The facelifted first-generation Toyota Aygo (KGB10) is a four-seat A-segment hatchback positioned beneath the Yaris, built primarily for European cities. This guide covers the 2009–2014 facelift period for the 1.0-litre 1KR-FE petrol engine rated at 68 hp, paired with either a 5-speed manual or the MMT automated manual. Compared with early pre-facelift cars, these years brought small aerodynamic and sealing tweaks, incremental efficiency gains and trim reshuffles while keeping the simple, lightweight chassis that makes the Aygo cheap to run and easy to park. Typical shoppers want to know how it copes with motorway stints, what real fuel economy looks like, whether the timing-chain engine is truly “lifetime,” and how to spot MMT issues before buying. Below you’ll find the focused data, practical maintenance advice, and buyer-ready checks that matter for this exact model and period—without fluff.
At a Glance
- Light, frugal city car; mixed driving commonly 5.0–5.5 L/100 km (43–47 mpg US) when maintained.
- Tiny footprint (≈3.41 m) and tight ~9.5 m turning circle; easy urban parking and low tyre/brake costs.
- Chain-driven 1KR-FE is robust with annual oil; watch auxiliary belt path, water pump, and coil-packs by age.
- MMT needs a healthy clutch and proper calibration; poor shifts often mean wear, not “just software.”
- Anchor service: engine oil and filter every 15,000 km or 12 months (whichever comes first).
Guide contents
- Aygo 1.0 facelift overview
- Aygo 1.0 specifications
- Trims, safety and options
- Reliability and common issues
- Maintenance and buyer’s guide
- Driving and performance
- How Aygo compares
Aygo 1.0 facelift overview
Toyota’s Aygo was engineered from the outset as a purpose-built city tool: minimal overhangs, a tall cabin for footprint efficiency, and a wheel-at-each-corner stance. The 2009–2014 facelift years refine that formula rather than redraw it. You’ll find subtle exterior updates, better sealing against wind/road noise when everything’s fresh, and small calibration changes that nudge efficiency. Under the bonnet sits the 1KR-FE, a 998 cc, 12-valve, DOHC three-cylinder with VVT-i on the intake cam. The engine is chain-driven (no scheduled belt replacement) and tuned for low friction, fast warm-up and light weight—perfect for short trips but capable of sustained motorway speeds if you work the gearbox.
The line sits beneath the Yaris and competes with the Citroën C1 and Peugeot 107 twins, plus other A-segment staples and later newcomers. The Aygo trades outright refinement and space for simplicity and a rock-bottom cost-per-kilometre. Controls are light, visibility is excellent, and the boot—though modest at 139 L—expands helpfully with the split-fold rear bench. Cabin materials are honest and hard-wearing when looked after; rattles tend to trace back to missing clips or dried seals rather than structural looseness.
Two gearboxes were available. The conventional 5-speed manual is mechanically straightforward and inexpensive to service. The MMT automated manual uses electro-hydraulic actuators to operate a normal clutch and shift rails; it delivers two-pedal convenience but depends on a good clutch and correct kiss-point learning for smoothness. Braking hardware is simple (vented front discs, rear drums) and cheap to keep fresh. Safety tech matches its era: airbags and ABS/EBD are the show, with stability control dependent on market/year adoption late in the run. In short, a facelift Aygo in good health is an honest, easy-to-own commuter that rewards routine care.
Aygo 1.0 specifications
Engine and Performance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine code | 1KR-FE (inline-3, 12-valve, DOHC, VVT-i intake) |
| Displacement | 1.0 L (998 cc) |
| Induction & fueling | Naturally aspirated, multi-point fuel injection |
| Compression ratio | ~10.5:1 |
| Rated power | 68 hp (50 kW) @ ~6,000 rpm |
| Rated torque | 93 Nm (69 lb-ft) @ ~3,600 rpm |
| Emissions/efficiency era | Euro 4→Euro 5 transition, OBD-equipped |
| Timing | Chain (no scheduled interval—inspect by symptoms) |
| Fuel tank (usable) | 35 L (9.2 US gal) |
| Rated combined economy (period test) | ~4.5–4.7 L/100 km (50–52 mpg US; 60–64 mpg UK) |
| Real-world highway @ 120 km/h (75 mph) | 5.5–6.2 L/100 km (38–43 mpg US), weather/grade dependent |
| Aerodynamics | Cd ≈ 0.30–0.31; frontal area ≈ 1.9–2.0 m² (approximate) |
Transmission and Driveline
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Gearboxes | 5-speed manual; MMT automated manual (electro-hydraulic actuators) |
| Final drive | Open differential; short lower gears for city pull-away |
| Notes | MMT smoothness depends on clutch condition and correct actuator calibration (kiss-point learn) |
Chassis and Dimensions
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Front / rear suspension | MacPherson strut / torsion-beam axle |
| Steering | Electric power steering (rack-and-pinion) |
| Brakes | 247 mm ventilated front discs; 200 mm rear drums; ABS with EBD |
| Wheels/tyres (typical) | 14×4.5J steel/alloy; 155/65 R14 tyres |
| Length × width × height | ≈3,405 × 1,615 × ~1,465 mm (134.1 × 63.6 × 57.7 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2,340 mm (92.1 in) |
| Ground clearance | ~150–160 mm (~6.0–6.3 in), load-dependent |
| Kerb weight (range) | ~800–890 kg (1,764–1,962 lb), by trim/gearbox |
| GVWR (typical) | ~1,180–1,245 kg (2,601–2,745 lb) |
| Turning circle (kerb-to-kerb) | ~9.5 m (~31.2 ft) |
| Cargo volume | 139 L seats up; expands substantially with seats folded |
| Roof load | Up to ~50 kg with approved bars (verify per handbook) |
| Towing | Not approved in some markets; confirm on registration/handbook |
Fluids and Capacities
| System | Specification & capacity (typical) |
|---|---|
| Engine oil | 5W-30 meeting API SL/SM or ACEA A1/A5 (period); capacity ~3.1 L (3.3 US qt) with filter |
| Coolant | Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (pink); system fill ~4.0–4.4 L |
| Manual transmission | API GL-4 75W/75W-80; ~1.7–2.0 L service fill |
| Brake fluid | DOT 3 or DOT 4 (as cap states); renew on time |
| Tyre pressures (typical) | Front ~2.3 bar (33 psi) / Rear ~2.1 bar (30 psi); adjust for load/speed |
| Essential torques | Wheel fasteners ~103 Nm (76 lb-ft); spark plugs ~18 Nm (13 lb-ft); drain plug ~39 Nm (29 lb-ft) (verify for VIN/year) |
Performance and Economy
| Metric | Result (typical for 68 hp) |
|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) | ~14.2–15.7 s (gearbox/conditions) |
| Top speed | ~154–160 km/h (96–99 mph) |
| Mixed economy (owner-observed) | 5.0–5.5 L/100 km (43–47 mpg US; 52–66 mpg UK) |
| Urban | 5.8–6.8 L/100 km (35–40 mpg US) with gentle driving |
| Extra-urban | Low 5s L/100 km achievable with steady speeds |
| Range per tank (mixed) | ~500–650 km depending on weather/grade/load |
| Payload (typical) | ~300–350 kg by trim |
Trims, safety and options
Trims and options (2009–2014, Europe baseline)
Naming and packaging vary by country, but the facelift years commonly followed a simple ladder with frequent special editions:
- Base grade: dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, immobiliser, basic audio (2 speakers), steel wheels, manual windows.
- Mid grade (often “+” or named editions): side airbags more widely available or standard, ISOFIX on rear seats, electric front windows, improved audio (4 speakers), tachometer, remote locking.
- High/cosmetic editions (“Ice/Fire/Go!/Platinum/Mode,” market dependent): alloys, fog lamps, coloured interior accents, wheel-and-tyre packages; mechanical spec largely unchanged.
Options and packs you’ll see: air conditioning, upgraded head unit, split-fold rear bench (market/trim dependent), MMT automated manual for the 1.0-litre. Late-run cars in some markets gained stability control availability; confirm by VIN and dash telltale at key-on.
Quick identifiers: a tachometer and alloys hint at the better-equipped grades; rear headrests, steering-wheel trim and speaker tweeters are other tells. Check the build label/VIN printout for airbag count and A/C content where brochures differ.
Safety ratings and systems
The original Aygo achieved a solid adult-protection score in mid-2000s testing; later retests under stricter protocols were less generous, reflecting tougher criteria rather than a fundamental structural change. As always in this class and era, the absence of wide-fit advanced driver-assistance features keeps the safety story focused on structure, restraint systems and tyres in good condition.
- Restraints & structure: front airbags standard; side airbags depended on trim and pack. Front seatbelts use pretensioners and load limiters.
- Child seats: ISOFIX/LATCH anchors present on many facelift trims—verify anchor presence and approved seating positions in the vehicle documentation.
- Braking and stability: ABS with EBD standard; stability control presence varies by market/year toward the end of the run.
- Service implications: After any SRS work, ensure clock-spring alignment and sensor checks per procedure. Following front-end repairs, confirm crash-box, bumper carriers and headlamp brackets are genuine or equivalent and torqued correctly; have a four-wheel alignment performed and, where fitted, check steering-angle sensor calibration.
Reliability and common issues
Overall, the 1KR-FE Aygo is durable when serviced on time with the correct oil. Age, short-trip use and deferred maintenance drive most failures. Below are the issues most relevant to 2009–2014 cars, mapped by prevalence and cost impact.
Common (expect on higher-mileage or city-heavy cars)
- Clutch wear (manual and MMT): Symptoms: slip in higher gears, shudder on take-off, rising bite point, or harsh MMT shifts. Cause: normal friction-material wear; MMT masking wear until limits reached. Fix: quality clutch kit; on MMT, complete clutch kiss-point learn and gear selection calibration after installation.
- Auxiliary belt squeal / tensioner noise: Symptoms: chirp on cold starts or with A/C load. Cause: aged belt, misaligned pulley, sometimes crank damper rubber degradation. Fix: replace belt; inspect/replace idler and tensioner; check crank pulley.
- Water ingress (tailgate, rear lamps, door membranes): Symptoms: damp boot carpet, misted lamps, musty cabin. Cause: compressed lamp gaskets or aged butyl membranes. Fix: reseal or replace gaskets; clear body vents; reseal high-mount stop-lamp if needed.
- Exhaust flex-joint fatigue: Symptoms: raspy leak under load, soot marks. Fix: replace section or weld-in flex; inspect hangers.
Occasional
- Coil-on-plug misfire: Symptoms: rough idle, MIL, misfire counters incrementing. Cause: heat-aged coil or moisture intrusion. Fix: replace the affected coil; fit new iridium plugs; verify plug-well seals.
- Thermostat housing seep/leak: Symptoms: pink crust, slow coolant loss, weak cabin heat. Fix: new thermostat and gasket; bleed with heater on.
- Front droplinks/top mounts: Symptoms: knocking on potholes/speed bumps. Fix: replace worn links or strut-top mounts; torque with suspension at ride height.
- Rear wheel bearings: Symptoms: rumble that grows with speed; sometimes ABS tone-ring issues where fitted. Fix: replace hub/bearing unit; torque axle nut correctly.
Rare but high-impact
- Timing-chain rattle and correlation faults (neglect): Symptoms: pronounced rattle on cold start, cam/crank correlation codes. Cause: extended oil intervals or wrong oil; tensioner/guide wear. Fix: chain kit with guides/tensioner; reset adaptations; thereafter keep strict oil schedule.
- MMT actuator failure (secondary to clutch neglect): Symptoms: “N” flashing, refusal to select gears, or persistent, uncalibratable harsh shifts. Fix: mechanical diagnosis; clutch plus actuator overhaul/replacement as required; perform full teach-in.
- Crank pulley (harmonic damper) separation: Symptoms: belt wander, vibration, charging issues. Fix: replace pulley and belt; verify alignment.
Recalls, TSBs and extended coverage (high-level)
- Accelerator pedal action / sticking (regional safety actions): Certain Aygos were included in wider campaigns.
- Sealing/bracket/washer-jet updates: Running changes addressed water ingress and minor fit issues.
Verification workflow: For any candidate car, run the VIN through the official recall portal, ask a dealer for a campaign completion printout, and ensure invoices match any TSB-driven fixes. On inspection, prioritise clutch condition (manual/MMT), dry boot area, and quiet wheel bearings.
Maintenance and buyer’s guide
Practical service schedule (distance/time)
- Engine oil & filter: every 15,000 km or 12 months. Use a quality 5W-30 meeting the stated spec; replace the sump washer; recheck level after the first heat cycle.
- Engine air filter: inspect at 15,000 km / 1 year; replace by 30,000 km / 2 years (earlier in dusty regions).
- Cabin filter: 12 months to protect blower and improve demist.
- Spark plugs (iridium): 60,000–100,000 km / 4–6 years depending on plug type and use; torque ~18 Nm (13 lb-ft) on clean threads.
- Coolant (Toyota SLLC, pink): first change around 10 years / 160,000 km, then 5 years / 80,000 km thereafter; confirm coolant type before topping up.
- Brake fluid: every 2 years regardless of mileage.
- Manual gearbox oil: “lifetime” in period literature, but a 100,000–120,000 km change (GL-4 75W/75W-80) improves shift quality and bearing life.
- Aux/serpentine belt: inspect annually; replace at the first sign of cracking/squeal or ~90,000–120,000 km.
- Timing chain: no scheduled interval—inspect by symptom (rattle, correlation codes). Keep oil on time; that’s the life-extender.
- Cooling hoses & water pump: inspect each service; age-based replacement is cheap insurance.
- Brakes: inspect pad/disc wear every service; clean and adjust rear drums as needed.
- Tyres & alignment: rotate every 10,000–15,000 km; align annually—small toe errors can eat front tyres on a light car.
- 12-V battery: test annually, especially before winter; weak batteries trigger nuisance faults and poor MMT behaviour.
Fluid specs, capacities and essential torques (quick reference)
- Oil: ~3.1 L with filter; 5W-30 API SL/SM or ACEA A1/A5 (period-correct).
- Coolant: ~4.0–4.4 L Toyota SLLC (pink).
- Gearbox oil: ~1.7–2.0 L GL-4 75W/75W-80.
- Brake fluid: DOT 3/4 as labeled.
- Torques (typical): wheel fasteners ~103 Nm (76 lb-ft); spark plugs ~18 Nm (13 lb-ft); oil drain ~39 Nm (29 lb-ft). Always verify against your VIN and service data.
Buyer’s checklist (KGB10 1.0 facelift)
Powertrain
- Cold start from stone-cold: quick fire, steady idle; brief three-cylinder thrum is normal, metallic rattle is not.
- MMT behaviour: smooth pull-away, no “N” flashing, consistent upshifts; slight throttle lift on upshifts should yield smooth changes.
- Chain health: any rattle or correlation codes demand deeper checks; poor oil history is a red flag.
- Cooling system: thermostat housing and pump dry; stable temp; heater hot at idle.
- Exhaust: look for flex-joint leaks and soot marks.
Chassis & body
- Rear bearings: drive 50–80 km/h and weave gently—rumble that loads/unloads with direction points to a hub.
- Front knocks: droplinks/top mounts on sharp bumps.
- Water ingress: lift boot carpet; inspect rear lamp seams, tailgate seal, and door membranes; sniff for mustiness.
- Corrosion touchpoints: rear axle beam, brake lines, exhaust hangers; overall body resists rust well when intact.
Interior & electrics
- HVAC blower: leaves/debris cause squeal; a new cabin filter often cures noise and smell.
- Instrument self-test: all lamps should prove-out; ABS lamp must extinguish after the check.
- Keys/immobiliser: verify two working keys—replacement/programming adds cost.
What to seek / avoid
- Seek: 2011–2014 cars with documented annual oil, recent aux belt, tidy clutch (manual) or smooth, recalibrated MMT, and no water ingress.
- Avoid or price accordingly: persistent MMT jerk or “N” flashing, neglected oil intervals, damp boot carpets, or audible chain rattle.
Durability outlook
With annual oil and basic fluid care, many 1KR-FE Aygos run 200,000–300,000 km without drama. Expensive surprises almost always trace back to deferred maintenance—especially clutches, chains (after neglect), and water-ingress damage.
Driving and performance
Ride and refinement: Low mass is the Aygo’s ally. In town, it glides over speed humps and tight turns with an eager, agile feel. The short wheelbase can introduce a choppy secondary motion on broken asphalt, but body control is tidy and the cabin stays squeak-free when seals and clips are healthy. On motorways, expect audible tyre roar on coarse surfaces and some wind rustle at higher legal speeds—tyre choice and fresh door/lamp seals help.
Steering and handling: Electric assistance makes parking fingertip-easy yet keeps a reassuring on-centre at 100–130 km/h. Front grip is limited by 155-section eco-tyres, but the balance is clean and predictable. Trail-braking rotates the car progressively; lift-off never feels grabby or snappy. Brakes are sized for the mission: confidence in urban use, with fade only showing after repeated high-speed stops—keep pads/fluid fresh.
Powertrain character: The 1KR-FE likes revs and responds crisply once past idle. With peak torque around 3,600 rpm, plan merges and use third/fourth for decisive two-lane passes. The manual shift is light with a positive gate; clutch take-up is easy to judge. The MMT is smoothest when treated like a manual with a computer helper—lift slightly on upshifts, and allow it to complete downshifts before reapplying throttle. If shifts remain harsh after a proper calibration and with a sound clutch, budget for clutch service.
Real-world efficiency:
- City: 5.8–6.8 L/100 km (35–40 mpg US) with gentle driving, correct pressures and clean filters.
- Highway (100–120 km/h / 60–75 mph): 5.5–6.2 L/100 km (38–43 mpg US) in mild conditions; strong headwinds or roof racks add 0.5–1.0 L/100 km.
- Mixed: 5.0–5.5 L/100 km (43–47 mpg US) is a realistic expectation.
Cold weather increases consumption; a healthy thermostat and avoiding short cold runs help.
Key performance metrics (what changes the verdict):
- 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph): mid-14s to mid-15s depending on gearbox, load and gradient—class-adequate.
- 50–80 km/h (3rd): responsive thanks to short gearing and low mass; use this window for safe overtakes.
- 100–0 km/h braking: short, straight stops with quality tyres and fresh fluid.
- Load sensitivity: With four adults and luggage, expect more frequent downshifts and a 10–20% fuel-use penalty on grades. If you often carry full loads at motorway speeds, a B-segment supermini is a better match.
How Aygo compares
Citroën C1 / Peugeot 107 (facelift peers): Mechanically near-identical platform-mates; equipment and pricing differ by badge and market. Choose on condition, documentation and dealer/parts access, not nameplate. The Aygo often benefits from strong Toyota dealer coverage and parts availability.
Hyundai i10 / Kia Picanto (first-gen facelift): Quieter cabins and richer equipment in many trims; running costs remain low but real-world economy can be slightly higher. Parts availability is excellent; prices vary widely by market and car condition.
Fiat Panda (169/312, small petrols): Feels roomier with a more upright seat; broader trim palette and some specialty variants. Drivetrains and interior durability vary with age and care. Economy is competitive but maintenance discipline matters.
VW up! / Škoda Citigo / SEAT Mii (later rivals): A step up in refinement, safety tech and perceived quality—but newer, pricier and outside strict 2009–2014 vintage. If budget stretches, they’re worth cross-shopping; otherwise a tidy Aygo still wins on simplicity.
Smart ForTwo: Superb for ultra-tight cities, but limited to two seats and a tiny boot. The Aygo’s four seats and conventional layout are more versatile for most buyers.
Bottom line: If your priorities are minimal cost per kilometre, simple upkeep, and easy city manners, a well-kept facelift Aygo is hard to beat. If you demand frequent high-speed, full-load trips or modern driver aids, consider a newer A-segment model or step up a class.
References
- 2005 AYGO DPL 2005 (Press Release)
- TOYOTA AYGO (Gen 1) Press Pack (PDF) 2022 (Press Pack)
- Euro NCAP New Results: Toyota Aygo and Twins Disappoint in Safety Tests 2012 (Safety Rating)
- Check if a vehicle, part or accessory has been recalled 2018 (Recall Database)
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or repair. Specifications, torque values, intervals and procedures vary by VIN, model year, market and equipment. Always verify details against your official Toyota service documentation and follow manufacturer safety procedures.
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