The [Toyota Aygo](https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/toyota/aygo) has come a long way since it first hit showrooms 20 years ago. Originally it was a tiny [city car](https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/best/city-cars) that shared tech with Citroen and Peugeot siblings, but it has since jettisoned its partners and transformed into the [Aygo X](https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/toyota/aygo-x), a tiny urban [crossover](https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/best/crossover-cars) with premium touches.

Another change is a switch to hybrid power. While the Aygo X featured the same efficient 1.0-litre three-cylinder as its predecessor when it was launched in 2022, an update for 2026 has not only introduced a new look, but also added the petrol-electric powertrain from the larger [Yaris](https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/toyota/yaris) supermini.

The facelift has also seen prices rise, so while the original Aygo was a cheap entry into the world of motoring, the current car is priced at a similar level or higher than a number of other small hybrid machines, including the latest [Citroen C3](https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/citroen/c3).

We’re fans of the French [supermini](https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/best/superminis) in electric [e-C3](https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/citroen/e-c3) guise, but does it still appeal with a hybrid powertrain? It certainly has price and space on its side when compared with the Aygo X, but can the Toyota’s upmarket ambitions help it to edge ahead of its rival?

# Verdict

# Winner: Citroen C3      

Playing to Citroen’s strengths of comfort and good value for money means that the C3 is an attractive proposition in the supermini class. Its SUV-style proportions offer plenty of space for four people inside, while the quality of the materials allows the French model to hide its budget roots well.

Look elsewhere for driving enjoyment,  though, because the Citroen’s soft ride and vague steering mean it feels remote and lifeless, although the hybrid powertrain is a decent performer. It’s not the most efficient petrol-electric system on the market, but  it offers benefits over the manual model.

# Runner-up: Toyota Aygo X

If the [Toyota Aygo](https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/toyota/aygo) X suits your lifestyle, then it’s an excellent city car. The hybrid system gives the model punchy performance without sacrificing efficiency, while the chassis delivers a surprisingly sporty drive for a car that’s unlikely to venture too far beyond city streets.

The two things that hold the Aygo X back are the limited amount of space inside – it’s smaller than rival city cars for passenger and boot space, let alone the Citroen C3 here – and list prices that are on the high side. Thankfully, its good quality and decent tech go some way to justifying the cost.

Read the full test: [https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/car-group-tests/369011/citroen-c3-vs-toyota-aygo-x-small-budget-hybrids-high-stakes-showdown](https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/car-group-tests/369011/citroen-c3-vs-toyota-aygo-x-small-budget-hybrids-high-stakes-showdown)



Citroen C3 beats Toyota Aygo X in high-stakes small hybrid showdown