Sexy Aygo goes topless

The canvas roof is electrically-operated via a switch located within easy reach of the driver and the front-seat passenger. The canvas top can be opened partially or to full roof length so that rear-seat passengers can also enjoy wind-in-the-hair driving fun.

Our test car’s body make-up was shimmering white which was attractively balanced by the Aygo trademark black cross front-end design and the new black canvas roof.

In terms of eye-candy, the little five-door hatch goes up against players such as Volkswagen Up, Nissan Micra, Suzuki Celerio and Renault Sandero with none of them quite as eye-catching as the Aygo.

I liked the sporty cabin layout with its two-tone seats, small steering wheel and gear lever which falls easily to hand, and high specification levels, which include a good quality touch-screen audio system.

Although a one-litre engine doesn’t sound like much on paper, it is more than peppy enough to please, churning out 51kW and 95Nm which is good for a top speed of 160km/h and a zero to 100km sprint time of 14.2 seconds.

A smooth, short-throw five-speed manual transmission transfers power to the front wheels.

On the trot, the X-Cite’s engine growls pleasantly and the little Toyota handles corners with a fair amount of confidence, but it is at its best in congested commuter traffic and in the city where its size and light steering make it easy to manoeuvre into tight parking spaces.

Unlike some other small cars, the X-Cite also has a host of safety features including Vehicle Stability Control, LED daytime running lights, driver, passenger, side- and curtain airbags and 15-inch alloy wheels.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Aygo and was charmed by its cocky looks and perky ride. It is easy to forgive the rather cramped leg-, head- and shoulder space for the rear occupants and the small luggage hold.

Overall the X-Cite is a smile-on-your-dial, safe, head-turning barrel of fun. It wears a price tag of R189,500 which includes a three-year, 100,000km warranty.