The second-generation Toyota Aygo (KGB40; 2014–2018) is a compact, front-wheel-drive city hatchback that shares its platform with the Peugeot 108 and Citroën C1. This guide focuses on the 1KR-FE 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol rated at 68 hp in early production and paired with a 5-speed manual or “x-shift” automated manual. It’s a lightweight, simple machine aimed at urban use—tight streets, short trips, easy parking—while still capable of longer journeys with realistic expectations. We cover this generation’s engineering, specifications, equipment and safety, day-to-day economy, known trouble spots, and a practical maintenance and buying checklist. Because Aygo was not sold in North America, European market data serves as the baseline throughout. Owners appreciate low running costs, basic but durable hardware (timing chain, unfussy multi-port injection), and outstanding maneuverability. Weaknesses are modest motorway performance, coarse road noise on rough asphalt, and the x-shift’s shift quality. If you want an affordable, honest city car with cheap upkeep, the Aygo is still a confident choice when you know what to look for.
Fast Facts
- Light, simple 1.0-litre 3-cyl with timing chain; frugal in town and easy to service.
- Tiny footprint with a tight 5.1 m turning radius; ideal for narrow streets and parking.
- Optional Toyota Safety Sense (on later years) adds AEB and Lane Departure Alert.
- Watch for water pump seepage and early clutch wear on x-shift—both are common, fixable.
- Service interval: every 12 months or 10,000 miles (15,000 km)—oil, inspection, and consumables.
Guide contents
- Aygo (KGB40) model overview
- Aygo 1KR-FE specs and data
- Aygo trims, options, safety
- Reliability, issues, service actions
- Maintenance and buyer’s guide
- Driving and real-world economy
- How Aygo compares to rivals
Aygo (KGB40) model overview
Toyota’s second-generation Aygo launched in 2014 as a clean-slate city car built alongside its PSA twins. Under the short hood lives Toyota’s 1KR-FE: a chain-driven, 12-valve, dual VVT-i 998 cc triple with multi-port fuel injection. In early years it’s rated at 68 hp (51 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 95 Nm at 4,300 rpm, driving the front wheels through either a 5-speed manual or the 5-speed “x-shift” automated manual. The Aygo’s mission is simple: deliver high urban efficiency, low ownership costs, and painless packaging for four seats and a usable boot in a footprint just 3,455 mm long.
The hardware is intentionally modest. Suspension is a proven formula—MacPherson struts up front, torsion beam in back—with ventilated front discs and rear drums sized appropriately for weight in the ~840–900 kg kerb range. The steering is electric rack-and-pinion, tuned for easy effort at parking speeds but stable on a dual carriageway. Tyres are narrow (165-section) on 14- or 15-inch wheels to reduce rolling resistance and replacement cost; that, together with a low Cd ≈ 0.28–0.29, helps economy.
Cabin space is cleverly packaged. You sit upright, visibility is excellent for tight streets, and the 5.1 m kerb-to-kerb turning radius makes U-turns and multi-point maneuvers trivial. Infotainment revolves around the x-touch 7-inch screen on mid and higher trims, with smartphone mirroring added later. Safety equipment evolves through the run: multiple airbags, stability control, ISOFIX anchorages, and—for many 2017-on cars—an optional Toyota Safety Sense pack with Pre-Collision System (AEB) and Lane Departure Alert.
The Aygo’s advantages are predictability, simplicity, and cost control. Where it can frustrate is motorway refinement (wind/tyre noise are present), overtaking performance (plan ahead), and the character of the x-shift gearbox (slower, sometimes jerky shifts unless you lift the throttle). If your use case is mostly city/suburban, you’ll struggle to find something cheaper to run that still feels put-together and stands up to everyday use.
Aygo 1KR-FE specs and data
Engine and Performance
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Code / Type | 1KR-FE · 3-cyl inline, 12-valve DOHC, dual VVT-i, chain drive |
| Displacement | 998 cc (1.0 L) |
| Induction / Fuel | Naturally aspirated · Multi-port injection |
| Compression ratio | ~11.5–11.8:1 (model-year dependent) |
| Rated output (early cars) | 68 hp (51 kW) @ 6,000 rpm |
| Rated torque (early cars) | 95 Nm (70 lb-ft) @ 4,300 rpm |
| Emissions/efficiency | Euro 5→Euro 6 compliance through run |
| Timing | Chain (no fixed replacement interval; see maintenance) |
| Fuel tank | 35 L (9.2 US gal) |
| Aerodynamics | Cd ≈ 0.28–0.29 (model/trim dependent) |
Transmission and Driveline
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Drive | FWD |
| Manual gearbox | 5-speed, ratios approx.: 3.545 / 1.913 / 1.310 / 1.027 / 0.850; final 3.550 |
| “x-shift” automated manual | 5-speed AMT, ratios similar; final ~4.294 |
| Differential | Open (no LSD) |
| Clutch | Single-plate dry (x-shift uses an automated actuator) |
Chassis and Dimensions
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Front / Rear suspension | MacPherson strut / Torsion beam |
| Brakes (front/rear) | Ventilated discs 247×20 mm / Drums 200 mm |
| Steering | Electric rack-and-pinion |
| Wheels / Tyres | 14×? or 15×? · 165/65 R14 or 165/60 R15 (varies by trim) |
| Length / Width / Height | 3,455 / 1,615 / 1,460 mm (136.0 / 63.6 / 57.5 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2,340 mm (92.1 in) |
| Kerb weight | ~840–900 kg (1,852–1,984 lb) |
| GVWR | 1,240 kg (2,734 lb) |
| Turning radius (tyre) | 5.1 m (16.7 ft) |
| Luggage volume (seats up) | 168 L (5.9 cu ft) |
Fluids and Capacities
| System | Spec / Notes |
|---|---|
| Engine oil grade | Toyota-approved 0W-20 (ACEA/API as per owner’s manual); higher grades may be permitted by temperature—verify in your manual |
| Engine oil capacity (service fill) | Refer to Service Specifications in the owner’s manual for your VIN (pan/filter variants exist) |
| Coolant | Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (pink); capacity and change interval per owner’s manual |
| Manual/AMT transaxle oil | Toyota low-viscosity GL-4 75W (per spec) |
| Brake fluid | DOT 3/4 as specified on reservoir cap; flush interval see maintenance |
| Key torque | Wheel nuts/bolts: 103 Nm (76 lb-ft) |
Performance and Economy
| Metric | 5-speed manual | x-shift (AMT) |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) | ~14.2 s | ~15.2–15.5 s |
| Top speed | 160 km/h (99 mph) | 160 km/h (99 mph) |
| Real-world economy (mixed) | ~4.8–5.6 L/100 km (42–49 mpg US; 50–59 mpg UK), depending on tyre, route, and pace | |
| Highway at 120 km/h (75 mph) | ~5.8–6.5 L/100 km (36–41 mpg US; 43–49 mpg UK), light headwind/flat road |
Notes: Real-world figures are typical owner/tester observations for the 68–71 hp Aygo on 14–15″ tyres; expect cold-weather penalties and higher use with heavy loads or hills.
Aygo trims, options, safety
Trims and options (high-level)
Trim names vary by country and year, but common European patterns include x-, x-play, x-pression, x-clusiv, and special editions. Mechanical spec is largely the same across trims—same 1.0 engine, same brakes and suspension—so upgrades are mostly cosmetic and convenience:
- Wheels/tyres: Base cars on 14″ steel with 165/65 R14; higher trims/specials move to 15″ wheels with 165/60 R15.
- Infotainment: x-touch 7″ screen on mid/high trims, smartphone mirroring added in later years; some special editions add navigation or cosmetic packs.
- Roof: Optional canvas “x-wave” sliding roof in some markets, which slightly reduces interior height.
- x-shift gearbox: Optional on many trims; paddles on some editions.
- Badges/VIN/build IDs: Check the build plate and VIN decode for KGB40 designation and engine 1KR; wheel size and option packs are best confirmed from the original order sheet or dealer printout.
Year-to-year highlights
- 2014 launch: 68 hp engine, manual or x-shift; x-touch multimedia on mid/high grades; strong personalization options.
- 2015–2016: Cosmetic specials; incremental option updates; increasing availability of safety packs in some markets.
- 2017: Wider rollout of Toyota Safety Sense option pack on many trims (see ADAS below).
- 2018 facelift (end of scope): Engine calibration changes lift rated power on many markets to ~71–72 hp under new test procedures; styling and NVH tweaks.
Safety ratings
- Euro NCAP 2014 Aygo: Base configuration achieved a multi-star rating under that year’s protocol.
- Euro NCAP 2017 Aygo (with Safety Pack): Retested to reflect availability of AEB and Lane Departure Alert.
Child-seat provisions include ISOFIX/LATCH lower anchors and top tethers on rear outboard positions; check your seat compatibility list.
Safety systems and ADAS
- Airbags: Front, side, and curtain airbags; count varies by market/year.
- Stability/traction: ESC standard; hill-start assist common.
- Toyota Safety Sense (availability varies by year/trim):
- Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) (generally active from city speeds upward).
- Lane Departure Alert (LDA).
- In some markets, Automatic High Beam.
- Calibration after service: If removing front bumper/EMBLEM or windscreen on Safety Sense-equipped cars, be prepared for radar/camera alignment. Wheel alignment changes can also necessitate camera recalibration; use competent equipment and OEM procedures.
Reliability, issues, service actions
The KGB40 Aygo is straightforward and, with regular maintenance, durable. Below are patterns seen across age/mileage bands and the usual fixes. Severity and costs vary by region and parts availability.
Engine (1KR-FE)
- Water pump seep/leak (common · low–medium cost): Look for pink residue or coolant smell at pump weep hole around 50–90k miles (80–145k km). Symptom is gradual coolant loss; replace pump and gasket, refill and bleed.
- Aux/serpentine belt squeal (common · low cost): Short trips and moisture glaze the belt; inspect condition/tensioner, replace belt if cracked or glazed.
- PCV/oil mist and throttle body deposits (occasional · low cost): Rough idle or mild hesitation; clean throttle body and PCV system, replace PCV if sticking.
- Oil consumption (occasional on neglected engines · medium): Extended intervals or wrong oil can lead to ring sticking. Confirm with measured consumption; staged fixes from engine flush and shorter intervals up to ring work on severe cases.
- Timing chain rattle at cold start (occasional, high miles · medium): Listen for brief rattle on first start. If persistent/worsening and timing correlation codes appear, inspect chain, guides, and tensioner; replacement is the remedy. Clean oil and proper grade help longevity.
Cooling/Heating
- Thermostat or radiator fan faults (occasional): Overheating in traffic; verify fan operation, relay, and thermostat. Replace faulty components; coolant refill with correct bleed procedure.
Fuel and sensors
- Oxygen (lambda) sensor aging (expected wear): Poor economy, emissions codes. Replace with quality OE-spec parts; avoid budget sensors that cause persistent codes.
- EVAP small leak codes (occasional): Loose or aged fuel cap; inspect hoses and canister if codes persist.
Driveline and gearbox
- Clutch wear (common on x-shift · medium): Automated actuation can be harsh in traffic or uphill starts; judder, slip, or bite-point errors indicate clutch wear. Calibrate clutch and, if needed, replace friction set. Manual gearboxes are generally robust; hard shifting often improves with fresh GL-4 75W oil and linkage checks.
- AMT actuator quirks (occasional): If shifting becomes erratic, perform software resets and clutch/bite-point relearn; inspect actuator for leaks.
Chassis and body
- Front drop links/top mounts (occasional, rough roads): Knock over bumps; replace links or mounts.
- Rear wheel bearings (occasional at higher mileage): Growl increasing with speed; hub/bearing replacement.
- Corrosion hotspots (generally minor): Door edges, hatch lower seam, rear exhaust brackets. Inspect and touch-up before it spreads.
Electrical and infotainment
- 12 V battery age-out (3–6 years typical): Slow cranking and odd infotainment behavior; replace with correct spec.
- Head unit quirks on early x-touch (occasional): Firmware updates resolve most issues; check for software version in service notes.
Recalls, TSBs, and extended coverage
- Steering column batch: A limited 2014 build window had a steering-column component that could be out of spec. Remedy is inspection and component replacement where required.
- General: Always check your car’s VIN with the official recall checker and keep dealer documentation of completed campaigns. For used purchases, ask for a printout showing all recalls and service campaigns completed by VIN.
Pre-purchase checks to request
- Full service history (oil changes annually/10k miles), coolant change timing, and any gearbox/clutch work.
- Brake and tyre age/condition; look for uneven wear (alignment).
- Evidence of water pump or coolant leaks.
- For Safety Sense cars: confirmation of successful calibration after windscreen/bumper work.
- Underside corrosion, exhaust brackets, rear axle beam condition.
- Smooth, quiet idle and clean cold start; no timing rattle.
Maintenance and buyer’s guide
Baseline maintenance schedule (typical European pattern)
(Always verify against your VIN and local schedule.)
- Engine oil & filter: Every 12 months or 10,000 miles (15,000 km), whichever comes first. Use Toyota-approved 0W-20; many markets allow a higher grade by ambient temperature.
- Engine air filter: Inspect every 12 months/10k miles; replace every 20–30k miles (32–48k km) or sooner in dusty use.
- Cabin/ pollen filter: Inspect annually; replace every 12–24 months depending on environment.
- Spark plugs (iridium): Inspect around 60k miles (96k km); replace when gap is out of spec or misfire occurs.
- Coolant: Toyota SLLC (pink); first change typically 10 years/100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 5 years/50,000 miles (80,000 km). Top up only with the correct pink SLLC, never mix types.
- Brake fluid: Replace every 2 years regardless of mileage.
- Manual/AMT gearbox oil: Inspect for leaks and condition at services; many owners refresh around 60–90k miles (96–145k km) for shift quality.
- Aux/serpentine belt: Inspect annually; typically 60–90k miles replacement depending on cracking/noise.
- Timing chain: No fixed interval. Monitor for rattle, correlation codes, or excessive stretch; replace components only when symptoms/measurements indicate.
- Tyres & alignment: Rotate every 10–12k miles; align if pull/uneven wear; 2.2–2.3 bar (32–33 psi) is a common working range—check door placard.
- 12 V battery: Test annually after year 3; expect 3–6 years life depending on use/climate.
- Brake hardware: Inspect sliders and rear drums/shoes at each service; clean and lubricate where appropriate.
Fluid specifications & key values (decision-useful)
- Engine oil: Toyota 0W-20 meeting the latest OEM approvals listed in the owner’s manual.
- Coolant: Toyota SLLC (pink), premixed.
- Gear oil (manual/AMT): Low-viscosity GL-4 75W to Toyota spec.
- Brake fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4 as specified on cap.
- Wheel nut torque: 103 Nm (76 lb-ft).
- Spark plug gap: Typically 1.0–1.1 mm for the OE iridium plug; torque per service literature when replacing.
DIY-friendly tasks
Oil/filter, engine and cabin air filters, wiper blades, and brake pad inspections are all DIY-able with basic tools. The Aygo’s under-tray fasteners are fragile—use correct bits and modest torque. For Safety Sense cars, avoid disturbing radar/camera mounts unless you can arrange calibration afterward.
Buyer’s checklist (used)
- Cold start from overnight: listen for chain rattle; verify idle stability.
- Cooling system: No sweet smell, no white residue at the water pump. Heater should warm promptly.
- Clutch/gearbox: Smooth bite, no judder, no slip on a 3rd-gear hill test. x-shift should upshift cleanly with a slight throttle lift.
- Brakes & tyres: Even wear; budget for a full set if mixed brands or cracked sidewalls.
- Suspension: Quiet over speed bumps; no front top-mount knock.
- Electrics: All windows, locks, and infotainment functions should work; check for pairing, camera, and steering-wheel control operation.
- Body: Check rear hatch seam and door bottoms for bubbling; confirm accident repairs with consistent panel gaps and paint.
- Paperwork: Proof of annual servicing, recall checks, and any clutch or water-pump replacements.
- Extras: Verify wheel size on V5/registration vs the car; mis-matched tyre profiles hurt ride and economy.
Long-term outlook
With annual servicing and attentive fluids, the 1KR-FE commonly exceeds 150–200k miles (240–320k km) without internal work. Consumables are inexpensive, and parts availability is excellent. The AMT’s clutch/actuator will be the biggest single driveline expense; manuals tend to be cheaper to own.
Driving and real-world economy
Ride, handling, NVH
At city speeds the Aygo feels light on its feet: quick steering, small turning circle, upright seating, and easy throttle take-up. The suspension is simple but well tuned, with enough compliance for speed bumps and patchy urban tarmac. On B-roads it’s tidy and confidence-inspiring within its modest grip envelope. On motorways (100–120 km/h), straight-line stability is fine, but you’ll hear wind and tyre noise—think “city car honest,” not “grand tourer.” Higher-profile 14″ tyres ride better; 15″ wheels sharpen steering but transmit more patter.
Powertrain character
The 1KR-FE is happiest above 3,000 rpm; below that it’s smooth but not strong. Keep gear ratios in mind for hills and merges—downshift early and let it rev. The manual’s lever is light with a defined gate; clutch weighting is friendly. The x-shift is an automated manual: it can feel hesitant in full auto if you keep your foot planted during shifts. The trick is to lift slightly as it changes gear, which smooths the shift and reduces clutch wear. For stop-start commuting, the AMT’s creep behavior takes acclimatization; the manual remains the purist’s pick.
Braking
Ventilated fronts and rear drums are more than enough for the Aygo’s mass. Pedal feel is consistent; repeated hard stops eventually bring mild fade, as expected for a city-class car. Rear drum adjusters benefit from periodic service to maintain handbrake feel.
Efficiency
In dense city use with short trips, low-rolling-resistance tyres and the Aygo’s low mass deliver excellent numbers. Expect ~4.8–5.6 L/100 km (42–49 mpg US; 50–59 mpg UK) in mixed driving if you respect warm-up and anticipate traffic. On a steady 120 km/h (75 mph) motorway cruise, real-world owners typically report ~5.8–6.5 L/100 km (36–41 mpg US; 43–49 mpg UK). Cold weather, roof racks, and 15″ tyres nudge consumption upward; careful pressure maintenance and smooth inputs help. The 35-litre tank yields practical ranges of 450–600 km depending on route and pace.
Key performance metrics
- 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph): ~14.2 s (manual), ~15.2–15.5 s (x-shift), on 165-section tyres.
- 50–80 mph (80–130 km/h) passing: Plan ahead; best executed in 3rd–4th with an early downshift.
- 100–0 km/h braking: Respectable for class; fresh front pads and quality tyres matter more than “big brake” hardware.
Towing and loads
The Aygo is generally not rated for braked towing in many markets; verify your registration documents. With four adults and luggage, performance is modest; anticipate hills, maintain safe following distances, and keep an eye on temperatures in hot weather.
How Aygo compares to rivals
Peugeot 108 / Citroën C1 (platform siblings)
Mechanically near-identical. Equipment and styling differ, as do dealer experiences and pricing. Toyota’s dealer network and perceived durability often give the Aygo a slight edge in used values. Pick on price, condition, and spec.
Volkswagen up! / Škoda Citigo / SEAT Mii
The up! family feels a half-size bigger inside with a calmer motorway gait and, in some versions, stronger mid-range torque. Running costs and parts can be higher, and small-car DSG issues on certain models make the Aygo’s manual a safe bet.
Hyundai i10 / Kia Picanto
Both offer grown-up refinement for the class, competitive equipment (including active safety on newer years), and long warranties when newer. The Aygo undercuts them on weight and turning circle; they counter with slightly more space.
Fiat 500 / Panda
Characterful but variable on reliability depending on year and engine. Aygo typically wins on total cost of ownership and predictable durability; Fiat counters with style and availability.
Verdict
If your priorities are simplicity, low running costs, and easy urban living, the Aygo remains a top pick. Choose a manual if you value shift feel and longevity; choose x-shift only if you truly want two-pedal driving and can adapt your footwork. Look for a 2017–2018 car with Toyota Safety Sense if active safety matters to you, and buy the nicest, best-maintained example you can find.
References
- The New Aygo: Toyota steps up the fun factor for its all-new city car 2014 (Press Release)
- TOYOTA AYGO TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 2021 (Technical Specifications)
- Toyota Aygo 2014 2014 (Safety Rating)
- Servicing, MOT & Maintenance 2025 (Owner Services)
- Torque Values for Alloy Wheels / Steel wheels / Anti-Theft Wheel Lock Nut / Bolt 2012 (Accessory Installation Manual)
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, repair, or your vehicle’s official service documentation. Specifications, torque values, and maintenance intervals vary by VIN, model year, market, and equipment. Always verify numbers and procedures against your owner’s manual and factory service information, and follow all safety precautions. If you found this helpful, please consider sharing it with other owners on Facebook or X/Twitter to support xcar’s work.