toyota Aygo has found great favour among thousands of motorists looking for a stylish urban runabout from a brand focused on delivering customer expectations.

It cannot be forgotten that the Aygo is Toyota’s version of the Peugeot 107 and Citroën C1.

But the elements which help the Aygo stand out from its virtually identical French rivals don’t belong to the car alone.
Toyota is renowned for its reliability, quality of customer service and buyer loyalty, and this brings added appeal to the Aygo on the used market.

That appeal is reflected by Aygo’s residual values.

Oddly, considering that Toyota is the most admired brand of the three, Aygo comes in cheaper at new list price than the 107 and C1. This means on the used market they are considerable price-fighters in the city car segment. The car benefits from Toyota not having over-sold the Aygo from launch, which has kept supply in line with demand.

While fairly basic and diminutive, Aygo’s lightweight structure and peppy 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine are among its strengths. Ultra-low running costs – official figures of 61mpg efficiency on the combined cycle are hard to beat, wallet-riendly insurance makes it an attractive choice, particularly to younger drivers, and 106g/km CO2 emissions ensure a £35 annual VED bill.

“The car benefits from Toyota not having over-sold the Aygo from launch”

Ease of parking and interior space are among its other plus points. What Aygo lacks in luggage capacity due to its tiny boot, it makes up for with a cabin big enough to seat four people in reasonable comfort.

In 2006 Toyota added a 1.4-litre diesel engine to the range, which made motorway trips more pleasant. However, diesel sales in the city car segment are minimal as it offers no cost benefits unless buyers cover a substantial number of miles, and this engine was withdrawn from the Aygo line-up in May 2007.

The entry Aygo keeps it simple, with CD player, height-adjustable steering, and folding rear seats among its few highlights.

Mid-spec Aygo+ adds electric windows, remote central locking and side airbags, while the Sport trim adds alloy wheels and rev counter.

Finalists