The New Toyota Aygo X GR Sport: A Next-Generation City Car with Hybrid Power and Dynamic Design

Introducing the Upgraded Toyota Aygo X: Compact Versatility Meets Sporty Flair

Toyota has unveiled a significant update for its compact urban contender, the Aygo X. As the brand’s smallest car outside its Japanese kei category, the Aygo X stands out in Europe’s competitive A-segment, especially since rivals like the VW up!, Skoda Citigo, and SEAT Mii have exited the market. Now, Toyota takes the Aygo X to new heights, blending hybrid efficiency, performance enhancements, and a bold GR Sport trim for the first time.

Design Evolution: From Hatchback to Stylish Urban Crossover

Since its transformation into a crossover-inspired city car in 2022, the Aygo X has captured attention with its elevated stance and youthful styling. The latest mid-cycle refresh brings a sharper look, featuring a redesigned front grille, updated headlights, and a refined hood profile. These updates not only enhance visual appeal but also reinforce the Aygo X’s urban-ready character. The introduction of the GR Sport trim adds sporty touches, including distinctive badges and unique detailing for those seeking extra flair.

Innovative Packaging for Compact Dimensions

Measuring just 3.7 meters in length, the Aygo X remains an ideal choice for city driving and tight parking spots. To accommodate a new hybrid system, engineers extended the front overhang by 76 mm and implemented an innovative longitudinal battery packaging solution beneath the rear seats—a first for Toyota. This clever design maximizes interior and cargo space, ensuring that luggage capacity holds steady at 231 liters despite the new hardware.

Powertrain and Performance: Hybrid Efficiency Meets Spirited Driving

The Aygo X receives a significant performance boost with the introduction of a 1.5-liter engine borrowed from the Toyota Yaris. With 114 horsepower—up 43 hp from the outgoing 1.0-liter unit—the car can now accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0–62 mph) in under 10 seconds, a notable improvement over the previous 14.9 seconds. The powertrain is paired exclusively with an automatic transmission, delivering smooth and responsive city driving.

Toyota also establishes the Aygo X as the only full hybrid in its segment. This not only ensures lively performance but also offers exceptional eco-credentials, with CO₂ emissions rated at just 86 g/km—the lowest among non-plug-in city cars. Fuel economy is a strong point, consuming just 3.8 liters per 100 km (around 61.6 mpg), making the Aygo X an economical choice for urban commuters.

GR Sport: Sharper Handling and Engaging Dynamics

The newly-introduced GR Sport grade doesn’t add extra power, but it does promise a more engaging drive. Enhanced electric power steering, sport-tuned coil springs, and recalibrated shock absorbers make for agile handling, allowing drivers to confidently navigate city streets with greater precision.

Interior Features and Technology: Compact Car, High-End Amenities

Despite its small footprint, the Aygo X comes impressively equipped. Standard and available features include a wireless smartphone charging pad, power-folding mirrors, and Panasonic’s advanced nanoeX air purification system—a rarity in this segment. Dual USB-C ports, over-the-air software updates, and a robust suite of driver-assist and safety technologies ensure convenience and peace of mind. Inside, the analog cluster has been replaced by a modern seven-inch digital display, while an electronic parking brake now comes standard. Enhanced soundproofing and thicker window glass on higher trims create a more refined and comfortable cabin environment.

Market Position and Competitor Comparison

Set to hit European showrooms later this year, the updated Aygo X remains Toyota’s most affordable new vehicle on the continent, continuing a successful run with over 287,000 units sold since its launch three years ago. Unlike the previous generations, which shared platforms with Peugeot and Citroën, the current Aygo X is a uniquely Toyota creation—offering style, technology, and efficiency that outpace most segment rivals, especially in the absence of direct competitors from Volkswagen Group.

With its striking new design, hybrid powertrain, and advanced features, the Aygo X GR Sport carves out a top spot in the urban car market—proving that small cars can deliver both big personality and practical value.