Toyota Keeps Shift Toward Hybrids, But Also Adding More GR Sport Models

Toyota may be lagging a bit on the electric car front, but it’s still a leader in the hybrid game. It’s showing no signs of letting that lead go, as it continues to shift its models over to the electrified powertrains. The latest to go all-hybrid is the tiny Toyota Aygo X. It’s a subcompact SUV offered in Europe, and the hybrid switch seems to be a win-win situation for buyers. Not only will it be more efficient, it’s far more powerful. Along with that power also comes a GR Sport trim, since Toyota also seems serious about offering more models with a little bit of spice.

It’s Almost Unchanged Other Than The Engine

Truly, the engine is the major change for the car. Toyota didn’t give many specifics about displacement and cylinder count, but it did share some of the most important parts: power and efficiency. The hybrid engine makes 114 horsepower, which is a huge increase over the previous engine’s 71. Despite the added grunt, the hybrid is much more efficient. The company hasn’t given specific fuel economy, but the carbon emissions rating tells us enough. The previous engine’s best carbon dioxide emissions rating was 109 grams per kilometer. The new one sits at just 86. There’s one possible downside to the new powertrain, though. Toyota probably won’t offer a manual transmission with it, which could be a disappointment for a small portion of buyers.

Much of the rest of the Aygo X is unchanged except for the front end, and the addition of noise insulation. Toyota had to extend the nose by 3 inches to make room for the new engine. With the extension, it changed the fascia to look a little more serious than it did previously. Toyota did manage to squeeze all the other hybrid components, particularly the batteries, into the Aygo without changing the wheelbase or taking away from cargo space. Toyota further changed the exhaust system and added sound-deadening materials around the dash, hood and lower section of the engine compartment. Higher trims also get more material and thicker glass.

Then there’s the GR Sport version. Like other GR Sport Toyotas, the Aygo X isn’t a massive step up in performance. Instead, it’s just a sportier version of the existing model. Toyota adds stiffer shocks and springs, plus a retuned electric power-steering system to help it feel and handle in a more sporting way. It also gets a unique grille and wheels to help it stand out. It and the regular Aygo X models will go on sale in Europe at the end of this year, but don’t expect it to make the trip to America.

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Hybrids And Sporty Models Seem To Be Toyota’s Near Future

The Aygo X is far from the only Toyota to adopt hybrid powertrains as the only option. The redesigned RAV4 will only be available with a hybrid in the base trim, and the only option will be the more powerful plug-in hybrid. Before that, the Toyota Camry shifted to only being available with a hybrid. Those are two of the company’s best-selling models in the US, and going entirely hybrid with them is a clear signal that those are the future. It also has more hybrid options than ever before, with the engines featuring even in its SUVs and trucks such as the Land Cruiser, Sequoia, 4Runner, Tundra, and Tacoma, among many others.

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Of course, fun cars aren’t going away either. Akio Toyoda is a dedicated car enthusiast and has made it clear that Toyota will offer fun cars. There are rumors of additional sports cars, and GR Sport trims are finally coming to America, starting with the RAV4. Plus, the company is still making the GR Corolla and GR 86. The current Supra is approaching the end of its life, but the company is apparently working a successor. So the future of Toyota seems to say that it can go green and have fun all at once.