We review the Toyota Aygo X-clusiv from price to economy and all its features

THERE is a huge difference between “want” and “need”.

That may seem like an obvious statement but we aren’t all that good at telling them apart when it comes to buying a car.

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I need a car that fits five people and doesn’t cost too much a month to run.

I want one with alloys and iPhone connectivity that does 0-62 in four seconds.

I want the Ford Focus RS, not the Focus EcoBoost.

The idea of a world where we choose cars based on need makes me die inside

In the end, “want” wins — because we are people who like cars, appreciate them for all the amazing things they can do and like to express ourselves through choice.

If “need” dictated our decisions, we might as well be living in North Korea. This column wouldn’t exist.

In fact, the idea of a world where we choose cars based on need makes me die inside.

So here is a more useful question to ask yourself next time you are having your ear bashed by a forecourt salesman: How much time do I spend in my car?

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Choose the car based on what you want, which model stirs you inside and makes you feel like a king when behind the wheel. When it comes to those expensive extras, which trim level you should plump for, ask yourself that question.

It made me suspicious of the Toyota Aygo X-clusiv.

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Yes, that is the right spelling of X-clusiv. I can only imagine that’s how “da yoof” spell it, and that is who this car is aimed at.

It is small, economical and nippy but Toyota is asking you to lump out around £5,000 more for this new trim level. And da yoof don’t ’av that much dosh.

Which brings me back to that question. If you are in the market for an Aygo, a tiny city car, how much time do you intend to spend inside it? Enough time to want the foldable roof, touchscreen infotainment and rear-view camera? Are you ever likely to prang it?

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Keep in mind that this goody-packed X-clusiv model costs £13,495, when you can get the basic model for nine grand.

Of course, choice is good. And just because I would rather spend the extra money on a bigger car, others won’t. And to be fair, if it’s a city car you are after, you can’t go far wrong with the Aygo.

It is surprisingly entertaining to drive, with a 1-litre engine packed full of character.

Despite its small stature, it is comfy and relatively quiet

The steering is feather-light, as is the entire car, so it is nimble and sprightly around town. And despite its small stature, it is comfy and relatively quiet.

You won’t fit much more than yourself and a pal inside but this is aimed at students, not their long-suffering parents.

Which brings me back to my original point.

The Aygo is great at what it does but the expensive optional extras don’t seem worth it.
Yes, it has a funky colour scheme and yes, in the last week’s blazing sunshine I enjoyed having the roof pulled back.

Without those things, it would still be a great city car — they don’t enhance the experience enough.

My advice? Buy the standard and spend the change at the student union bar.

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