This Small Toyota Prototype Features a Yaris Front End and Just One Seat | Carscoops

      Toyota has unveiled a unique test mule of the Aygo X, incorporating Yaris components and lacking passenger seats, designed for hybrid development.

      The Aygo X features a Yaris front end and dashboard to evaluate hybrid technology.

      Passenger seats were removed to accommodate battery packs for testing purposes.

      The updated Toyota Aygo X is set to debut soon as the first full hybrid in its segment.

      Previously, the Aygo X was the final model in Toyota's European range without a hybrid variant. This will soon change as the refreshed entry-level hatchback-crossover approaches launch. The company has shared insights into its development process, which has not been simple.

      A new video from Toyota Europe reveals an early prototype with some distinctive characteristics. The camouflaged front utilizes headlights, grille, and bumper intakes sourced directly from the Yaris subcompact hatch. The remaining body structure retains elements from the Aygo X, featuring plastic arch cladding and larger wheels to emphasize its crossover appearance.

      A Hybrid Test Mule

      Inside, the prototype has been reduced to a single seat, with its dashboard also taken from the Yaris. This was necessary as Toyota was testing the first self-charging hybrid powertrain ever placed in an A-segment vehicle. Competitors in this category currently only offer gasoline, mild-hybrid, or fully electric options.

      In its production form, the updated Aygo X will replace the previous 1.0-liter engine with a new hybrid system generating 114 hp (85 kW / 116 PS). This system combines a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter engine with a single electric motor and battery pack, similar to what is found in the Yaris and Yaris Cross. However, integrating it into the smaller Aygo required significant redesigns and modifications to the TNGA-B platform.

      Toyota Europe / YouTube

      Overcoming Packaging Challenges

      The front end had to undergo comprehensive redesign, adding 76 mm (3 inches) to the front overhang and bringing the total length to 3,776 mm (148.7 inches). While the final model features the new design with aggressively styled headlights and an enlarged bumper intake, engineers did not initially have access to these components, necessitating the use of the Yaris front end and dashboard.

      Keeping the battery in place posed additional challenges. Initially, engineers had to remove passenger seats, but they eventually managed to fit the battery modules under the rear seats and relocate the auxiliary battery under the cargo floor, maintaining the cargo space of 231 liters (8.2 cu ft).

      The Financial Implications of Electrification

      Cesar Romero, R&D Project and Product Manager for the Aygo X, indicated that some customers had been requesting a hybrid since the model's introduction in 2022. The need to comply with upcoming Euro 7 regulations further influenced this decision.

      Currently, the pricing of the hybrid Aygo X remains undisclosed. However, the existing model ranges from £16,845-21,195 ($22,900-28,800) in the UK and €18,090-25,790 ($21,300-30,300) in Germany.

      Maintaining a Competitive Edge in the A-Segment

      This raises the question of how much more customers will need to invest in the refreshed hybrid, particularly with the newly introduced GR Sport variant. What is clear is that the base Aygo X must remain priced beneath the larger Yaris Hybrid, which starts at £22,900 in the UK and €25,500 ($30,000) in Germany.

      Romero noted that the Aygo X is the only model in the Toyota lineup specifically designed, produced, and sold in Europe. Unlike other manufacturers such as Peugeot, Citroen, Renault, VW, Skoda, and Seat, who have ceased their ICE-powered offerings in the A-Segment, Toyota is committed to remaining in this market.

      Consequently, the Aygo X will compete in a smaller field of rivals, including the Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto, and Suzuki Ignis, along with mild-hybrid models like the Fiat 500 and Pandina. It will also face a new generation of city EVs such as the Leapmotor T03, Dacia Spring, and upcoming models like the Renault Twingo and VW ID. Every1.