The Toyota Aygo X Prologue concept would be great for Mzansi

Toyota’s been the top dog in Europe’s hotly-contested A-segment city car segment, mainly for its longstanding Aygo minicar. However, Toyota’s ED² European Design studio is looking at the Aygo from a fresher perspective. Enter the Aygo X Prologue (or Aygo Cross), proof that entry-level need not be monotonous in styling and design.

“With the Aygo X Prologue, I believe we’ve demonstrated that a small car can still be big and bold in personality,” said Ken Billes, Assistant Chief Designer at ED².

According to Toyota, new customers demand “flair, distinctiveness, and the chance to make a personal statement” from a small car. The folks at ED² went to work and came up with the Aygo X Prologue, a seemingly chic and rugged small car disguising as a crossover. It has a naughty demeanor courtesy of its wing-shape headlamps and large front grille, while the bold bi-tone body panels and skid plates hint at some mild off-road aspirations, which would make it perfect for the South African landscape.

“Everybody deserves a cool car. when I look at the Aygo X Prologue, I’m really proud to say that ED² Team created exactly that,” said Ian Cartabiano, President of ED². “I’m excited to see it revolutionizing the segment.”

Notice the Sparkling Chili Red and black bi-tone paint scheme? It’s the result of Toyota’s ‘spicy’ concept coming to life. For inspiration, ED² designers gathered critical ingredients found in nature, including wasabi, ginger, black pepper, and red chilis. After adding some blue metallic flakes to the Aygo X prologue’s striking red paint, the result is a unique color palette that spells excitement.

“I’m a customer as well as a designer. So, I helped design the Aygo X prologue to be the car that I wanted..for me,” said Momoko Otawara, Color Material and Finishing Designer at ED². Admittedly, this Aygo X concept adds a different flavor to Europe’s popular A-segment with its bold execution and go-anywhere stance.

No word yet on what’s under the bonnet and powering this car, but we can’t help but think what an Aygo X GR version could be, most especially with that poweful1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine from the award-winning Yaris GR supermini. Factor in AWD and voila! You have yourself a rally-spec Aygo! Although a GR Aygo will likely carry a B or C-segment price tag, it’s a brilliant thought. And it’s good to know Toyota is back doing exciting things across all segments.

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Papi Mabele

Papi Mabele has a marketing background, he is a digital marketing expert with extensive experience in launching and building global brands in the emerging markets. Papi is also an avid tech writer, enthusiast and all round tech junkie. As a freelance writer and analyst he has been numerously published in Popular Mechanics (SA), GQ South Africa, Premier Magazine, Driven Magazine, Bloem News, Courant, The Weekly, Enthooze Magazine and PiE magazine amongst others.