Toyota unveils its smallest self-charging hybrid-powered vehicle to date: the Aygo X Hybrid micro-crossover claiming to be Europe’s greenest plug-less model on the market.
It boasts a CO2 emissions output of just 86 gm/km estimated on the European WLTP rating and will provide a better alternative for city residents unable to find, or even use, public charging infrastructure required by battery-electric vehicles.
The A-segment model also claims the use of new materials and production techniques will help reduce the car’s lifetime carbon footprint and will join Toyota’s GR performance-model range with the GR Aygo X Sport version.
Designed and produced for European markets, the Aygo X Hybrid is expected to build on the success of the original Aygo X which sold more than 287,000 units since hitting Europe’s roads in 2022.
With yet-to-be-released detailed powertrain details for the hybrid system, it replaces the 1.0L gasoline 3-cyl. claiming a maximum power output of 116 hp, up 44 hp from the current model, to allow a claimed 0-to-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint time in less than 10 seconds.
In a bid to maintain the Aygo’s diminutive wheelbase and comparatively generous trunk space, Toyota uses two stacks of battery cells placed alongside each other across the width of the floor in a longitudinal layout beneath the rear seats, unlike its other hybrid models.
To accommodate the larger hybrid powertrain, the front overhang has been extended by 3 ins. (76 mm).
Safety issues increase the smaller a vehicle becomes, so Toyota loads the car with a host of safety technology as standard, including the automaker’s pre-collision system, lane trace assist, road sign assist features, emergency driving stop system and proactive driving assist.
Toyota boosts the car’s green credentials by claiming a lifetime carbon footprint reduced by 18% compared to the previous, non-hybrid generation.
As part of this, production processes have been modified with in-mold color technology applied on specific components, where color is applied directly during the injection molding.
Further emissions savings are achieved by using recycled plastic and fabrics for new seat upholstery materials for an animal product-free interior.
For example, SakuraTouch seating material comprises more than 40% plant-derived PVC, sourced from wood pulping byproducts. It also incorporates cork chip material from the wine industry and recycled PET plastics.
Toyota claims this blend of materials reduces CO2 emissions during material production by 95% compared with using leather upholstery.
Prices have yet to be announced, but they are expected to start from about €20,000 ($22,695).
