CITY driving might be a day-to-day nightmare, but Toyota has decided to make it as much fun as possible.

Practicality, compact size and price tag are the three main factors governing most city car purchases, but Toyota decided to add a little touch of mischief into the mix.

It went so far as dubbing the design theme for the new Aygo as J-Playful, marking a link with the outspoken shapes central to Japanese youth culture.

One thing is for sure, with its attention-grabbing ‘X’ design frontal styling, you will not miss Toyota’s take on the city car coming.

The Czech-built car has been designed with a wide range of equipment, options and customisation possibilities to make every car feel a little bit different.

More than 10 parts around the vehicle, from the X-shaped front grille and rear bumper insert to front wing garnish and alloy wheels, can easily be replaced to help produce a custom car.

In the cabin the instrument panel, centre console, air vents, gearshift knob and gear lever surround can all be changed.

Priced from £8,595, in five- and three-door versions, the car comes with plenty of grown-up options including a rear-view camera, keyless entry and push-button start, control switches on the steering wheel and a height-adjustable driver’s seat.

Power still comes from a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, which Toyota says has been improved for better combustion efficiency, reduced friction losses and lower emissions. The result is a boost in engine power to 69 horsepower, making the little car more sprightly than ever.

Around town the car is quietly zippy and, out on the open road, the engine revs happily away. Push hard and a sporty exhaust note burbles out.

Handling, as you might expect from a car with wheels shoved out as far as possible to each corner, is pure go-kart, adding to the all-round feeling of fun.

Increased body rigidity and fine-tuned suspension and steering all contribute to the driving dynamics, and the ride is more comfortable for everyday around-town driving. A larger motor has ben fitted to the electric power steering to deliver a smoother, more precise feel.

The test car came rammed with every imaginable luxury touch from alloy wheels and air conditioning, to the eye-catching multimedia system with a seven-inch, full-colour touchscreen.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

A snazzy interior

The interior was decked out in optional £995 leather upholstery.

Even the paint choices, that include Deep Blue Buzz, Red Pop and Orange Twist, point to a playful character.

The original Aygo was launched nine years ago and more than lived up to Toyota’s high expectations, with sales across Europe totalling more than 760,000.

The new Aygo might be a small car, but it has a big personality.

At a glance

  • Cost: £11,695
  • Insurance group: 7E 
  •  Fuel consumption (Combined): 68.9mpg 
  • Top speed: 99mph 
  • Length: 345.5cm/163in 
  •  Width: 161.5cm/71in 
  •  Luggage capacity: 5.9 cu ft 
  •  Fuel tank capacity: 7.7 gallons/35 litres 
  • CO2 emissions: 95g/km 
  •  Warranty: Five years/100,000 miles