5 days ago
Toyota to launch its smallest hybrid next year
Toyota will end production of petrol-only cars next year when its smallest model, the Aygo, goes hybrid.
A 1.5 litre hybrid engine will replace the current one-litre petrol engine, but Toyota says this engine will produce 23 grammes less CO2 than the smaller one. When it's launched in 2026, the new Aygo is expected to be the only full hybrid in the smallest segment of the car market.
It's expected that the car will have a CVT-style transmission, which will replace the manual gearbox.
The new car measures just 3.7 metres long and 1.52 metres high. The boot has a predictably modest 231 litres capacity.
A new bonnet, headlamps and have been introduced to give the car a more sturdy road presence, and the car will sit on 17 or 18-inch alloys, depending on the version chosen.
Toyota says the car will be "quieter and smoother to drive for all passengers", thanks to new noise-damping components.
Dash silencers, bonnet insulation and an engine underbody cover are matched to an updated exhaust system and silencer. Higher-spec models will have thicker window glass and additional soundproofing throughout the body.
The Aygo safety features include an enhanced Pre-Collision System, Lane Trace Assist and Road Sign Assist features, as well as a new Emergency Driving Stop System and Proactive Driving Assist, with over-the-air updates available.
There's a 7" digital display screen, and an electronic parking brake is standard on all versions.
The battery has a 15-year, unlimited mileage warranty as long as the car has been serviced at a Toyota dealership.
Prices won't be determined for some time yet, but with its bigger engine, a price increase above that of the current model seems likely.
