Funny how a car’s cool factor gets ratcheted up by colour alone. Andy Enright dusts down the trendy Toyota Aygo Black Special Edition
It may sound like a cliché but gather together any bunch of media types, advertising creatives, conceptual artists or any other group of the self absorbed and affected and chances are they’ll be clad in black. There’s a Teflon neutrality to black that makes it a difficult colour to get badly wrong. Think little black dress versus yellow polka dot bikini and you’ll get the point. Toyota’s ‘coolhunters’ have exploited this perceived trendiness in the past and now it’s time for their little Aygo citycar to come in for Black Special Edition status.
The Tempest Black metallic colour might be something of a giveaway but there’s more to this particular Aygo special edition than just a pretty coat of paint. Based on the 1.0-litre petrol model, the Black adheres to the tried and tested special edition formula of bundling in a bunch of extra equipment for a nominal mark up.
Which means that buyers can expect to find features like ‘turbine-style’ eight-spoke alloy wheels, Aygo-branded scuff plates and leather gear knob. Other standard features include a six-speaker sound system with auxiliary input to link an iPod or digital music player, remote central locking, a split-folding rear seat, electric front windows, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger. Both three and five-door body styles are available and prices start from £7,995.
That compares to standard Aygo models which cost from £6,845. The standard line-up consists of two trim levels (Aygo and Aygo+), with most versions powered by the same 67bhp three-cylinder one-litre engine used in the Black version.
The front and rear overhangs have been kept short so as to maximise interior space and make parking simple. The tale of the tape shows a 3.4 metre overall length, which is almost 23cm shorter than a modern MINI. The interior features a two-tone dashboard with a textured effect, while the door trims feature body coloured detailing. One of the more eye-catching features is the design of the ventilation controls on the centre console. Two large wheels bookend the console with a translucent panel sitting between them. Coupled with the funky, minimalist instrument panel, they give the Aygo’s fascia a very modern appearance.
"The Aygo Black looks a more polished and mature product compared to citycar rivals"
The steering column is adjustable for both reach and rake, the speedometer binnacle moving with the wheel. Coupled with plenty of driver’s seat travel and ample headroom, there shouldn’t be a problem getting comfortable behind the wheel of the Aygo. Sitting behind a tall driver is another issue altogether and rear space is a little pinched with the front seat at the back of its travel. That’s perhaps forgivable, as there is only so much that can be done within the strictures of a 2.34 metre wheelbase.
The audio system reflects the Aygo’s modern outlook. The upgraded version used in the Black includes an extra pair of rear speakers and some neat tweeters integrated into the car’s A-pillars. Mind you, when considering this special edition’s equipment tally, bear in mind that even base level Aygo variants are pretty well specified. Even the entry-level version includes colour keyed bumpers, twin front airbags, and anti lock brakes with the backup of electronic brakeforce.
Two options packs are available. The ‘Travel Pack’ features Aygo-branded Samsonite luggage. This constitutes a glove box bag, a trolley and a rucksack. Likely to prove more popular is the ‘Mobility Pack’ which adds a TomTom Aygo satellite navigation pod with a three year warranty, map update package and radio integration.
Naturally, in terms of performance, you need to remember that the Aygo is a citycar first and foremost, something reflected in a sprint to 60mph that takes 14 seconds. The good news is the fact that the 1.0-litre petrol engine is predictably excellent in terms of fuel economy and emissions. The combined economy figure is 61.4mpg and emissions are pegged at a laudable 109g/km. These figures are helped by the fact that the 1.0-litre is billed as the world’s lightest production engine. Effort is further removed by the fitment of electrically assisted power steering, making light work of turning the Aygo about face in just 9.46 metres.
Already, compared to its French rivals, Toyota’s Aygo looked a more polished, mature product, something underlined by this Black special edition. This model’s design has brought a welcome dose of style and sophistication to a market traditionally populated with econoboxes. For that, if nothing else, Toyota should be applauded.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Toyota Aygo Black special edition
PRICE: £7,995- £8,245 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 1E
CO2 EMISSIONS: 109g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 14.2s / Max Speed 98mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 51.4mpg / (extra urban) 68.9mpg / (combined) 61.4mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags on all except entry-level model, ABS, EBD
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 3405/1615/1415mm