Being more or less permanently welded to the just-auto newsdesk, I don’t get out much though, after this week’s experience of overcrowded trains, airports and Dutch motorways, that’s probably not a bad idea. But I was briefly cut free again, this time to go try Toyota’s new tiddler.
I am not, it must be said, a huge fan of small cars but I nonetheless rather liked the Aygo, Toyota’s version of the trumvirate of A-segment starter cars built at a joint venture with PSA in the Czech Republic. The Aygo is now a bit more distinctive than its Citroen C1 and Peugeot 108 factory playmates and market rivals with its own kinked-up side window line, ‘x’ shaped grille and vertically stacked tail lights. Other writers grumped about the one-litre-only engine (the PSA brands will also offer a 1.2 and a canvas sunroof option) but I thought it was a hoot to drive – despite the sporty exhaust note, it’s not very fast (but sounds it) and, carefully specced to avoid various infotainment distraction options, should continue its predecessor’s role as a safe, economical and cheap to insure first car for junior drivers.
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I also heard a comment the new Aygo looks rather like an MG3 which is a good cue to mention our interview this week with the head of SAIC’s UK technical centre which designed the ‘Chinese’ rival. Part one is here and part two here.
The attempt to revive Saab continued to be troubled and Peugeot showed off an updated 508 while talking of plans for China – in London – and whittling down the global range.
Have a nice weekend.
Graeme Roberts, Deputy Editor, just-auto.com
