Spy Shot
Exclusive Video Animation: 2008 Toyota Aygo
Prepare to go micro with the 2008 Toyota Aygo
Toyota is developing a two-seat microcar for the U.S. market and thanks to our sources in Europe we have the first exclusive sketches. Expected to be called the 2008 Toyota Aygo, the B-Class city car will provide direct competition for the upcoming 2008 Smart Fortwo two-seater.
Like the Smart, the Aygo is already on sale in Europe, but the coupe you see in our sketches is a fully redesigned version of the current model. Instead of the soft, curvy lines of the present Aygo, the next-generation will have an edgier, more chiseled shape. Up front, the design mimics the Toyota Yaris hatchback although the Aygo's front overhang is considerably shorter. A steeply raked windshield and large doors make the Aygo look bigger while the small quarter windows add a unique profile.
Not much is expected to change on the inside as the current Aygo already has a distinctive cabin design. The 2008 Aygo will continue to use large round dials for the speedometer and tach similar to those favored by Mini. A compact center stack keeps the layout simple and leaves room for extra storage. Unlike the Smart Fortwo, which uses a rear engine design, the Aygo has its drivetrain up front so there's more interior cargo room behind the front seats.
Power won't be this car's selling point as the current model uses a three-cylinder 1.0-liter engine with just 68 horses. A slightly more powerful version of the engine may be used in the U.S. version, however, since most Americans cringe at anything with less than 100 ponies on tap. A majority of Aygos in Europe are sold with a manual transmission, but a good number of the models destined for the States will most likely have some form of an automatic gearbox.
Look for the official debut of the 2008 Toyota Aygo at the Tokyo Motor Show next fall.
See new Toyota models
Like the Smart, the Aygo is already on sale in Europe, but the coupe you see in our sketches is a fully redesigned version of the current model. Instead of the soft, curvy lines of the present Aygo, the next-generation will have an edgier, more chiseled shape. Up front, the design mimics the Toyota Yaris hatchback although the Aygo's front overhang is considerably shorter. A steeply raked windshield and large doors make the Aygo look bigger while the small quarter windows add a unique profile.
Not much is expected to change on the inside as the current Aygo already has a distinctive cabin design. The 2008 Aygo will continue to use large round dials for the speedometer and tach similar to those favored by Mini. A compact center stack keeps the layout simple and leaves room for extra storage. Unlike the Smart Fortwo, which uses a rear engine design, the Aygo has its drivetrain up front so there's more interior cargo room behind the front seats.
Power won't be this car's selling point as the current model uses a three-cylinder 1.0-liter engine with just 68 horses. A slightly more powerful version of the engine may be used in the U.S. version, however, since most Americans cringe at anything with less than 100 ponies on tap. A majority of Aygos in Europe are sold with a manual transmission, but a good number of the models destined for the States will most likely have some form of an automatic gearbox.
Look for the official debut of the 2008 Toyota Aygo at the Tokyo Motor Show next fall.
See new Toyota models
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