Aww, the facelifted Aygo X is now Toyota’s littlest hybrid

Toyota has given the little Aygo X a big facelift, introducing hybrid technology and a ‘GR Sport’ trim level for the first time. Meet the car that wants to be a GR Yaris when it grows up. In looks if not in performance.

Because that new e-powertrain is shared with the regular versions of its Yaris and Yaris Cross siblings: a 114bhp 1.5-litre three-pot with a small electric motor and battery all powering the front wheels. It's a mild-hybrid (so it charges itself), and for this outing, Toyota has mounted the battery cell stacks in a longitudinal layout for better packaging.

Toyota's binned the old 1.0-litre three-pot and manual gearbox, opting instead for a CVT auto. Fret not, because the new hybrid heart gets the Aygo X from 0-62mph in a shade under 10s - an almost five-second improvement over the outgoing ICE-only package.

And Toyota reckons the new Aygo X emits just 86g/km (WLTP), making it the lowest-rated non-PHEV around. Quite the stat to boast to friends about.

Looks good, too - chunky, robust. The Aygo X’s redesigned body sits atop Toyota’s GA-B platform, and features more angular headlights and longer overhangs (by 76mm) to accommodate the bigger engine. You’ll have a choice of 17/18in alloys to wedge beneath the wider arches, and black paint draped along the roof and rear sections.

Inside, it’s business as usual: space for four, lots of recycled fabrics for the upholstery and an unchanged 231-litre boot. Fronted by a 7in digital display, other tech includes two USB-C charging ports, a wireless phone charger and Toyota’s Safety Sense pack as standard. You know, pre-collision warning, lane assist, emergency stop, that sorta thing. Customers can also update these OTA in a first for the Aygo X.

As for that GR Sport trim, it won’t get any more power, but it will get bespoke shocks and springs, plus a sharper steering setup said to improve cornering dynamics. Visual changes include the ‘G-pattern’ mesh grille and black bonnet.

UK sales will begin towards the end of this year, with further details announced over the coming months.