The successor of the little Aygo is expected to be launched in the market towards the end of the year 2021 with a very modern crossover look, anticipated by this one. Toyota Aygo X prologue , a trend that is taking all market segments by storm.
Many manufacturers will end up with their smaller models with gasoline engines, because the necessary investment in emission-reducing technology makes cheaper cars unprofitable.
Ford, Citroën, Peugeot, Volkswagen, Renault and even the leader of the Fiat segment - among others - have already admitted or officially announced that they will no longer be in this more accessible segment of the market or they will only be present with 100% vehicles electric.
Bet on city dwellers is to continue
Toyota, however, will continue to bet on the segment with a successor to the Aygo, as we can see in these first photos of the (almost final) Aygo X Prologue concept, designed in the ED2, the Japanese brand's design center in Nice (south of France), and which should go on sale this year.
Production will take place at the factory in Kolin, Czech Republic, which, since January 1st, has been 100% owned by Toyota (previously it was a joint venture with Groupe PSA, where the Peugeots were also assembled. 108 and Citroën C1).
The Japanese invested 150 million euros to create an assembly line for the Yaris, which will also have a crossover version, the Yaris Cross. Both were made on the GA-B platform, which will also serve as the basis for this new Aygo, but in a version with a shorter wheelbase.
One of the most original details of the concept are its front optics. Will they survive in the production model?
Toyota's bet on the A segment (city dwellers) has given good commercial results, with the Aygo regularly being one of the best-selling city dwellers in Europe. Since Aygo arrived, in 2005, it has always been fighting for a place on the podium, only being surpassed by the other big force in the class, Fiat, with the Panda and 500 models.
bolder and more aggressive
The Toyota Aygo X prologue concept — which is quite close to the final series-production model — reveals a clear commitment to a robust and dynamic look with crossover air (a little higher ground clearance than normal hatchbacks).
"Cute-looking" city guy? Do not.
Highlights include the sophisticated headlights that seem to embrace the upper area of the hood, the bi-tone bodywork (which assumes a much greater graphic relevance than just the typical separation of the upper and lower volumes), a protective lower area at the rear that includes a bike rack, plus a clear plastic rear gate to fill the interior with light and improve rear visibility. Included in the rearview mirrors are cameras to capture and share moments of evasion.
Ian Cartabiano, president of the ED2 design center, explains his enthusiasm for this project: “Everyone deserves a stylish car and when I look at the Aygo X Prologue I feel very proud to see that our team at ED2 created just that. . I'm looking forward to seeing him revolutionize the segment.” This is shared by Ken Billes, the French designer who signed the concept's exterior line: “The new wedge roof line enhances the dynamic feel and gives a sporty and more aggressive image just as it does with the increased size of the wheels, the driver enjoys a higher driving position for better visibility, as well as greater ground clearance to overcome higher irregularities in the road.”
Two-color bodywork taken to a new level: recalling the similar treatment we see in Smarts.
Cartabiano spent 20 years at the Toyota/Lexus studios in Newport Beach, south of Los Angeles, after graduating from the famous Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. His good work with models such as the Toyota C-HR, FT-SX Concept, Camry (2018) and Lexus LF-LC Concept (which would give rise to the Lexus LC) caught the attention of Toyota management who promoted him to ED2 president in Nice, a place he has occupied for three years.
“Here we do 85% advanced design and 15% production design, but some of the concept cars we create are very close to series production,” explains this 47-year-old New York-born car enthusiast, who highlights the propensity for Europe to take risks creatively and very consistently as the main difference to the mindset in their home country in car design.
The uninterrupted LED bar also serves as a handle to open the tailgate.
The Aygo X prologue may surprise some with its aggressive lines, bearing in mind that, as a young customer segment, it is also relatively conservative, but it follows on from the Toyota C-HR and even the Nissan Juke, whose sales success has proven that it was possible to risk more than anticipated in the small car class.
“I totally agree with your reference to Juke — it was a case study for all designers worldwide — and our C-HR, which allowed us to make this Aygo X prologue much more relaxed about its acceptance,” concludes Ian Cartabiano .
