The Aygo X, pronounced Aygo Cross, has neat styling that looks familiar to the old car, that was also a Citroen and a Peugeot. The rival cars are now dead, but despite the similarities, this car is all new, as it's based on the same, but shortened GA-B modular platform as the bigger Yaris.

Now reclassified as a compact crossover, there's more than a deliberate hint of off-roader to the Aygo's look. These include the silver undertrays front and rear, plus chunky plastic wheel arches at the side and raised ride height. The large headlights and vertical taillights echo the old car, but are bigger and LED-lit. To go with the standout design, Toyota is offering a selection of different colour and customisation options. These colours are only available with bi-tone black paint, which extends over the roof and rear quarters, adding to the Aygo X's distinctive look. We experienced a couple of these colours at launch and liked the Chilli version best. 

It is not just the colour choices that can make the Aygo X stand out, Toyota are also offering further customisation choices including an upgraded JBL premium audio system and an optional full-length, electric folding canvas roof. Priced at £495 and £895 respectively, they can be specified separately or together from Edge grade and above.

Aygo X prices start at £14,795 for the entry-level Pure grade, which by coincidence Toyota believes will be the best-seller in the UK, with 55% of sales. A Toyota UK spokesperson told us that they roughly expect 70:30 split between retail and fleet, with more expected next year when retail demand eases. Standard equipment for all Aygo X models is reasonably comprehensive, too. 

Whilst it might be small, Toyota has fitted the Aygo X with its Toyota Safety Sense as standard - a first for this segment. It includes adaptive cruise control on all models.   

Inside, there is decent space up front, but rear head and legroom are merely adequate. Access to the rear isn't helped by the small rear doors - which don't open very wide. The optional fabric folding roof opens up the interior, although, if you're carrying tall rear passengers regularly, we wouldn't go for it. The boot, like the rear space, is adequate - with only just enough room for two small suitcases. The Aygo X's interior has a simple feel to it, with lots of exposed metal and hard plastics. But it feels solidly made, there are actual physical buttons for the ventilation and the dashboard is attractively styled. 

The 1.0-litre three-pot engine is carried over from the original Aygo, with no hybrid assistance. As we understand it, this is because adding hybrid technology would increase the price and weight. 

Still, go for the manual version and you'll get emissions from 109g/km, with the auto not far behind and starting at 115g/km. 

This means BIK starting at 25 and 26% respectively. Best-described as willing with 72hp, however it does struggle a bit on steep inclines, where you find yourself or the car working its way down the gears to carry on making decent progress. The Aygo X is available with either with five-speed manual or CVT automatic transmissions. In our opinion, unless your Aygo X is going to be spending most of its time in the city, the five-speed manual is the better option. The CVT is impressively smooth at low speeds, but out of town, it seems to rev endlessly when getting up to speed. Toyota is predicting that 75% of UK Aygo X sales will be for the manual.

Shortened Yaris underpinnings and its light weight (1,360kg gross) gives the Aygo X a more composed grown-up ride, despite the large 17in wheels fitted to both the test cars we drove. 

Visibility is excellent, the steering is light and reasonably precise, and although there is some body roll in corners, the Aygo X grips well.