Brussels, Belgium - Toyota’s Aygo baby hatch has been freshened up for 2018 with a ‘3D’ inspired exterior facelift, new spec ladder and an improved three-cylinder engine.
As it goes with such midlife makeovers, the biggest design changes happen upfront, where a totally redesigned grille and bumper structure reimagines the characteristic ‘X’ design theme with more pronounced, three-dimensional lines, while the restyled headlights include integrated daytime running lights.
Other styling perk-ups include new LED tailights, fresh wheel covers and two additional exterior colour options: Magenta and Blue.
Cabin alterations are limited to an upgraded ‘3D-effect’ instrument cluster, new seat upholstery and a new colour scheme in Quartz Grey and Piano Black.
Toyota has rejigged the grade structure for its European models, with each version now featuring its own unique design elements, but at this stage it’s unclear which of these would be offered to South African consumers.
On the technical front, the Aygo benefits from additional noise, vibration and harshness suppression measures and a revised 1-litre three-cylinder normally aspirated petrol engine that’s now Euro 6.2 compliant.
Featuring a new dual fuel injector system, higher compression ratio, new low friction components, improved balance shaft and a cooled exhaust gas recirculation system, the motor now produces 53kW and 93Nm (up from 51kW but down from 95Nm).
Toyota also offers an ‘Eco’ version, featuring longer fourth and fifth gears, low-rolling-resistance tyres, an idle-stop system and various aerodynamic tweaks.