Toyota’s latest model is a mini SUV that costs less than 13,000 euros

If anyone had to pick just one feature that sets Toyota apart as a manufacturer, it would definitely be a solid decision by which it makes decisions before the final results. Making hybrids when not even remotely thinking of doing so is one of them; In his view, postponing his first clean electricity until the market is mature enough, he thinks, would be different, and the same can be said for his insistence on staying in Segment A, the smallest and most urban cars, when most brands – Citroen, Peugeot, Opel, Ford … – A long time has passed Abandoned Due to lack of profitability.

The result of this latest bet from Toyota is the Aygo X Cross, a 3.7-meter-long car that uses the Yaris platform, which belongs to the B segment, and as a result, enjoys its many virtues, including driving aids. . This evolution of the Aygo, which has been sold since 2005, is also the first fully developed in Europe and produced independently by Toyota. Joint factory Which had previously combined it with the PSA Group (now Stellantis) to make this model and the Citroën C1 and Peugeot 108.

The only way for the Japanese firm to carry out the project alone was to prepare a car that would benefit from synergy with Yaris, but at the same time, sell it at a profitable and affordable price. Hybridization and, of course, total electrification, which, for example, survived those categories such as the Fiat 500e or Smart fortwo.

Consequently, Toyota offers careless and highly Sympathetic – We were able to observe the curiosity that arises during the presentation in Barcelona – with the SUV aesthetics that fashion imposes and at a really attractive price in the face of this high inflation. Its most basic finish (Play) costs € 13,600 in cash and € 12,350 funded by Toyota Easy, so there are now a few more options available in the Spanish market.

The range ends with the Trendy Edition, which is committed to the highest percentage of sales monopolies and is available from € 14,600, and the limited edition is equipped with everything that is desirable in terms of security and connectivity starting at € 17,000; Both prices are reduced by € 1250, with brand funding. Trendy can include Smart and Connect Packs and Limited, the Sky Pack, which mainly consists of a sliding and power supply canvas roof.

The Aygo X Cross is powered by the in-house, 72-horsepower 1.0-liter three-cylinder petrol engine, which is tailored to meet the latest pollution standards and improve external noise levels and efficiency. The approved average consumption is now from 4.7 to 5.2 liters / 100 km, depending on the equipment chosen and the type of transmission, which can be a five-speed manual or CVT type automatic. The latter has been lightened and reduced in size – relative to the gearbox it replaces – for the same purpose, to reduce CO2 emissions (there are from 107 to 117 g / km) and consumption, and also makes modifications to the control unit and the temperature switch.

Ideal for urban traffic

The Mini Toyota has some very interesting attributes in a car with an urban appeal. For example, a 55mm high driving position, for better control of what is happening on the road, the narrow front pillar is 10% behind the Aygo – also for visibility – and the lightweight body (model slightly over 1000 kg) and this reduces the oscillation by 26%, except Only 4.7 m with a turning radius, ideal for walking.

The luggage, in turn, increases by 35% and reaches 269 liters, which is enough for a weekly purchase or a few medium-sized suitcases. Trolley. The only pity is that in the absence of a handle or handle, a small door made of glass, as in previous generations, is doomed to be covered with a fingerprint.

Safety equipment that the Aygo X Cross may include include adapted speed control, road sign detection, front collision detection system for pedestrians and cyclists, intelligent high beam control and an assistant that warns against unintentional lane changes, and also protects the vehicle in it.

In its SUV range, the novice Toyota aims to capture 10% of sales in Spain corresponding to segments A (Aygo X Cross), B (Yaris) and B-SUV, where the newly introduced Yaris Cross is available (you can read the article here.). Similarly, it intends to concentrate 10% of all SUV deliveries in our country thanks to the C-HR, RAV4, Highlander, Yaris Cross and Aygo X Cross models.

The youngest of the family collected 550 orders after pre-sale in January, while the first buyers will receive the units in May. The brand forecasts that more than 3,000 cars will be sold throughout the year if a pandemic, supply crisis, war in Ukraine and other possible disasters do not prevent this.