The Toyota Aygo X is 3000 euros more expensive than the cheapest new car in the Netherlands: the Mitsubishi Space Star. But you get so much in return that you are happy afterwards that you spent more money.
This test of the Toyota Aygo X and the Mitsubishi Space Star is a shortened version of the extensive comparison in Auto Review 7. Buy the magazine now in the supermarket, bookstore or in our webshop.
The controls of the cheap Space Star throw you back eleven years in time, but the Aygo X is completely up to date. Toyota always places a 9-inch (or larger) touchscreen. Telephone connection is via a wire and you listen to digital radio via four speakers. Luxury versions have a 10.5-inch navigation system.
In terms of safety, the difference between the two cars is almost shocking: every Aygo X has Toyota Safety Sense 2 with adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and traffic sign recognition.
More suspension comfort
The wheelbase is short, the track is narrow and the penny pincher is muscular. That makes it pretty hard to build a comfortable city car. The Toyota Aygo X may be the quietest, but on the highway you still listen to an unpleasant tinny drone.
On the other hand, the suspension comfort is quite mature. The Aygo X springs smoothly when you drive over speed bumps, while the rear axle of the Space Star simply delivers a firm tap. The Toyota knows better how to deal with vicious transverse ridges such as tram rails anyway. Behind the wheel of the Mitsubishi, you quickly learn not to bounce too hard over such unevenness.
Better driving characteristics
The Aygo X is not only more comfortable to drive, but also sportier. Its steering is more direct and traction is better, making it smoother and faster to go through corners. Thanks in part to the good traction, its dynamic upper limit is also further away. If you take your foot off the gas in a corner taken too quickly, the car starts to turn in. But only if you switch off the ESP yourself. Otherwise, the software intervenes early.
Tip
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An expensive Space Star is less luxurious
It was already mentioned briefly: the entry-level version of the 17,490 euros Mitsubishi Space Star is an old-fashioned showroom lure. Its equipment is so sparse that it is endearing. Because even if you are sweating behind the wheel next summer and have to whistle a tune yourself, you are still driving a new car with an eight-year warranty. If you ask us, you would be better off spending 3000 euros more and going for the comfortable Dynamic version.
But then you end up in the price range in which the most affordable Aygo X operates. That basic version costs 20,495 euros and is even better equipped than the Space Star Dynamic. In addition, small Toyotas do not depreciate as quickly. And as you know, Toyota gives a ten-year warranty.
Conclusion
The Toyota Aygo X is the most fun car to drive and offers the best suspension comfort. However, the space is limited and you will spend at least 20 grand. But this test also shows that you sometimes have to spend more money up front to be better off afterwards. We are not only referring to the higher residual value, but also to the extensive safety system of the Aygo X. It comes standard with adaptive cruise control, which you can whistle for with an equally expensive version of the Space Star.
You can read the full comparative test in Auto Review 7You can buy the magazine in the supermarket, the bookstore or in our webshop.
Source: www.autoreview.nl
