I drove Toyota’s Aygo X Undercover – it has expensive-looking touches and tech but you won’t go anywhere in a hurry

THIS is what happens when Google Translate goes wrong.

We Brits think the word “undercover” means working in secret, not known or seen by others.

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But the Japanese think it’s the complete opposite.

Like a spy with a gigantic nose and a fake moustache.

Dressed up in a kipper tie and clown shoes. It must be why this Toyota Aygo X Undercover edition is so badly undercover it might as well be painted hi-viz yellow.

It’s got red lipstick on the wheels, bumpers, side sills and the words “CHAOS” and “BALANCE” printed in big white letters on the roof.

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It also has “UNDERCOVER JUN TAKAHASHI” logos on the tailgate, front seats and carpet mats, after the Japanese fashion designer who curated this £20k motor.

OK, I’ll admit it. Daft name aside, I like what Takahashi has done to add a dash of style to Toyota’s baby crossover — and particularly on the inside.

The cherry-red seats look really expensive. The matching touch-screen surround looks smart.

He has even sprinkled a bit of love in the back, though I just can’t see those geometric squares on the floor mats surviving muddy shoes and paws in winter.

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Like every other Aygo X, this limited-edition range-topper is powered by a single 1-litre three-cylinder petrol engine — 72hp, no turbo, no hybrid — with a choice of five-speed manual or automatic.

You won’t be getting anywhere in a hurry in this motor.

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But you will get excellent economy — we averaged 52mpg — calm road manners, even on a motorway, and a black-belt ninja for slicing through town traffic and parking in the tiniest of gaps.

Plus, it’s a Toyota. So you know it won’t let you down.

Toyota’s warranty protection lasts for up to ten years.

Grumbles? The boot is cramped at 231 litres — Kia’s Picanto and others are bigger — but flip down the rear seats and you’ve got enough space (829 litres) to swallow a golf bag and trolley.

Other than that, Aygo X is a gem of a car and Toyota should be applauded for sticking with small affordable cars for all.

Not everyone can switch to a plug-in hybrid or electric car because the technology is expensive.

The cheapest Aygo X Pure at £15,990 has everything you need:

Adaptive cruise control, reversing camera, automatic headlights, Apple CarPlay and lots of safety kit, all as standard.

Finance from £199 a month.

The £18,910 Aygo X Exclusive unlocks a bigger 9in touchscreen, wireless phone charging, remote air conditioning, LED headlights, 18in alloys, two-tone paint job and the option of a power-folding full-length canvas roof.

That’d be my choice.

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Then there’s Aygo X Undercover from £257 a month.

Heated front seats. Lots of designer touches. Lots to admire about it.
But as undercover as an umbrella with holes in it.