Toyota has updated its smallest car, the Aygo X, with a raft of changes for 2026. The most significant development is the introduction of hybrid power for the first time in the model's history - and indeed the first time in the segment according to Toyota.
Alongside this, the Aygo X receives a refreshed design inside and out, plus a new GR Sport variant with sportier styling and chassis tuning.
What's new under the bonnet of the Aygo X?
The big news is the adoption of Toyota's hybrid technology in the Aygo X line-up. For the first time, the car will be offered with a petrol-electric hybrid system. As in the Toyota Yaris and Yaris Cross, it uses a three-cylinder, 1.5-litre petrol engine as its basis with peak power of 116hp.
That enables a 0-100km/h time of “under 10 seconds”, which is nearly five seconds faster than the existing model manages with its naturally aspirated, 1.0-litre petrol engine. This indicates how much nippier the updated Aygo X should feel.
However, the new car is a full hybrid so will have the capability to drive on short distances on electric power alone and, assuming it operates in much the same way as other Toyota hybrids, that'll likely mean a large proportion of time in urban driving with the engine off. This has resulted in an ultra-low CO2 figure - just 86g/km - which Toyota reckons is the lowest of any non-plug-in car on sale.
Has the design of the Aygo X changed much?
At a glance it looks dramatically different to the model that launched in 2022, but the changes are remarkably few in reality, though the front overhang is longer to accommodate the larger engine. Distinctive new front lights, bonnet and grille give the Aygo X a smoother appearance, more car-like you might say, though Toyota still makes reference to it being an “urban crossover” and having an “SUV identity”. The generous ground clearance backs all that up.
From the side the new car doesn't look dramatically different, which is to say it retains the distinctive rising waistline and the option to make it even more eye-catching with black for the whole rear end. The movement of the side indicators to the mirrors smoothens out and modernises the front wings and you might have spotted there's a full-length canvas roof available as well.
The striking contrast-black vibe is amped up in the new GR Sport variant, which gets a black bonnet to go along with the bi-tone appearance, along with a unique grille at the front and bespoke alloy wheels.
Somewhat surprisingly, the GR Sport car comes with chassis tweaks to help it live up to the image. Toyota talks of special dampers and springs for less body roll, and even recalibrated power steering. The entire lineup benefits from increased levels of sound insulation in a bid to improve refinement.
Are there changes inside the Aygo X?
The updated Aygo X gets a new centre console with wireless smartphone charging on some models and redesigned air conditioning controls. The touchscreen is new, as is the digital instrumentation, while all cars get an electronic parking brake and two USB-C charging ports. The comprehensive suite of safety systems called Toyota Safety Sense can be updated over the air for the first time, too.
Inside the Aygo X GR Sport are black and grey accents and GR logos aplenty, while all cars use more sustainable materials in the cabin and in their construction, meaning Toyota can confirm the new Aygo X has a smaller full-life carbon footprint than its predecessor.
As before, the Aygo X seats four and has a 231-litre boot.
When will it be available in Ireland?
Irish market introduction is expected in early 2026 during the “261” registration period with prices and detailed specifications to be announced closer to launch. Given the increased sophistication, performance and equipment, we'd be shocked if Toyota Ireland can keep the price of the new Aygo X to that of the current one, which starts at €21,705.