Toyota Aygo (2015)

Life on board is now even better, thanks to increased cabin space and an array of innovative equipment designed to fit the lifestyle of the younger customer base that is likely to embrace new Aygo.

The most eye-catching example is the x-touch multimedia system. Its 7" full-colour touch screen controls numerous on-board systems, and MirrorLink smartphone connectivity allows the car to be seamlessly integrated into the busy online lives that most of us lead these days.

New Aygo is equipped with an improved version of Toyota's award-winning 3-cylinder, 1.0 litre VVT-i petrol engine. Still one of the lightest engines in its class, this remarkable unit incorporates numerous revisions that enhance performance and help deliver class-leading fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.

With new Toyota Aygo now ready for its first customers, Chief Engineer Terai is a happy man: "I wanted to avoid the traditional compromises of the A-segment, by creating something that I could be truly proud of. When I look at the car now, it makes me smile and fall in love, so I feel I have succeeded." It's Toyota's hope that the smiles don't just end there, and that new Aygo can bring a sense of irreverent fun to drivers and passengers alike.

DESIGN AND CUSTOMISATION

New Aygo was designed to seduce. The design theme was named 'J-Playful'. It takes its inspiration from contemporary Japanese youth-culture, which favours strong and outspoken shapes and forms.

"Pride of ownership comes first and foremost from the design" says Chief Designer Nobuo Nakamura. "Every time you look at your new car parked out in front, you want to feel a reconfirmation of the choice you've made. That is why we didn't accept any compromise on styling."

Compact packaging was fundamental to the demands of new Aygo's largely urban-based customers. The overall length has increased by just 25 mm to 3,455 mm, maintaining new Aygo's class leading compactness. Despite a 7 mm increase in front headroom, vehicle height was reduced by 5 mm for aerodynamic efficiency. And the track was widened by 8 mm at both the front and rear to improve vehicle stance.

Though compact and playful, the exterior exudes robustness. This is no accident, as Nakamura goes on to explain. "Designing a compact car such as this one is not easy. You want it to be loveable, but at the same time it also needs to have proper street credibility. Therefore, it should look solid and strong, fully occupying its space and having real road presence."

This solidity comes from a strong mono-form which provides the overall volume of the design. In order to add a playful character, the concept was based on the expansion of a soft object within this rigid structure. As it bursts through the hard shell, it creates break lines and forms the Aygo's bold frontal 'X' graphic. This spreads outwards across the surface of the bodywork, and contains all the vehicle's key components, including upper and lower grilles, headlamps, foglamps, and even mirrors and side glazing.

"To protect the integrity of this design, we had to make some tough choices" says Nakamura. "For example, for the headlights to be narrow enough to be located within the 'X' graphic, they had to incorporate projector technology. This is exceptional in the A-segment, which tends to favour the cheaper but larger reflector type. It is a good example of how often we rejected compromise in order to end up with a better car."

This powerful 'X' graphic also forms the basis for the exterior customisation, which is integral to the design of new Aygo.

In profile, the roof has been lowered and the front header moved forwards. As a result, the cabin's centre of gravity also shifts to the front, creating a more balanced and forward leaning posture. This is further emphasized by a sloping beltline which terminates in the forward leaning rear light clusters. The roof itself features a new, pagoda-style profile and an integral rear spoiler to aid aerodynamics.

The shape of the side-glazing differs between the 3- and 5-door models, the latter extending its window graphic into the rear light clusters, giving a feeling of length appropriate to a 5-door vehicle.

The rear of new Aygo mirrors the frontal design statement. In this case, the tailgate and lower bumper form the break lines splitting the solid surface of the vehicle. The lamp clusters are set within a hexagonal tailgate, and the upper bumper section widens into strongly protruding wheel arches which give the vehicle a broad and stable stance.

Comfort Within

The main theme for the interior design is provided by the trapezoidal centre console, the design of which is mirrored throughout the cabin in such elements as air vents, door trim and the gear lever surround.

The console supports a wide dashboard with a matt anti-glare finish, framed by sleek A-pillars designed to increase driver visibility. The instrumentation features a concentric ring meter design. Permanently lit, it incorporates a central multi-information display with a large font for optimum legibility.

As with the exterior, numerous interior elements can be customised.

"We worked a lot on ergonomics," says Chief Engineer Terai. "Mindful of the younger type of customer we see in the segment, we reduced the steering wheel angle from 28 to 26.6 degrees, we reduced the front seat hip point by 10 mm, and we equipped the driver's seat with height adjustment. So finding your preferred seating position should be easy."

Despite an unchanged wheelbase of 2,340 mm, the length of the passenger compartment has been increased by 9 mm, with 20 mm wider armrests further contributing to front seat comfort.

Finally, the luggage capacity was increased by 29 litres to 168 litres, and access has been improved thanks to a 75 mm wider load space opening between the tailgate sill and the rear seat back.

Creating Your Very Own: Clever Customisation

With a comprehensive range of simple, affordable and readily available customisation choices, new Aygo customers can tailor their car to their personal taste.

"This was particularly important to me," says Chief Engineer Terai. "Firstly, because customers have become used to a wide variety of choice in colour and execution for most of their purchases, and it's time for the automotive industry to catch up. And, secondly, because the ability to have very much your own Aygo is key to achieving the desirability that I wanted. Knowing that your car is somehow unique will make it all the more special to you."

Interchangeable parts on the exterior - the x-shaped front grille, rear bumper insert, front fender garnish and alloy wheels- and in the interior -the instrument panel, centre console, air vents, shift knob and gear lever surround- can easily be changed within a limited amount of time, even after several years of ownership.

Concept

The challenge was to ensure that customer choice remained as clear and simply structured as possible. To accomplish this, customisation was built on 4 pillars: Diversity, Simplicity, Affordability and Availability.

Thanks to a straightforward range of 3 grades, 3 special edition vehicles (which will be renewed on a regular basis), and 2 exterior and interior packs, customers will have a clear understanding of the many possibilities this simple customisation structure gives them to create the car of their choice.

Via this structured approach, delivery of new Aygo can be ensured within a short lead time, regardless of the customer's personal, exterior and interior customisation preferences.

Grades

Standard equipment on new Aygo is generous. All cars feature an AM/FM audio system with USB and AUX connections, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Hill Start Assist, fitted as standard.

'x-play' lies at the heart of the new Aygo grade strategy. This version is the basis for all customisation, and also forms the foundation for the special editions 'x-cite', 'x-clusiv' and 'x-pure'. Standard exterior finishes feature a piano black x-shaped front grille and a set of 15 inch steel wheels. On board, standard equipment includes audio system control switches mounted on the leather steering wheel, a height adjustable driver's seat and an adjustable speed limiter.

Equipped with a large canvas top and 15 inch silver alloys, the stylish 'x-wave' sits at the top of the new Aygo grade ladder. The interior features body-coloured inserts and partial leather seats. The standard Aygo audio-system is upgraded to the x-touch multimedia system, with a touch-screen, rear view camera and MirrorLink smartphone connectivity.

The grade offer is completed with the 'x' entry grade. With a matt black front grille treatment, it features all the standard new Aygo equipment, and rides on 14 inch steel wheels.

Packs

Customers wanting to give their new Aygo that extra touch without resorting to piece-by-piece personalisation can opt for one of the Exterior and Interior Packs.

One exterior pack allows customers to change the colour of the x-shaped front grille and the rear bumper insert. The other consists of stickers to highlight the lower portion of the car at the front, rear and sides.

With the interior packs it's possible to change the colour of the air vents and gear lever surround, or alter the finish of the instrument panel, centre console and gear lever surround.

Special Editions

With its Pop Orange body colour, piano black details and 15 inch bi-spoke glossy black alloys, 'x-cite' is the enfant-terrible of the new Aygo range. The most extrovert variant, it adds a sporty touch to the range.

'x-clusiv' brings an additional level of sophistication to new Aygo through the combination of a Midnight Black body colour and Super Chrome detailing.

'x-pure' comes in Cool White with Super Chrome exterior detailing, for a stylish and minimalist execution.

DRIVING DYNAMICS

New Toyota Aygo has been engineered to not only offer customers class-leading fuel efficiency, but also to make it more comfortable, quieter and, above all, more fun to drive.

Significant improvements to the engine, the addition of Exhaust Gas Recirculation, the adoption of Toyota's Stop & Start system, bodyshell weight reduction and optimised airflow management combine to maximise fuel efficiency.

Increased body rigidity, improved aerodynamics, and fine-tuned suspension, steering and transmissions combine to improve driving stability, ride comfort, handling agility and responsiveness to driver inputs, taking Aygo driving pleasure to new heights.

Moreover, comprehensive Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) measures ensure a quieter cabin. "We heard from Aygo drivers that they like the sporty engine note of the 1.0 litre engine", says Chief Engineer David Terai, "but that they sometimes felt that the car was too noisy. So we focused on damping the engine and road noise, but at the same time, we kept the characteristic engine sound and even tuned it slightly."

MAXIMISING FUEL EFFICIENCY

No other group of motorists is as loyal to the petrol engine as the A-segment, where it is chosen by 90% of customers. With its comprehensively revised version of Toyota's award-winning 3-cylinder engine, new Aygo provides the ideal balance of response and efficiency that they're looking for.

"We wanted to improve performance, as well as economy," explains Chief Engineer Terai. "In the A-segment, running costs are paramount -customers don't want to spend a fortune on fuel bills. But at the same time, we didn't want to resort to costly technology to reduce consumption, as this would have driven the vehicle price up too much. So our challenge was to come up with relatively simple yet clever ways to achieve our targets."

That explains why, with a focus on improved combustion efficiency, reduced friction losses and an optimised exhaust system for low emissions, the list of improvements to the 998 cc, 3 cylinder, 12-valve, DOHC, VVT-i unit is a long one.

First, the combustion characteristics of the engine were improved. The compression ratio has been increased from 11.0:1 to 11.5:1. The combustion chamber now benefits from better cooling through the adoption of new spark plugs, and a high tumble intake port ensures an optimal air/fuel mix in the cylinder. Oil injection has been enhanced through the addition of a piston jet, and the Variable Valve Timing programme has also been optimised. As a result of these improvements, the engine now achieves a maximum thermal efficiency of 37%, a class-leading figure.

Next, friction losses were reduced through the adoption of a low friction timing chain with an auto-tensioner. For the valve lifters, a Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) coating has been adopted. This ensures a perfectly smooth contact area with less friction as result.

The implementation of a twin-tank oil pan further contributes to reduced internal resistance, as it allows the oil to heat up faster.

In addition, a cylinder head with a built-in exhaust manifold was fitted, and the exhaust system itself was optimised through the use of an Exhaust Gas Recirculation system and a 0.7 litre catalytic converter.

Engine power has been boosted to 51 kW (69 DIN hp) at 6,000 rpm. Torque output has been significantly increased to 95 Nm at 4,300 rpm, with 85 Nm of torque now available from as little as 2,000 rpm. New Aygo will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 14.2 seconds, and on to a top speed of 160 km/h.

New Toyota Aygo comes in both standard and Eco-versions. The latter benefits from a longer 4th and 5th gear, low Rolling Resistance Coefficient (RRC) tyres, Toyota's Stop & Start system and aerodynamic improvements.

The standard version achieves a drop in fuel consumption from 4.4 to 4.1 l/100 km, which translates into a 7 g/km drop in CO2 emissions to just 95 g/km. The Eco unit does even better, with fuel economy of 3.8 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 88 g/km.

Through all of these improvements, close attention was paid to maintaining the engine's sprightly character. It will still rev happily to high speeds and, though sound insulation has been improved, its sporty, carefully tuned sound-signature is still there when pushed hard.

x-shift

The x-shift is available as an option on new Aygo. This vastly improved automated manual transmission has a fully automatic shift mode and no clutch pedal, using computer control to synchronize engine, clutch and transaxle for quick and precise shifting.

The transmission's gear ratios have been revised for a better balance of driving pleasure and fuel economy.

Selecting E (Easy Mode), M (Manual) or R (Reverse) allows the car to 'creep' like a conventional automatic. In E mode, the system selects a suitable gear according to the accelerator pedal, vehicle speed and driving conditions. New Aygo's x-shift is equipped with the kick-down function standard to automatic transmissions. Moreover, it is possible to override the system temporarily by using the steering wheel-mounted paddles.

Selecting M mode allows the driver to manually change gear via either the shift lever itself or with the paddle switches.

When equipped with x-shift, new Aygo returns fuel consumption of 4.2 l/100 km and generates CO2 emissions of only 97 g/km.

Weight Saving Measures

Extensive use of high tensile steel throughout the bodyshell -including the addition of both 590 MPa and 980 MPa grade sheets- not only increases structural strength, but also reduces weight.

New Aygo also benefits from lightweight outer panels. New bonnet, roof, front fender and side outer panels contribute to a weight saving of 2.5 kg in 5-door models, and 2.7 kg in 3-door variants.

In combination, these bodyshell and outer panel engineering measures effect a total weight reduction of some 12 kg over the same components fashioned in normal steel.

Optimised Airflow to Reduce Resistance

Extensive work was done on the aerodynamics of the car, to further enhance fuel efficiency. This includes the optimisation of airflow over all areas of the bodywork to reduce air resistance.

To the front, the bumper, bonnet and windscreen are designed to smoothen airflow both over and under the body. The shape of the double bubble-style roof, integral rear spoiler and rear combination lamps have been optimised to separate airflow from the roof and sides of the car, helping to reduce wake turbulence.

Rear wheel spats streamline the airflow under the vehicle, and the adoption of a four-way duct optimises airflow to the engine bay. As a result, the drag coefficient of new Aygo has been reduced from Cd 0.30 to Cd 0.29.

Benefitting from a model-specific front spoiler and floor undercover, the Eco variant boasts an even lower drag coefficient of only Cd 0.28.

BETTER RIDE COMFORT AND MORE FUN TO DRIVE

A rigid body structure was key to establishing a firm foundation for the refinement and fine tuning of new Aygo's suspension and steering systems.

To that end, the number of welding spots has been significantly increased, by 119 to a total of 544. These increases target the body parts which affect driving performance -the cowl and dash panel, front and rear door openings, the wheel house, the tailgate opening and the lower back panel.

In addition, rear underbody rigidity has also been improved by increasing the thickness of the floor brace from 1.2 mm to 2.3 mm.

In combination, these measures offer a noted improvement in yaw responsiveness, steering feel and rear grip feel, allowing new Aygo to react quickly and precisely to driver inputs for even greater agility and driver enjoyment.

Improved Aerodynamic Characteristics

Already described in detail in the 'Optimised Airflow' section, new Aygo's comprehensive aerodynamics measures combine to generate downforce which enhances the car's high-speed and straight line stability.

This stability is further improved by the addition of aero-stabilising fins to the door mirror mounting plate and rear combination lamp casing.

Fine-tuned Suspension, Steering and Transmission Systems

Numerous elements of new Aygo's proven MacPherson front and torsion beam rear suspension systems have been revised and fine-tuned to improve ride comfort with no detriment to handling agility and responsiveness.

To the front, the lower arm, steering knuckle and upper support have been revised, and the coil spring and shock absorber fine-tuned to combine a flat ride with improved ride comfort. At the same time, the rigidity of the anti-roll bar has been increased to heighten roll rigidity, ensuring that a more comfortable ride does not diminish new Aygo's dynamics.

To the rear, the coil spring and shock absorber have also been fine-tuned, and a new torsion beam design featuring a change from a plate to a pipe structure, has been incorporated. Reducing weight by 3.3 kg, the revised suspension system offers improved ride comfort, stability and controllability.

The Electric Power Steering (EPS) has been redeveloped for a smoother, more precise steering feel. By adopting a larger motor the steering has been made 14% more direct for quicker response to driver inputs, allowing drivers to enjoy new Aygo's greater urban agility and responsiveness.

The shift level spherical bearing of new Aygo's manual transmission now incorporates a rubber back-up ring to reduce the backlash of moving parts, giving a firmer, more precise gear shift feel.

Finally, the x-shift automated manual transmission now combines a lower gear differential for improved acceleration with higher 3rd, 4th and 5th gearing for greater fuel economy, giving a better balance of driving enjoyment and fuel efficiency.

ENHANCED CABIN QUIETNESS AND ENGINE SOUND TUNING

Numerous measures have been adopted to reduce the transmission of engine, road and wind noise into the cabin.

Engine noise has been reduced through improved bonnet and front fender insulation, the adoption of a dashboard outer silencer, and a new, expanded, rubber-cored inner silencer.

Road noise has been reduced by the comprehensive application of asphalt sheeting to the vehicle floor, and the transmission of vibrations from the road surface reduced through a revised wheel shape.

Cabin noise intrusion has been further reduced by the application of sound insulating and absorbing materials within cross sections of the body frame, to the floor tunnel and throughout the instrument panel.

Wind noise has been suppressed through the adoption of door-head weatherstrips, a reduction in the steps between both the front windscreen and A-pillar and the front door window and door panel, and a revised windscreen wiper park position.

Bodyshell vibrations have been reduced through the optimisation of the under-body structure to help prevent body deformation. The front floor panel is now fabricated in curved rather than flat surfaces, the central tunnel panel has been reinforced, and bulkheads have been fitted to the lower portion of the central door pillar.

Lastly, the transmission of engine vibrations has been reduced through the adoption of both a new, hydraulic engine mount and a two-point torque rod type engine mount.

Engine Sound Tuning for Greater Driving Enjoyment

Though engine noise and vibration have been substantially reduced, the characterful 3-cylinder engine sound remains popular with Aygo customers.

So the engine intake system has been re-engineered with a smaller intake volume and a longer intake nozzle, filtering out unwanted high frequency noise whilst tuning the engine note to produce a pleasing, eager sound during spirited driving.

A COMPELLING PACKAGE

New Aygo adds an interesting new perspective for A-segment customers looking for clever packaging, stylish design, the potential for personalisation and, above all, fun.

Making it an even more compelling proposition, the second generation Aygo also comes with the most comprehensive range of standard and optional equipment in its class.

Chief Engineer Terai: "The original Aygo was one of the first cars in the A-segment to be fitted with a fully integrated navigation system. Maintaining this pioneering tradition, new Aygo introduces several new features to its class for the first time, including a Rear View Monitor System, a Smart Entry and Start System and full leather upholstery".

The long list of comfort- and convenience-enhancing features further includes such essentials as standard-fit projector headlamps, a canvas top, steering wheel control switches, an adjustable speed limiter and a height adjustable driver's seat.

Best of all, and an irresistible asset to Aygo's young urban customer base, there's the new x-touch multimedia system with MirrorLink smartphone connectivity.

x-touch - The World at Your Fingertips

Taking affordable multimedia systems into the next decade, Toyota x-touch offers new Aygo owners a user-friendly combination of the latest on-board multimedia technology and smartphone connectivity.

x-touch uses a 7" full-colour touch screen fully integrated within the instrument panel. It is the first system in the segment to have a rear view camera fitted as standard.

The Toyota x-touch main menu has a simple, 5 icon structure, offering at-a-glance identification of all functions for an intuitive user experience.

The 'Audio Source' menu groups together AM/FM radio, optional DAB reception, music streaming via Bluetooth, and audio via AUX and USB, with the facility to display album cover art.

Via the 'Phone' function, the driver can access contacts, make phone calls and use an on-screen send/receive function for text messages.

A new MirrorLink function can be activated through the 'Connect' menu. Once a compatible smartphone is connected, MirrorLink will replicate the phone's screen and compatible apps on the x-touch display. Smartphone functions can then be easily accessed via the system touch-screen itself.

An optional Navi Box may be linked to the multimedia system via a dedicated storage pocket within the glove box. Activated through the x-touch 'Connect' menu, it offers drivers intuitive access to fast and accurate, Pan-European route guidance.

'Car Information' groups together all on-board vehicle information, with trip computer displays including remaining fuel range, instant and average fuel consumption, elapsed journey time and past journey records.

Finally, a wide selection of compatible apps can be downloaded from the Google Play store and Apple App Store allowing the driver to access navigation and social media channels.

"Even on x-touch we allow customisation as the driver can personalise the start-up screen by freely uploading an image from a USB stick", says Chief Engineer Terai. "We've also added a playful touch to the system design. When Audio is turned off, a large digital clock featuring retro, 'flip-over' numerals is displayed. And the status bar at the top of the screen includes a 'Manga' thermometer to display the outside temperature. When the outside temperature is below 3°C, the display appears to freeze over. When it's above 40°C, the display turns red and appears to give off steam".

Rear View Monitoring System

An A-segment first, the Rear View Monitoring System can assist the driver when parking or manoeuvring in tight spaces. It activates whenever reverse gear is selected, using a back camera to display an image of the area behind the car on the x-touch 7» full colour centre console screen.

Power-Operated Canvas Top

New Toyota Aygo 'x-wave' is fitted with a large, power-operated canvas top with a generous 785 mm x 730 mm opening; just one example of the additional equipment designed to suit a more demanding A-segment customer.

Steering Wheel-mounted Switchgear

New Aygo may be equipped with steering wheel-mounted switches, giving drivers quick, intuitive control of both the audio and telephone systems. The use of steering wheel switchgear is not only more convenient, but minimises driver distraction from the road during operation.

Smart Entry and Start System

Another A-segment first from Toyota, the Smart Entry and Start System offers drivers the convenience of being able lock and unlock the car, and start the engine via the dash mounted push switch, without the need for getting the key out of their pocket.

Powerful Projector Headlamps

Standard on all new Aygo models, the headlamp clusters incorporate Poly-Ellipsoid System (PES)-type halogen headlamps for a longer reach and broader illumination under both low and high beam conditions, and integral LED clearance lamps which give the Aygo a unique light signature, making it recognisable from afar.

SAFETY

The new Toyota Aygo is equipped with a wide range of active and passive safety features.

It offers, fitted as standard, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), emergency brake signalling, VSC (Vehicle Stability Control), curtain airbags, Isofix child seat attachment, a tyre pressure monitoring system, an adjustable speed limiter and, newly adopted, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).

New Toyota Aygo's high rigidity bodyshell is designed to minimise cabin deformation during front, side and rear collisions.