Toyota Aygo x-clusive

You will also find a large X on the cover Ed Sheeran's latest album... and at the front of Toyota's new Aygo, where X marks a spot of very clever design.

Toyota would tell you this is an all-new car, and aside from the engine block they'd be right. The basic metal engine housing is the same but the internal parts are all upgraded and improved, and while the wheelbase is the same there are new dimensions and a sharp new look for the bodyshell.

That face is a deliberate looks a bit like a superhero's mask with a huge X shape of interchangeable coloured panels. Coloured panels are on the table too as part of customisation options that span plastic trim both inside and out. You can change the hue of the wheels, too, all in the name of making it unique to you... and giving it the X factor.

From different angles you see different things in the Aygo's striking new lines. There's a hint of Lexus in the narrow projector headlights, which, incidentally, are a class above the regular halogen lamps you normally get in cars like this.

Whatever you see – or don't – the Aygo is not a car you could mistake for anything else. Some people might hate it, sure, but lots of mainly young or young-at-heart people will love it. Plump for the orange x-cite special edition model and you definitely won't lose it in any car parks.

It looks longer and lower than it is, thanks to clever penmanship from the designers, and two front seat occupants have loads of space for arms, legs and other appendages. Rear passengers suffer as a result, with a six-foot adult having to push their knees into the seat back when sat behind the same height driver.

Boot space is a modest 168 litres, which is a lot bigger than the last Aygo's but it's still exactly 50 per cent smaller than that found in the Hyundai i10. You don't get a spare wheel as standard but a space-saver can be added from the options list.

The ride is exceptionally good, and body roll is reasonably well controlled. Chunky front seats are nicely shaped and make comfy places to park your behind, so basic comfort is impressive.

At start-up, the characteristic noise of the three-pot engine is a slight annoyance, but the engine fades to a barely distinguishable background thrum at low revs. When you put your foot down, though, a vocal three-cylinder 'growl' adds a bit of sporty character in lieu of any real feeling of acceleration.

While there's no doubt that the Aygo comes with a lot of kit, including an excellent seven-inch touch-screen multimedia interface and navigation unit, it's also a little pricey, and certainly a few hundred pounds more expensive than the rival Citroen C1 and Peugeot 108. But the bags of style will ensure that this will be a big-seller. Compare it with the previous version and it is like looking at two completely different cars.

It's also big on choice and value, with an 11-strong line-up of three and five-door models, starting from £8,595. All are powered by the latest version of Toyota’s 1.0-litre VVT-i petrol engine, a unit famed for its great fuel economy and low emissions. In fact it produces so little CO2, customers don’t have to pay any annual road tax Yes, the Aygo is a radical change in direction and it is aimed fairly and squarely at young, funky urban and suburbanites with an eye on their first new car. But why should the young have all the fun?

Toyota Aygo x-clusive
Price: £13,085 (range from £8,595)
Engine: Three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol, producing 69bhp
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Performance: 0 to 62mph in 14.2 seconds; top speed 99mph
Economy: 68.9mpg combined
CO2 emissions: 95g/km