Used Toyota Aygo 2014-2021 review

The first-generation Toyota Aygo was a sharply styled and well-screwed-together city car that soon gained a reputation for offering thrifty and economical motoring. It wasn’t a great car to drive, though, or even a particularly practical one to use, and lost its way a little when a rash of younger rivals from the VW Group, Kia and Hyundai stole its thunder.

The answer to these challenges came in this second-generation model – a more mature and yet even more rakishly styled car that was better armed to compete in the class of likeable tiny tots.

Engines: Just like the previous version, however, there’s only one engine available: a mildly updated version of the 68bhp (later increased to 71bhp after the 2018 facelift) 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol unit. If you want something faster, you'll have to go for either of its siblings (the Citroën C1 or Peugeot 108) because these come with a bigger 1.2-litre engine with 81bhp.

A five-speed manual can be found in most examples, but a five-speed automated manual is available. It isn't particularly smooth when changing gear, though, and it tends to be slow to respond when you want to accelerate.

Trims & equipment: Seven trim levels have been offered: x, x-play, x-press, x-style, x-cite, x-clusiv and x-claim. Entry-level models get 14in steel wheels, LED day-running lights, front electric windows and USB connectivity as standard, while upgrading to x-play fits 15in steels, heated door mirrors, air conditioning, a DAB radio and Bluetooth to the package. Mid-range x-press trimmed cars are adorned with 15in alloy wheels, climate control, front foglights, and a 7.0in touchscreen infotainment system complete with a reversing camera, while x-style adds a sporty looking bodykit to the Aygo.

The range-topping trims start with the x-cite, which comes with a red paint job, a black roof and alloys, and tinted rear windows, while x-clusiv will find automatic projector headlights, climate control and keyless entry and go. Completing the Aygo line-up is the limited edition x-claim model, which adds plenty of fresh air through its retractable burgundy-coloured roof. Later models tidied up the range a little and offered an x-trend trim.

Ride & handling: On the road, the engine has to be worked hard for the Aygo to make decent progress, though, as with the older model, and it makes a noticeable thrum while going about its business, so refinement isn’t its strongest point. Pull away from a standstill and it suffers a prolonged flat spot and absence of power until 4000rpm, after which it is more eager. As a result, it has to be worked hard to make decent progress and you'll often need to change down a gear – especially on steep hills – to avoid losing speed.

But for such a small car, the Aygo rides and handles well. Its steering is light and fairly direct, and its turning circle is, as you'd imagine, tight, which is useful in city centres. It can get caught out by poor road surfaces and sharp imperfections, though; these can thwack through the small car's body. It has to be said that one or two of its rivals ride a little better.

Interior & practicality: The only major issue is one of passenger space, especially in the rear. Up front, two taller people should be comfortable, but it's a different story in the rear. Taller passengers will find it very cramped and its rivals, the VW Up, Skoda Citigo, Kia Picanto and Hyundai i10, all have more room, as well as having noticeably bigger boots.

If you're interested in finding a used Aygo, or any of the other city cars mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

Shop around and you can get the second-generation Aygo for less than £3000, but some of these examples will be high-mileage or Cat D cars. It is possible to find a clean 2014/15 car with an average mileage and a full history, bought privately, for around this figure, although upping the wedge to between £4000 and £6000 buys you a potentially superior 2016 or 2017 car with an average mileage. Step up to £6000-£9000 and you can net a 2018 or 2019 car from an independent dealer. Spend between £9000 and £11,000 on a 2021 or 2022 model.

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MPG and CO2 emissions

There is only one engine option and claimed average fuel economy is 68.9mpg as measured under the older NEDC test, dropping to 57.3mpg under the newer WLTP tests, with CO2 emissions of 95g/km.

Tax

Cars registered before 1 April 2017 will pay no road tax (VED) since CO2 emissions are so low. However, those registered after that will pay the current flat rate fee. This is currently £190 a year. You can find out more about road tax costs here.

Insurance

Insurance groupings range from 5 to 7, depending on trim.

Servicing

Servicing is due every year or 10,000 miles, with an intermediate service currently costs £145 and a full service £260. You can save some money if your Toyota is outside of its manufacturer's warranty by joining the Toyota 5+ Club for free online, doing so entitles you to a 20% discount of servicing and MOT costs at a Toyota dealer.

Engines

Only one engine is offered with the Aygo: a three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol. Later 2018 examples are marginally more powerful, but the difference isn't that significant. Avoid the automatic and stick with a manual.

Trims

Our pick, x-Play, is worth spending a little extra on because it gets a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity.

Our favourite Toyota Aygo: 1.0 x-play

The Skoda Citigo is even better value than its sister car, the Volkswagen Up. It’s great to drive, with a comfy ride and agile handling, and its interior is very well thought out. Only its limited driving position counts against it.

The Hyundai i10 has been our favourite city car for the past three years. It’s comfortable and refined, the interior is surprisingly roomy and its 1.2 engine is fine for motorway use. It has a grown-up feel to it, too, even if it’s not as well equipped as some of its rivals.

The Kia Picanto handles well, has a smart interior with comfortable seats and comes from new with a transferable seven-year warranty, and some of that cover should remain in place if you buy one now. Countered against that, the engine can be noisy at high revs and the ride is a little unsettled in town.

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If you're interested in finding a used Aygo, or any of the other city cars mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.