If you need to slash your motoring costs, the Toyota Aygo could be just what you’re looking for. Available second-hand from only £3,000, the Aygo is nimble, easy to park and amazingly spacious for such a tiny car.
It’s also available as a Citroen C1 and Peugeot 107, thanks to a partnership between the companies. All three models are mechanically identical – the sole differences are specification and trim. So everything that applies to the Aygo applies to its cousins: here’s how to bag a good one.
The Aygo arrived in July 2005 in standard, Aygo+ and Sport+ forms, with a 67bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and three or five-door bodystyles.
There was also a short-lived 1.4 diesel, and there have been several specials, such as the Fire, Ice and Platinum. High-spec Blue and Black trims were added in Jan 2009 as part of a range update.
This saw CO2 emissions cut to 106g/km, then to 99g/km when the Aygo was facelifted in March 2012. This time, tweaks included an improved interior, more kit and a redesigned front end.
The Fiat Panda was a worthy Auto Express Car of the Year winner in 2004, thanks to its low running costs, refinement and brilliantly spacious interior. It’s great fun to drive, too, although entry-level cars are pretty basic. You can buy one from £2,500.
The original Kia Picanto is also worth a closer look because, like the Aygo, it’s astonishingly cheap to run and it’s well built, too. You also get five-door practicality as standard, even if there’s not that much room inside.
The second-generation Vauxhall Agila and Hyundai i10 should also be on your shortlist.
For an alternative review of the latest Toyota Aygo Hatchback visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk
