Hundreds of hours of work by JBL acoustic engineers went into designing a dynamic and lightweight sound system tailored to the car’s interior characteristics.
The result is the Aygo X JBL, which provides an interesting option for those seeking a city car with a bit of added appeal.
The Aygo X has attracted new style-conscious buyers to Toyota since first hitting Europe’s roads in 2022, building on the youthful and fun character of the normal Aygo by introducing a more confident driving position.
With a 400-mile round trip on the motorway looming, the delivery of a test car with such small proportions didn’t initially look like great timing.
The Toyota Aygo X For this is a ‘compact urban crossover’ best suited to nipping in and out of city traffic and squeezing into tight parking spaces with the minimum of fuss.
But I needn’t have feared the plentiful motorway miles, as the Aygo X JBL proved a surprisingly good companion on the M1.
Indeed, it recorded excellent fuel economy, sitting comfortably at 70mph on cruise control while returning between 45 and 50mpg.
At those higher speeds, there was a fair bit of wind noise to deal with, which is where the high-quality audio system played its part.
Sharp, crisp audio largely drowned out exterior noises, with speaker location playing a significant role in creating a wide sound stage.
The sound system is led by two full-range speakers in the front doors in combination with 25mm tweeters built into the A-pillars. At the rear, a 200mm subwoofer – large for a compact car like the Aygo X – generates powerful bass and dynamic response as well as clear, dynamic sound. A 300W amplifier under the passenger seat has six channels, which JBL enginers used to fine-tune frequencies for what Toyota described as a “concert-style sound.”
To differentiate the Aygo X JBL from the rest of the range, it has 18-inch alloys finished in black and silver, along with a a bi-tone paint combination consisting of black and silver. You’ll also find JBL badges inside and out.
On the B-roads, a fairly slick five-speed gearbox makes the car engaging to drive, although the lack of power means it never quite enters the fun category.
There’s only one engine and it’s a 71bhp 1.0-litre petrol unit.
With a 0-62mph time of14.9 seconds, it won’t set the pulse racing, although the frugal way in which this three-pot sips fuel will put a smile on the face of the thrifty.
Up front, the seats are comfortable and offer plenty of legroom and headroom, even for taller adults. In the back, an adult will really struggle to find enough space to sit behind a six-foot driver, so the rear seats are best-suited to children.
Ride quality is good, striking a nice balance between comfort and feel. The premium colour-matched upholstery includes the JBL logo subtly perforated into the front seat backs.
In conclusion, the JBL treatment has given the Aygo X even greater appeal. although some may balk at the £21k-plus price tag for a jacked-up city car, albeit a very likeable one.
Toyota Aygo X JBL special edition
ENGINE: 1.0-litre petrol, three cylinder, 71bhp
PERFORMANCE: 0-62mph in 14.9 seconds and top speed of 98mph
TRANSMISSION: Five-speed manual, front wheel drive
ECONOMY: 57.6mpg/110g/km
PRICE: £21,195
