Creating the all new Aygo

The team that delivered the new Aygo had clear ambitions about what they wanted to achieve in the new car, one which stands a pathfinder for a new design direction that's all part of Toyota's missions to create 'ever better cars' that are fun to own and great to drive. And who better to hear from to understand the Toyota Aygo than the people who created it?

"Traditionally, the appeal of cars in the A-segment comes from their practicality and compactness, and their price tag. But all too often they lack desirability, the elements that make you truly want a car," Chief Engineer David Terai said as he acknowledged that he won't be able to please everyone.

Design wise, Nobuo Nakamura, new Aygo's Chief Designer, mentioned that pride of ownership is generated first and foremost by design.

"Designing a compact car like this isn't easy. You want it to be loveable, but at the same time it needs to have proper street credibility. So it should look solid and strong, and have real road presence," said Nakamura, adding that this called for some "tough choices".

When it comes to customisation, the new Aygo doesn't disappoint, too. You're unlikely to see two cars that are exactly same. Providing this degree of choice was another key element in defining new Aygo.

"This was particularly important to me, firstly because customers have become used to a wide choice of colour and execution in many different things they buy and it's time for the auto industry to catch up. Secondly, the ability to create very much your own Aygo is key to achieving the quality of desirability that I wanted for the car. Knowing that your car is somehow unique will make it all the more special to you," David Terai explained.

New Aygo retains a three-cylinder, 1.0-litre engine that in its past form has earned a string of international awards for its efficient performance.