• Spartan, but robust trim
• Room for four adults
• Minimalist rather than cheap

Despite the Toyota Aygo Mk1’s limited range of seat and steering adjustment it’s easy to get a good driving position – in part because the main instruments are attached to the steering column and visible through the wheel.

The front seats are quite narrow and flat but are surprisingly comfortable, even on longer journeys; on higher-mileage cars it may be worth replacing the seats with ones from a less-used example to restore some padding. It’s possible to fit four adults on board but it can feel a little cramped (though the footwells are quite wide). Besides, performance suffers significantly when the car is fully loaded.

Switches and instruments were a step up from rivals at the time, and the prominent centre console with backlit heating and ventilation controls retains a distinctive, now future-retro style. The overall design is neat with good quality materials – but it’s best described as basic.

Sport models came with a rev counter pod attached to the speedometer, it’s worth checking this is still present, as well as any colour accents or accessories like glove box covers.

Toyota Aygo Mk1 comfort

• Impressive ride comfort
• Used examples worth maintaining
• Motorway refinement poor

Toyota Aygo comfort levels are fairly good. With an airy cabin and room for four adults, the Aygo also had a surprisingly supple ride for a small car when it was new, and occupants are well protected from bumps on rough surfaces.

As the cars get older it’s worth replacing the springs and dampers to restore the comfort and handling to as-new – at least, if the bodywork and engine are still in top condition. We’d also take advantage of how long it takes the Aygo to use a set of tyres. Don’t cut corners at the risk of cornering safely, put the good brand on as a lot of budget ones will not only compromise handling, they often perish and fail before the tread has worn out.

Although the ride quality is good for motorways, the combination of 1.0-litre petrol engine and a five-speed gearbox can become intrusive for long drives.