In the Q&A session at the presentation of the new Toyota Aygo X , when the inevitable questions about the small crossover's future declines arose, Toyota Motor Europe vice president Andrea Carlucci did not “kill” them with the usual “we don't comment on future products” response.
On the contrary, Carlucci ended up raising expectations about more variants, namely a future GR Aygo X: "Whatever our plans, this car could deserve a look at its chassis and body rigidity — the potential to make a sportier version."
However, he added: "Let it be clear: it is not in our plans, but they will find out for you (Aygo X's dynamic skills) and perhaps comment to help us understand what potential you (the media) see in this possibility."
Carlucci concluded by stating about the possibility of a GR Aygo X: “Never say never”.
What does all this mean?
It is curious that those responsible for the brand and the development of the new Toyota Aygo X present, were more forceful in «closing the door» to a hybrid variant of the Aygo X than to a sports variant, even taking into account the context current on emissions and electrification.
The potential for a GR Aygo X is great, largely because of its foundations, which are the same as the Yaris. The GA-B platform gave the Japanese utility vehicle more solid foundations that allowed for a much more capable chassis, which is reflected in the handling and handling, which have been widely praised in this fourth generation.
Furthermore, it allowed for the creation of the GR Yaris homologation special, a hot hatch "monster", which quickly became a reference and one of the most desired cars of the year.
There is plenty of room below the GR Yaris for a simpler and more affordable pocket rocket. It would not be difficult to imagine a future GR Aygo X, with two-wheel drive and a more “modest” variant of the three-cylinder turbocharged GR Yaris.
It would certainly have the approval of Akio Toyoda, Toyota president and true petrolhead, who since leading the Japanese giant has given us, in addition to the GR Yaris, also the GR 86 (and its predecessor GT 86) and the GR Supra,
Aygo X hybrid? very hardly
In addition to a possible GR Aygo X, the other most frequently heard question that we also asked was why Aygo X is not a hybrid and if there are any plans for there to be one.
If there is a brand that we associate with hybrid technology, it is Toyota, which introduced it in 1997, with the first Prius, but the Aygo X remains purely combustion, which is not even supported by a mild-hybrid system, as is increasingly used by standard.
The justification is simple. Aygo X is positioned in the lowest segment of the market, where vehicle price is one of the determining factors in purchasing decisions. A hybrid version would automatically be much more expensive and probably priced uncomfortably close to the larger Yaris Hybrid.
But if an Aygo X Hybrid isn't going to be available now, could it be available in the future?
Somewhat surprisingly, it will be very difficult to happen, not only for the aforementioned cost reason, but also because of the difficulties of fitting the Yaris Hybrid's cinematic chain into the smaller Aygo X, even though they both share the GA-B.
The fact that the front span (distance measured between the front of the car and the front axle) of the Aygo X is 72 mm shorter than that of the Yaris — that is, it has a shorter engine compartment — could be at the base of this reason.
However, taking into account the challenges ahead, namely the Euro 7, which will emerge during the «lifetime» of the Aygo X, Toyota may have to look for driving alternatives to keep its smallest model in the market.