2008 Toyota Aygo(microcar coming stateside??)
09-18-06, 06:47 PM
#1
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2008 Toyota Aygo(microcar coming stateside??)
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.
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.
09-18-06, 11:43 PM
#4
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If I wasn't afraid of being pulverized by larger vehicels in an unfortunate accident, i'd probably buy one of those as a beater.
A 6 speed auto would be ideal to make the most out of the little power it does have but I highly doubt toyota would mate an expensive 6 speed auto in that car.
Here are some specs...
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Toyota Aygo range
PRICES: £6,745-£9,095 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 1E
CO2 EMISSIONS: 109g/km
PERFORMANCE: [1.0] 0-60mph 14.2s / Max Speed 98mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.0] (urban) 51.4mpg / (extra urban) 68.9mpg / (combined) 61.4mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags on all except entry-level model, ABS, EBD
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 3405/1615/1415mm
http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews...e-1004599.html
A 6 speed auto would be ideal to make the most out of the little power it does have but I highly doubt toyota would mate an expensive 6 speed auto in that car.
Here are some specs...
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Toyota Aygo range
PRICES: £6,745-£9,095 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 1E
CO2 EMISSIONS: 109g/km
PERFORMANCE: [1.0] 0-60mph 14.2s / Max Speed 98mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.0] (urban) 51.4mpg / (extra urban) 68.9mpg / (combined) 61.4mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags on all except entry-level model, ABS, EBD
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 3405/1615/1415mm
http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews...e-1004599.html
Last edited by Ramon; 09-18-06 at 11:48 PM.
09-19-06, 07:31 AM
#6
How can it be called Aygo when there is already different Aygo? Aygo started selling late last year... there is no way there will be redesign that soon.
And there is no reason for anyone to buy Aygo in the USA.. in Europe it is barely any cheaper than Yaris, with yaris having substantially beter everything... Its good for big cities and looks awesome...
And there is no reason for anyone to buy Aygo in the USA.. in Europe it is barely any cheaper than Yaris, with yaris having substantially beter everything... Its good for big cities and looks awesome...
09-19-06, 07:40 AM
#7
Not in N.Y.C. nor L.A. nor San Fran markets...
I don't see this selling as much as I don't see SMART selling in the U.S.
There are few (very few) people that will find this functional. SMART thinks this will work in cities such as NYC, L.A., and San Fran. However, New Yorkers use the subway, L.A. drivers live in their cars and buy the best they can afford, and San Fran is turning into a "scooter" city.
If Toyota decides to sell this, I don't see them selling more than 8-10k units a year. Unless if they market this car for teenagers under Scion, it won't find a functional market to sell to.
There are few (very few) people that will find this functional. SMART thinks this will work in cities such as NYC, L.A., and San Fran. However, New Yorkers use the subway, L.A. drivers live in their cars and buy the best they can afford, and San Fran is turning into a "scooter" city.
If Toyota decides to sell this, I don't see them selling more than 8-10k units a year. Unless if they market this car for teenagers under Scion, it won't find a functional market to sell to.
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09-19-06, 08:43 AM
#8
Sounds good. I like MB's idea with the smart but I thought it wasn't executed well. The interior trim is flimsy and the transmission is jerky. Is there a new 1.3 litre with the new ZR series engine? Maybe it can use that.
09-19-06, 06:13 PM
#9
Lexus Fanatic
Edmunds's video (animated illustration) coverage on the Aygo:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=116832
I love it. Keep those small efficient cars coming to the States!! Now if only Toyota can get the Daihatsu Copen here I'd be overjoyed.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=116832
I love it. Keep those small efficient cars coming to the States!! Now if only Toyota can get the Daihatsu Copen here I'd be overjoyed.
09-19-06, 07:56 PM
#10
However, I don't think it will pass U.S. safety standards, especially with rollovers. Too bad; it's a really "cute" car...
Last edited by PhilipMSPT; 09-19-06 at 08:00 PM.
09-20-06, 11:52 AM
#14
Super Moderator
I remember that Mercury Capri...never quite what the market wanted, but that Daihatsu has always been on my they should import this to the U.S. list. Another one would be the Ford Ka, which we have down here in Mexico.
09-20-06, 03:07 PM
#15
Lexus Fanatic
However, I don't think it will pass U.S. safety standards, especially with rollovers. Too bad; it's a really "cute" car...
http://www.daihatsu.com/catalogue/copen/04/index.html
It seems to survive the various crash tests including the rollover test quite well.
Get it here already!