Aygo’s A-Go-Go

Geneva launch for the new city car – by Toyota

KEY POINTS

• Aygo world debut at the Geneva motor show
• Designed and engineered for the young urban driver
• Three trim grades for the UK: T2, T3 and Sport in three and five-door body styles
• New 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with class-leading torque, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions
• 1.4-litre diesel engine due in 2006
• Optional Multi-mode Manual Transmission (MMT)
• Superior safety package with four airbags standard on T3 and Sport grades
• On sale in the UK from 1 July
• Aygo produced by Toyota in joint manufacturing project with PSA Peugeot-Citroën

AYGO INTRO

It’s burst on the scene in Geneva and it’s heading for London, Manchester, Munich and Madrid: Aygo is the car that’s going to storm the city streets of Europe.

The basic concept of a small metal box on four wheels is hardly going to set the pulse racing, least of all for the new generation of young urban drivers. That’s why Aygo (say eye-go) has been designed and engineered to deliver sharper style and driving dynamics, while still being a car that’s a doddle to drive around town, cheap to run and environmentally sound. What’s more, it’s endowed with the great quality and reliability that are hallmarks of the Toyota brand.

In the UK, Aygo will be on sale from 1 July. Both three and five-door versions will be offered in three trim grades: T2, T3 and Sport. Initially all models will be powered by a new three-

cylinder 1.0-litre VVT-i petrol engine that’s expected to deliver class-leading fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. Next year the range is set to expand with a 1.4-litre diesel power plant that will achieve even greater fuel economy.

Aygo is being built at a new factory in the Czech Republic in a partnership project between Toyota and PSA Peugeot-Citroën. Production will be 100,000 units a year for sale across Europe.

AYGO STYLE

The city streets are the Aygo’s natural environment, so it has been styled to be practical and easy to park. The sensible approach is not at the cost of character: Aygo’s flared wheel arches, chopped tail, short overhangs and bold front-end “face” set it firmly apart from its worthy-but-dull rivals: think urban trainer rather than grey leather slip-ons. Three body colours will be available: Chilli Red as standard with Ice Blue and Carbon Quartz metallic optional on T3 and Sport versions.

Nose to tail, Aygo measures a little over 3.4 metres, the equivalent of around three-and-half skateboards end-to-end. That doesn’t mean it’s cramped inside: with the wheels pushed out to each corner and a relatively high roofline, it offers comfortable accommodation for driver and passengers within a 2.34-metre wheelbase.

Interior design is as fresh as the exterior with a two-tone dashboard with a new grain-effect finish that’s smart, tough and easy to clean if the going gets dirty. The cabin is also brightened up with the body colour being carried through to the door trims.

The steering column is adjustable for both reach and rake and in an innovative move, the principal meters form a single unit with the column, so remain clearly in view whatever the angle chosen. There are plenty of handy storage points, including four door pockets, eight trays, three cupholders and a coin case.

There are two specifications for the audio system. The standard set-up features a radio and CD player with two speakers and a connection socket for other equipment such as an MP3 or Minidisc player to be plugged in. T3 and Sport models crank up the power with two extra rear speakers and a pair of front tweeters, neatly integrated into the car’s A pillars.

AYGO KIT

Aygo T2 is the entry point to the range but it doesn’t sacrifice convenience and creature comforts in order to achieve a reasonable price tag. Standard features include colour keyed

bumpers, sound system with radio and CD player, folding rear seat and heated rear window with wiper. Driver and passenger front airbags, seatbelt warning system and ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) are included in the safety package.

The T3 grade introduces colour-keyed door mirrors and door handles, electric front windows, a 50:50 split-folding rear seat, remote central locking, adjustable rear headrests, keyless entry system and an upgraded sound system. Side airbags and ISOFIX child seat anchor points are also provided.

Aygo Sport heats up the style with 14-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, integrated front fog lamps and a tachometer. Air conditioning and metallic paint are key options for the T3 and Sport.

For those who want that something extra for their Aygo, Travel and Mobility option packs will be available. The Travel pack includes specially designed backpack and trolley bag, while the Mobility pack provides the dedicated Tom Tom Aygo navigation system with three-year warranty and data update service.

Prices will be announced nearer the time of launch.

AYGO POWER

From launch Aygo will be powered by a new three-cylinder direct injection 1.0-litre VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing – intelligent) engine. It’s the world’s lightest production engine, developing 67bhp for a top speed of 98mph and 0-62mph acceleration in 14.2 seconds.

The target figure for fuel consumption on the combined driving cycle is 61.4mpg, with CO2 emissions expected to be 109g/km (band AA for Vehicle Excise Duty).

A five-speed manual transmission will be standard, but Toyota’s Multi-mode Manual Transmission will be available as an option, offering clutchless gear selection for even easier progress through city traffic.

Electric standard power steering is standard on all versions, which, with a tight turning radius of 4.73m, makes Aygo wonderfully manoeuvrable.

In 2006 a 1.4-litre common rail diesel engine will join the range.

AYGO TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION – HIGHLIGHTS

AYGO PRINCIPLE EQUIPMENT FEATURES

AYGO OPTION PACKS

ENDS