Car of the Year Awards 2026: Small Car of the Year

Imagine having a superpower – invisibility, or the ability to fly – that not only made you the envy of your peers, but also made your cute smaller sister very jealous. Sharing such a gift with her would be an extraordinarily kind gesture. 

The Toyota Aygo X ought to be grateful to its Yaris sibling, then. You see, by donating its fuel-saving hybrid underpinnings, the Toyota Yaris has given up its share of the limelight and catapulted the Aygo X to the top of the small car class. 

We’re talking about a serious transformation here. The Aygo X has been with us for several years, but it was rather hamstrung by a weak 1.0-litre engine. Now, though, its new 1.5-litre hybrid set-up has taken it from 71bhp to a much healthier 114bhp, making it a far more usable car. It’s gone from frustratingly slow to surprisingly nippy; 0-62mph takes a respectable 9.2sec, and the smooth, responsive power delivery makes stop-start city driving a cinch. 

Of course, the main purpose of hybrid power is to improve fuel efficiency, and the Aygo X has achieved the paradox of getting not only faster but also more economical. Officially, an average of 74.3mpg is possible – eclipsing the 58.9mpg of the old car and knocking the spots off other small petrol cars. This is helped by the fact that the Aygo X can be driven for short distances on electric power alone at low speeds. 

While the Aygo X is cramped for adults in the rear seats and has a tiny boot, it’s hard to imagine a car better suited to city driving. Diminutive proportions and a tight turning circle make urban U-turns a cinch, and tight parking spaces are ripe for the picking. Meanwhile, negotiating junctions and roundabouts is made easier by excellent forward visibility and a higher driving position than in most other small cars. What’s more, a CVT automatic gearbox means changing gear is one less thing to think about. 

Speaking of being able to forget about things, you should be able to count on the Aygo X being dependable. The original model was a consistent high scorer in our reliability surveys, and there’s no reason to think the hybrid version won’t continue in the same vein. Toyota itself historically does well in our surveys, too. 

If something does go wrong, the Aygo X’s warranty sets the standard. You get three years of cover off the bat, but if you keep your car serviced by a Toyota workshop, following the correct schedule, the warranty will extend annually until your car reaches its 10th birthday (or 100,000 miles if that landmark arrives first). 

While the Aygo X is more expensive to buy than the Renault Clio if you’re paying with cash, it’s cheaper on PCP finance, and that makes it more accessible to own. What’s more, even the cheapest version – entry-level Icon trim – is generously equipped. Smart-looking 17in alloy wheels, air-con, adaptive cruise control, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration are among its long list of standard goodies. 

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