Promises kept: Since the stricter Euro 7 standards were announced, car manufacturers were warned that under the new conditions, producing mini cars that meet the new emission requirements would be costly, and most would leave the market. Toyota stayed, but installed the Yaris hybrid powertrain in the Aygo X.
On one hand, this created a nimble mini car with an official fuel consumption of 26.3 km per liter according to the stricter WLTP standard, with an average emission of just 85 g CO₂ per km, helping Toyota reduce its average emissions and avoid heavy fines in Europe.
On the other hand, although the more efficient powertrain receives a NIS 3,700 purchase tax discount thanks to dropping from emission group 4 to 2, the base model price soared to NIS 124,000. Among the three trims, it is so basic that it comes with steel wheels and hubcaps, which seemed to have disappeared from the market. Now, the Aygo, which was NIS 5,000 cheaper than the Kia Picanto, is NIS 14,000 more expensive - over 10%.
The old 1.4-liter engine with 72 hp has been replaced with a 1.5-liter engine that, together with an electric motor, produces a combined 116 hp - a high output for a non-sporty mini car. The CVT automatic transmission remains, but performance has improved significantly: 0–100 km/h in 9.2 seconds instead of 15.1 seconds with the old engine, and a top speed of 172 km/h instead of 151 km/h.
Installing the hybrid unit slightly changed the dimensions, adding 7.6 cm in length to reach 3.78 meters, slightly affecting the ability to squeeze into almost any parking spot. Other dimensions remain unchanged: 1.74 meters wide, 1.525 meters tall, and a wheelbase of 2.43 meters. The trunk has a volume of 231 liters, and the fuel tank was reduced by 5 liters to 30 liters, based on the improved fuel efficiency.
Specifications include three trim levels and prices:
Pure (from NIS 124,000): 9-inch multimedia screen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 7-inch instrument cluster, 17" steel wheels, ignition key, climate control, exterior mirrors with electric adjustment.
Pulse (NIS 125,000): Adds alloy wheels of the same size, wireless charging pad, start button, smart ignition, automatic mirror folding, LED fog lights.
Peak (NIS 130,000): Adds a two-tone exterior with a black roof, full LED projector lights (front and rear), rain sensor, tinted rear windows.
Safety: The Aygo X received 4 out of 5 stars in the 2025 European crash test. It comes with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control - which is rare in small cars - lane keeping, steering assistance, lane centering for driving, and automatic high beam.
The bare-base model is primarily intended for companies leasing mini cars for salespeople or security personnel. For private customers, the Aygo effectively starts at NIS 125,000. The high price - more than superminis like the Citroën C3 (from NIS 115,000) and Škoda Fabia (from NIS 120,000), and close to hybrid superminis like the MG3 (from NIS 127,000) - is offset by low fuel consumption, which for someone driving around 20,000 km per year is expected to save about NIS 3,000 annually before expected price increases, along with cheaper maintenance for hybrids.
For private customers, the importer will also offer the model with a basic, affordable private leasing plan, with a down payment of NIS 13,000 and a monthly payment of NIS 1,339 for 36 months. At the end of the period, the customer can choose to purchase the car at a 10% discount off the base price from Levi Yitzhak. Conditions: The amount is based on 15,000 km per year and does not include insurance and servicing. Full operational leasing, including insurance, servicing, and roadside assistance, is offered from NIS 2,259, with the same down payment.