2006 Toyota AYGO + review from UK and Ireland

Apart from one morning when it hesitated to start, the car has been faultless. It went into the supplying dealer for this to be checked and no fault could be found.

Tyre wear is significant. At 12000 miles the front tyres were wearing fast and it is doubtful they would have lasted much longer. From research this is not an uncommon issue with the Aygo.

My partner wanted to replace her Renault Megane with a smaller, more reliable car, and was very interested in an Aygo and a Yaris. After a test drive of both she was drawn to the more basic Aygo due to its unpretentious, no-nonsense, fun appeal, and a superb deal was done on a three door Aygo+ in carbon quartz.

In the 22 months she owned it, it proved to be an excellent choice and was incredibly fuel efficient, achieving 50+ mpg as a matter of course, whether it was driven briskly or sedately.

Road tax at £35 made renewal time, a completely insignificant financial event.

The boot, whilst not very large, was acceptable and would easily accommodate shopping bags.

On one occasion we took the Aygo on a 400 mile round trip from the Midlands to the South Coast, and we were hugely impressed at how well it kept up with traffic, was comfortable, swallowed up bags of presents and overnight bags with ease, and was thoroughly entertaining to drive.

At 6'4" tall it accommodates me with ease, and the front leg room is excellent. I have been in far bigger, luxurious cars, that are less roomy for front seat occupants.

Whilst this is a budget car, we would mention that the stereo is a little tinny sounding, and we do feel that Toyota should offer a slightly higher spec model within the range with one or two extra creature comforts for customers that want the small dimensions and cheap running costs, but would like little touches such as external temperature gauges, for example.

Overall the Aygo is a superb car, and was replaced with a five door Aygo Blue.