Toyota Aygo X vs. Volkswagen up!: Complete comparison 2026

Toyota Aygo X, officially pronounced as Aygo Cross and originally introduced under the concept name Aygo X prologue, represents a modern and boldly styled city crossover with higher ground clearance. Its attractive concept will be challenged by the proven Volkswagen up!, an exceptionally practical hatchback also known on the market under the names of its group siblings, the Škoda Citigo and SEAT Mii, or in specific in-house derivatives such as the electric e-up! or the off-road-styled cross up!. Let's take a detailed look at how these two completely different approaches to the ideal city car perform in our direct comparison and which one represents the smarter choice.

When comparing the external dimensions of these two popular city cars, which are highly relevant for the market of approximately four-year-old used cars (centered around the 2022 model year), we encounter two different design approaches. The Toyota Aygo X, which arrived on the market as a new model in 2022, bets on a modern and muscular city crossover concept. In contrast, the Volkswagen up! in its refreshed version embodies a traditional, maximally efficient approach to a small and functional city car. At 3700 mm, the Toyota Aygo X is exactly 100 mm longer than the Volkswagen up!, which measures exactly 3600 mm. For used car buyers, this means in practice that while the shorter Volkswagen up! is slightly easier to park in tight parallel spaces, the ten-centimeter longer Aygo X feels more mature on the road and can extract a slightly larger basic luggage compartment volume from its extended body.

There are also fundamental differences between the two models in overall width and height. The Toyota Aygo X measures an impressive 1740 mm in width, while the Volkswagen up! is noticeably narrower, with values oscillating between 1641 and 1645 mm depending on the version. The height is also significantly different; the Aygo X crossover has grown to 1510–1525 mm, easily surpassing the up! with its maximum of 1504 mm. The Toyota's additional width doesn't just bring a more attractive look, but actually gives the driver and passenger more shoulder room, while the slightly higher build makes daily entry easier. For urban use, this defines a clear choice: the wider and taller Aygo X provides better driving comfort, a sense of security, and a better view at intersections, while the narrow up! with its lower center of gravity remains the undisputed king when weaving through the densest city traffic.

Finally, looking at the wheelbase – a key parameter for longitudinal interior space and directional stability – the differences almost disappear. The Toyota Aygo X offers a wheelbase of 2430 mm, which is only a negligible 10 mm more than the 2420 mm of the Volkswagen up!. Although the German representative has a significantly smaller external footprint, its boxier body shape, steeper windshield, and almost vertical rear mean it can conjure a surprisingly airy and bright interior from the given wheelbase. From a used car selection perspective, this detail clearly shows that if you require generous interior space for passengers despite the smallest possible external dimensions, the boxier VW up! uses its wheelbase more efficiently. Conversely, the Toyota Aygo X sacrifices some interior space in favor of a more muscular design and a more prominent road presence.

Trunk volume is often a key compromise in the smallest city cars, yet buyers expect sufficient everyday practicality from them. Whether it's family usability, space for weekend shopping, or transporting sports equipment, every extra liter counts. Although both compared models target similar customers and represent a sought-after choice on the market for approximately four-year-old used cars, their approach to utilizing the enclosed space differs quite fundamentally, which has a direct impact on how much you can actually fit in them.

Looking at the exact numbers, the boxier and more efficiently packaged Volkswagen up! wins. In its standard configuration, it offers an excellent 251 liters for its class, while the more modern and robust-looking crossover Toyota Aygo X lags behind with a value of 231 liters. The twenty-liter difference translates in practice to space for one or two more bulky shopping bags. Interestingly, while the standard drive concept in the Toyota does not limit the basic trunk volume, the optional premium JBL audio system reduces it to a modest 189 liters due to the subwoofer. Volkswagen, on the other hand, scores with a clever double floor, and in its fully electric e-up! version, the capacity drops only very slightly to 250 liters.

When the rear backrests are folded down, the gap between the two hatchbacks widens even further. The Volkswagen up! can offer a maximum transport capacity of up to 951 liters, creating an area sufficient for weekend shopping and longer holidays for two, but also for moving smaller pieces of furniture. The Toyota Aygo X provides a maximum volume of 829 liters with the rear seats folded. In terms of overall practicality and moving capabilities, the Volkswagen up! is clearly the more advantageous choice for those who require maximum spatial flexibility. The smaller trunk of the Aygo X, on the other hand, will fully suffice for drivers for whom stylish design and routine city errands are the priority.

Trailer weight is usually a crucial parameter for drivers who require maximum practicality from their vehicle and the ability to occasionally transport bulky cargo that simply wouldn't fit in a standard trunk. However, in the category of the smallest cars, which includes roughly four-year-old models like the Toyota Aygo X (produced since 2022) and the Volkswagen up! (from 2020–2023), the situation regarding towing capacity is quite specific and may slightly surprise potential tow bar applicants.

If you are considering hitching up a classic trailer, you will encounter uncompromising legislative and technical restrictions with both of these rivals. Both the Toyota Aygo X and the Volkswagen up! have the same standard and maximum permitted weight for braked and unbraked trailers – exactly 0 kg. This figure applies across the entire range of both brands. Even different or more powerful versions do not change this fact. Zero towing capacity applies to both the Toyota Aygo X with CVT automatic transmission and the more powerful Volkswagen up! GTI or its purely electric variant, the e-up!. Simply put, both manufacturers did not homologate these generations for towing cargo at all.

From a practical standpoint, this means you cannot hitch even a small trailer for hauling garden waste or materials for a weekend cabin renovation to either car. Their transport capacities are limited exclusively to the interior cabin space (which is otherwise sufficient for regular and even larger weekend shopping if you fold the rear seats) or to the installation of a roof box. Nevertheless, there is one exception that will please sporty owners. A special towing device can be purchased and installed for both models, which, while not allowed to pull a trailer, serves exclusively as a certified vertical support for a bicycle carrier, typically with a load capacity of around 50 kg.

In the end, trailer weight will not make the decision between these two cars any easier, as neither of them scores in this discipline. Both the Toyota Aygo X and the Volkswagen up! remain true to their nature as pure city specialists, for whom towing heavy loads is simply taboo.

Engine comparison

When choosing a roughly four-year-old used city car, the range of engines is crucial not only in terms of reliability but also consumption and future operating costs. The Toyota Aygo X and Volkswagen up! approach the powertrain solution quite differently. While Toyota bets on absolute simplicity for its crossover and offers only a single proven gasoline engine without complex electrification or turbocharging, the Volkswagen up! provided a much more diverse palette at the end of its life cycle. With the German competitor, you could choose from basic naturally aspirated engines to a factory version for compressed natural gas (CNG) and fully electric drive, all the way to a sporty turbocharged unit. Volkswagen thus offers much wider possibilities for adaptation to your driving style, whereas Toyota scores with the renowned durability of its Japanese naturally aspirated classic.

Toyota Aygo X

The Toyota Aygo X entered the market in 2022 as a stylish city crossover with higher ground clearance. As historical data shows, previous generations of the Aygo model (produced until March 2022) offered various specific derivatives – for example, 1.0 Eco versions or models equipped with the older MMT and x-shift automated transmissions, which you will no longer find in the current lineup. The current Aygo X model, relevant for the nearly-new used car market, makes do with a single power unit. Under the hood works exclusively the proven naturally aspirated 1.0 VVT-i three-cylinder with an output of 53 kW (72 hp). While it won't impress with dynamics, it rewards with excellent mechanical durability and real-world consumption below 5 liters per 100 km. Customers have a choice between a precise five-speed manual transmission and an optional S-CVT continuously variable automatic, which successfully replaced the earlier automated gearboxes with better comfort.

Volkswagen up!

Around 2022, the Volkswagen up! offered an incomparably more diverse portfolio on the used car market, even though its total production definitively ended in 2023 and none of the engines are being manufactured anymore. The basis of the range is the reliable naturally aspirated 1.0 MPI three-cylinder, which in the last years of production had an output of 48 kW (65 hp), or older versions with 44 kW or 55 kW. Environmentally and economically minded drivers swear by the factory 1.0 EcoFuel version burning CNG, or the fully electric e-up! version with 61 kW, whose 32.3 kWh battery ensures an excellent city range of over 250 km. A true gem for enthusiastic drivers is the turbocharged one-liter 1.0 TSI engine in the up! GTI version. Thanks to its output of 85 kW (115 hp), torque of 200 Nm, and six-speed manual transmission, it turns the lightweight car into an exceptionally fun pocket rocket.

Who will suit which engine?

• Looking for reliability and style: If the car is intended mainly for city commutes and you require the lowest possible service costs in combination with a trouble-free automatic, the naturally aspirated 1.0 VVT-i engine in the Toyota Aygo X (ideally with the S-CVT transmission) is a safe bet.
• You care about minimum costs per kilometer: For drivers who drive often and want to cut fuel expenses to the absolute minimum, the ideal choice is a Volkswagen on compressed natural gas (1.0 EcoFuel) or the electric e-up!.
• You are a car enthusiast: If you love driving, enjoy dynamics, and occasionally head out for fun on winding backroads, the turbocharged Volkswagen up! GTI is the clear winner. In its class, it offers a driving experience reminiscent of legendary hot hatches, which the Aygo X with its single naturally aspirated engine cannot compete with.

Choosing the right engine is absolutely key to long-term satisfaction with a used car, which is why our recommendations are based on real mechanical experience, actual fuel consumption, and verified owner feedback. Both cars compared have a very interesting technical basis, but completely different directions. While the Toyota Aygo X, which rolls out of Kolín in the Czech Republic, has transformed into a designer city crossover in its current generation, the Volkswagen up! from the "New Small Family" group has definitively ended its life cycle. As can be seen from market availability data, the popular up! is no longer produced as new and is therefore not available in the current lineup. However, on the market for approximately four-year-old used cars, both of these vehicles still rank among the best that can be purchased in the smallest car segment.

For the Toyota Aygo X, we recommend: 1.0 VVT-i (53 kW / 72 hp)

The Japanese automaker decided to simplify the offering for its smallest model, the Aygo X, and this reliable three-cylinder gasoline engine is thus the only available choice on the market for four-year-old used cars. However, this is certainly not a bad thing, as this engine makes perfect sense in the urban jungle.

• Why it's the best: It is a thoroughly modernized version of the proven 1KR-FE family unit. It scores primarily with extreme mechanical durability, very low operating costs, and real-world fuel consumption that reliably stays below 5 liters per 100 km even in traffic jams. The manufacturer managed to achieve top efficiency even without installing a heavy and expensive hybrid system.
• Technical advantages: The engine relies on classic indirect fuel injection and has no turbocharger. From a long-term service perspective, it is an exceptionally "foolproof" configuration. Thanks to its lightweight construction, the engine also warms up to operating temperature very quickly, which saves wear during cold starts in winter.
• Risks and weaknesses: The main price for maximum simplicity is weaker acceleration. On the highway or on long climbs, you must expect poor dynamics, and the engine needs to be revved significantly to maintain pace. For used cars with a manual transmission, carefully test the clutch engagement during the test drive. If it engages sharply and unexpectedly jerkily at the very top of the pedal travel, it may be a sign of excessive wear from stop-and-go traffic and will soon require replacement.
• Who it's for: It's a perfect choice for city drivers and calmer personalities who view a car as an undemanding means of transport. It will serve perfectly for short commutes for anyone who prefers the certainty of minimal service costs over speed.

For the Volkswagen up!, we recommend: 1.0 TSI (66 kW / 90 hp)

While the naturally aspirated 1.0 MPI base makes up the vast majority of the used car market and works excellently for short distances, if you are looking for a used car without compromises and with perfect dynamics, definitely look for the turbocharged 1.0 TSI version. This excellent engine was not installed in its cheaper sibling, the Škoda Citigo, at all, which makes this model an exclusive and sought-after vehicle on the secondary market.

• Why it's the best: The presence of a turbocharger fundamentally changes the entire character of the vehicle. From a city shopping trolley, it turns in the blink of an eye into an unexpectedly confident car that moves naturally even in the left lane of the highway. Despite a large power reserve, it maintains great fuel consumption just slightly above 5 liters.
• Technical advantages: The Group's three-cylinder engine offers punchy and early-available torque. Combined with a weight of barely one ton, it brings a surprisingly sporty drive. Mechanically, it is one of the best-rated and most reliable small-displacement engines on the market.
• Risks and weaknesses: This is a direct-injection engine (TSI) that suffers if it is constantly driven only on three-kilometer "hops" to the bakery. Chronic lugging when cold carries the risk of carbon buildup on the valves and dangerous oil dilution with gasoline. For the five-speed transmission, roll down the windows during the vehicle inspection and listen to the engine idling. If you hear a suspicious humming that disappears immediately after pressing the clutch, it indicates a worn bearing or clutch plates.
• Who it's for: This engine will thrill drivers who often travel outside the city, like a more dynamic driving style, and want a power reserve for safe overtaking. However, the condition is a willingness to give the car longer trips so that the engine oil warms up sufficiently and unburned fuel residues evaporate from it.

Official fuel consumption values provided by manufacturers in promotional materials often look very tempting; however, the reality on the roads is usually somewhat different. Especially with small city cars that often move in heavy traffic and on very short routes, real fuel consumption can be surprising. To get the most accurate picture, we therefore turned to user data from the popular independent portal Spritmonitor.de, where thousands of drivers from all over Europe record their actual gasoline costs. We focused on roughly four-year-old models, which currently represent a relevant and frequent choice on the used car market.

Looking at real-world data, we immediately notice interesting trends. In this mini-car segment, diesel engines are now completely absent, and attention is focused exclusively on three-cylinder petrol engines. A major and, for many, surprising finding is that the more modern turbocharged 1.0 TSI engine in the Volkswagen up! (5.2 l/100 km) can actually be more fuel-efficient in practice than its more powerful naturally aspirated 1.0 MPI variant with 55 kW (5.7 l/100 km). The small turbo offers much higher torque at lower revs, meaning drivers don't have to "rev" the engine as much. However, the Japanese crossover remains the undisputed leader in efficiency. With its time-tested naturally aspirated 1.0 VVT-i three-cylinder and low kerb weight, the Toyota Aygo X reliably stays below the five-liter mark on average.

For typical users, these figures provide clear recommendations. If you are looking for a car primarily for the city, occasional shopping, and quiet suburban commuting, the basic naturally aspirated engines of both brands are perfectly adequate. The Toyota Aygo X, in particular, is an unbeatable choice for budget-conscious drivers in this regard. Conversely, for users who commute longer distances or don't shy away from motorways, the Volkswagen up! in the 1.0 TSI version makes much more sense in terms of both consumption and overall comfort. The turbocharged engine doesn't struggle as much on highways, has the necessary power reserve for safe overtaking, and paradoxically maintains excellent fuel efficiency.

In conclusion, fuel consumption for both of these small cars is objectively very low, and differences of a few tenths of a liter do not represent dramatic financial expenses given average annual mileage. Although the Toyota Aygo X is demonstrably slightly more efficient in absolute terms, your real need for driving dynamics and, of course, the verifiable technical condition of the specific vehicle should play a much larger role in the final decision between these used cars.

Purchase price of used cars: A four-year perspective

Looking at the market for roughly four-year-old used cars (mostly 2021 and 2022 models), a fundamental difference in the life cycle of both models emerges. While with the Toyota Aygo X you are essentially buying a near-new model from the very beginning of its production, the Volkswagen up! represents very mature cars from the very end of the first facelifted generation's production. This fact is significantly reflected in their prices.

Toyota Aygo X: Premium price for a modern crossover

• Favorable residual value: The Toyota Aygo X entered the market in 2022 and, thanks to its attractive mini-crossover design with a higher seating position, maintains very high resale prices.
• Price range: Four-year-old cars on the Czech market typically range from €12,000 to €16,000.
• Influence of equipment: At the lower end, you'll mainly find versions with basic equipment (Active) and a manual gearbox. Amounts approaching €16,000, on the other hand, are paid for cars in top-tier trim (e.g., Executive) or with a comfortable CVT automatic transmission, often with a mileage of only around 20,000 km.

Volkswagen up!: A more affordable city classic

• Cheaper purchase: Because the four-year-old Volkswagen up! is based on a conceptually older (though very reliable and proven) car, its value on the secondary market has dropped to a much more affordable level.
• Price range: You can most often buy very well-maintained models from 2021 and 2022 in the range of €7,000 to €10,000.
• Condition and mileage: Amounts around €7,000 to €8,000 usually mean more basic five-door versions with the 1.0 MPI engine. Approaching the €10,000 mark are "mint" examples from premium trade-ins that have covered only slightly over 20,000 km and are in practically new condition.

Quick price comparison (2021/2022 models)

From a financial perspective, the choice is clear: the Volkswagen up! offers those interested in a reliable four-year-old city car a significantly better ratio of pure price to utility value. The Toyota Aygo X makes sense primarily for drivers who are happy to pay a significant premium for more modern technology, the status of a stylish crossover, and a fresh look.

When evaluating the safety of used cars, one often encounters mentions of historical five-star results in tests by the independent organization Euro NCAP; however, in this regard, it is absolutely crucial to understand the context and the year of testing. Test protocols are constantly evolving and becoming stricter over time. For this reason, percentage scores from different years cannot be directly and objectively compared. New frontal crash simulations, stricter cyclist detection, or emergency scenarios at intersections, which older models did not undergo at all, now come into play.

Toyota Aygo X

The Japanese Toyota Aygo X underwent Euro NCAP crash tests in the summer of 2022. According to very strict modern standards, it received an overall rating of four stars, which is an excellent result for a small city car. This model excels primarily due to the presence of advanced technologies. The standard safety package includes autonomous emergency braking with sophisticated pedestrian and cyclist detection, as well as assistance systems for safer navigation through intersections. This was reflected in a highly above-average score of 81% in the safety assist category.

Volkswagen up!

The German Volkswagen up! has a much longer history on the market. Although it received a full five stars at its debut in 2011, safety standards have advanced dramatically since then. When re-evaluated by Euro NCAP in 2019, its rating was reduced to three stars. The structural protection of the occupants (both adults and children) itself remained at a very good level, but the drop in the overall score was caused by the absence of modern active safety features. The car lacked standard autonomous emergency braking (AEB), which dragged down the scores for safety assistants and the protection of vulnerable road users. From the perspective of today's strict standards, the original safety certification of this model is already considered expired.

Summary

In conclusion, although both models provide a very solid and robust body structure for their size category, the safety winner by today's standards is the Toyota Aygo X. The Volkswagen up! protects its occupants very decently during an actual impact, but it suffers from an older architecture without advanced sensors. The Aygo X, on the other hand, brings a highly modern and comprehensive active safety package that can completely prevent many typical accidents in busy city traffic.

In addition to standard equipment, both models offer more than just basic mobility, with each approaching added value and practicality in everyday life in its own very distinctive way.

Toyota Aygo X: Crossover style and advanced connectivity

The Japanese automaker decided to spice up the smallest city car segment with a popular outdoor look, benefiting not only the design but also everyday usability.

• Chassis concept and design: The Aygo X stands out from its competitors with a higher ground clearance and the overall concept of a small crossover. This provides a higher driving position, which improves visibility in city traffic and makes getting in and out easier. A rarity in this segment is also the option to equip the car from the factory with massive 18-inch alloy wheels, which give the car a confident stance.
• Infotainment and technology: The center of the dashboard is the modern Toyota Smart Connect system with up to a 9-inch touchscreen. It supports cloud navigation and brings wireless smartphone mirroring (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto). Furthermore, the system is capable of receiving over-the-air (OTA) software updates.
• Open sky: For lovers of the sun and driving with the wind in their hair, the specific Aygo X Air trim offers an electrically retractable canvas roof, which evokes the feeling of driving a convertible without reducing body rigidity.
• Advanced assistants (ADAS): The model excels in the field of safety. It includes the Toyota Safety Sense package as standard, which brings features known from larger family cars to even the smallest class – for example, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, or a pre-collision safety system with pedestrian and cyclist detection.
• Transmission types: In addition to the standard manual, an S-CVT automatic continuously variable transmission is also available. It is tuned for smooth and fluid crawling in heavy city traffic jams without unpleasant jerking.

Volkswagen up!: Spatial magic and a sporting pedigree

The German representative, on the other hand, honors the traditional philosophy of a small city car with an emphasis on maximum space efficiency, availability of interesting powertrains, and clever, low-cost solutions.

• Clever space packaging: The boxy design of the Volkswagen up! ensures that it offers a surprising amount of space even for adult passengers in the rear seats and plenty of headroom on a minimal footprint. The variable double floor of the luggage compartment contributes to user-friendliness, creating a flat surface when the seats are folded down.
• Smart phone integration: Instead of expensive and quickly outdated displays, Volkswagen uses the clever "Maps + More" system in many versions. This is an integrated holder on the dashboard with a Bluetooth connection. Your own smartphone turns into the car's main onboard system after launching a dedicated app – handling navigation, media, and driving data.
• GTI sports variant: While Toyota aims for light terrain, Volkswagen revives the spirit of the first Golf GTI. The up! GTI variant with a turbocharged 1.0 TSI engine, stiffer sports suspension, and iconic Clark plaid seats is a fantastic "pocket rocket" that turns even an ordinary commute into an exceptionally fun driving experience.
• Alternative powertrains: Volkswagen offered a very wide range of powertrains for the up! model. A great choice on the four-year-old used car market is the electric version e-up! (with a usable battery capacity of 32.3 kWh), which provides an excellent local emission-free range of over 250 km. Previously, a factory version running on compressed natural gas (CNG) labeled eco up! was also available.
• Winter comfort features: A typical, but still highly valued equipment feature in this class for easing morning starts, is the option of a heated windshield complemented by heated front seats, which will be especially appreciated by drivers who do not have the option of parking in a garage.

Toyota Aygo X

Advantages:

• Attractive design with crossover elements and a 55 mm higher driving position, which improves overall visibility in confusing city traffic.
• Excellent maneuverability with a very small turning radius (4.7 meters), making parking in tight spaces a breeze.
• Above-standard level of active safety – the advanced Toyota Safety Sense assistance system package is present even in the base trim.
• Mechanically exceptionally reliable, structurally simple, and operationally economical naturally aspirated 1.0 VVT-i three-cylinder engine.
• Modern on-board technology including intuitive infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support (in higher trim levels).

Disadvantages:

• Significantly below-average legroom and headroom in the rear seats and very limited entry space due to narrow rear doors.
• Cost-cutting on details – the rear doors lack roll-down windows; only simple pop-out windows are available.
• Higher purchase price on the used car market, driven by the popularity and fashion wave of small city SUVs.
• Limited dynamics and more pronounced engine noise penetration into the cabin at highway speeds or higher revs.

Volkswagen up!

Advantages:

• Completely unrivaled use of interior space – the boxy body offers surprisingly comfortable seating even for adult passengers in the rear compared to the Toyota.
• Very mature driving characteristics, excellent chassis soundproofing, and stability, making the car feel confident even when driving on country roads and highways.
• Excellent workmanship, a robust feel of the overall construction, and logical ergonomics of controls typical for larger Volkswagen models.
• A wider range of available engines on the used car market – from proven naturally aspirated MPI engines to dynamic turbocharged TSI (especially in the GTI version) to the popular electric e-up! variant.

Disadvantages:

• Outdated and compromising infotainment architecture, which in most model years relies exclusively on a holder and the small display of your mobile phone.
• Noticeable lack of modern active safety systems and assistants compared to newer Japanese competition.
• The optional automated manual transmission (ASG) is characterized by very slow and jerky shifting, which lags significantly behind the smoothness of Toyota's CVT.
• Considerably conservative and strictly functional exterior and interior design, which ages visually and evokes almost no emotion.

Based on long-term user experience, service reports, and reliability statistics, we have compiled an overview of the most common problems that buyers of these used city cars should watch out for. Whichever of these models you choose, an independent technical inspection of the car is strongly recommended before buying a roughly four-year-old used car, as it can reliably detect hidden damage or wear from city traffic.

Toyota Aygo X

The Toyota Aygo X has been on the market for a relatively short time (produced since 2022), so most used cars available on the market are still in very fresh condition. However, the automaker opted for a proven platform and technology from previous years, allowing typical wear patterns to be predicted quite accurately.

Engine and Transmission

• Proven three-cylinder: The naturally aspirated one-liter engine (1KR-FE) is mechanically exceptionally durable and does not suffer from carbon buildup even with frequent short trips with a cold engine in city traffic.
• CVT transmission specifics: In versions with the continuously variable automatic transmission, users often mention noisier sound performance at higher revs ("vacuum cleaner effect") and sluggish reactions to sudden acceleration. This is not a mechanical defect, but a specific characteristic of this transmission that takes some getting used to.
• Clutch wear: If the car is equipped with a manual transmission, clutch lining wear may appear earlier during frequent operation in traffic jams and on hills.

Infotainment and Electronics

• Software glitches: The most common real complaint from owners is the freezing of the Toyota Smart Connect multimedia system or occasional dropouts of pairing via wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
• Solution: The manufacturer has already resolved most of these complications by releasing a software patch. Problems can be easily fixed via an over-the-air (OTA) system update or by reflashing the software during routine service.

Workmanship and Interior

• Acoustic comfort: Due to the car's budget focus, there are reports of a thinner layer of damping materials, resulting in increased road noise from the wheels and occasional creaking of hard plastics in the interior when driving over larger bumps.

Summary for the Aygo X model:
Mechanically, it is one of the most reliable city crossovers today, and serious mechanical faults are a rarity. Most recorded problems revolve exclusively around minor software bugs in the on-board electronics.

Volkswagen up!

The final model years of the Volkswagen up! (approximately 2019–2023) represent a technically very refined product at the end of its life cycle. Even so, this popular model has its typical weak points.

Engine and Transmission

• Manual transmission and clutch: A very common and well-known phenomenon in the base 1.0 MPI engine is a difficult-to-engage reverse gear. This gear is not equipped with synchronization, so it occasionally requires repeated depressing of the clutch. There are also cases of prematurely rattling clutch bearings.
• Oil dilution (TSI): For the more dynamic turbocharged 1.0 TSI version, stricter service discipline is necessary. If the car is used mainly for very short city trips where the engine does not have time to fully warm up, gradual dilution of engine oil with unburned gasoline can occur.
• Water pump: With increasing mileage, leaks and coolant losses in the area of the water pump may occasionally occur.

Body and Chassis

• Water leaks: A chronic ailment of the entire family of cars (including siblings Škoda Citigo and SEAT Mii) is water leaking into the luggage compartment and moisture in the doors. The cause is usually clogged drain channels or leaking ventilation flaps behind the rear bumper.
• Brakes: Front brake discs and pads are heavily stressed in heavy city traffic. They tend to wear out faster, and users often complain about unpleasant brake squealing, even on relatively new vehicles.

Infotainment and electronics

• Outdated connectivity: Models without the optional multimedia display rely on a docking station and smartphone connection via the "maps + more" app. As the cars age, there is an increasing number of complaints about the app crashing, Bluetooth connection issues, and loss of support for the latest types of mobile phones.

Summary for the up! model:
In terms of driving and overall impression, the Volkswagen up! feels much more mature than its dimensions suggest. Any problems are usually related to wear and tear of the clutch, brakes, or minor imperfections in the body seals. If the selected unit passes a successful physical vehicle inspection, it still represents a highly above-average and reliable choice on the used car market.

When buying a used car, a thorough inspection is key, especially for city cars that often face hazards in the form of high curbs, potholes, and constant short trips with a cold engine. A professional independent technical inspection of the car can reveal hidden defects, but you should also be alert during the test drive, as both models have their specifics to watch out for.

When choosing a Toyota Aygo X:

• Clutch and manual gearbox operation: For manual gearboxes, focus closely on where the clutch engages. High engagement or jerking when starting off can indicate excessive wear from crawling in city traffic jams. For the CVT automatic gearbox, test the smoothness of the start – the car must accelerate completely smoothly and without any jolts.
• Chassis condition and geometry: Compared to its predecessor, the Aygo X has a raised chassis, which tempts drivers to park carelessly on curbs. During the test drive, let go of the steering wheel on a straight stretch and see if the car pulls to one side. Also check the inner edges of the tires, which suffer from uneven wear if the geometry is off.
• Infotainment response and connectivity: Before driving, try pairing with a mobile phone (Apple CarPlay / Android Auto) and the touchscreen response. The Toyota Smart Connect system may experience occasional connection drops or freezing in earlier software versions, which can often be resolved with a dealer update, but it's good to know about it before buying.
• Plastic trim attachment: This city crossover is equipped with distinctive plastic wheel arch and sill cladding. Walk around the car and gently press on the plastics. Damaged clips after parking lot "bumps" can cause parts to loosen, leading to unpleasant resonances and noises in the interior at higher speeds.

When choosing a Volkswagen up!:

• Suspension and play in the front axle: Due to frequent driving over speed bumps, the silentblocks on the front axle take a beating. During the test drive, drive slowly over bumps with the radio off and listen for squeaking or dull thuds from the front, which indicates wear on the control arm bushings.
• Engine operation and risk of carbonization: If you are choosing a version with the 1.0 TSI turbocharged engine, ask about the nature of previous use. Constant city driving without longer warm-ups can cause carbon deposits in direct-injection engines. The engine must have a perfectly smooth idle without fluctuating RPMs and should not jerk when accelerating, whether cold or warm.
• Leaks into the interior and moisture: Open the trunk, lift the floor carpet, and also check the area under the carpets at the rear seats. The up! model can suffer from water leaking through the seals of the ventilation flaps in the rear bumper or doors. A typical warning sign is excessively fogging windows from the inside or a musty smell.
• Battery health and range (for the e-up! version): If you are considering buying the fully electric e-up! variant (especially the preferred newer versions produced from late 2019 with the larger 32.3 kWh battery), check the estimated range on the trip computer when fully charged. For a healthy battery, the real range in warmer weather should be between 200 and 250 km.
• ASG automated gearbox: If you come across an older version with the ASG automated manual gearbox (more common in the first years, but also appears in newer used cars), test hill starts and crawling. This gearbox is inherently slower and jerkier, but strong jolts when shifting indicate a worn clutch or a faulty actuator. A classic manual is a much safer choice here in terms of reliability.

Sources: ADAC, aktualne.cz, auto.cz, autohome.cz, dopravniinfo.cz, motorsport.cz

This article was prepared using artificial intelligence tools. The section guarantor is Petr Dušek.