Japanese automotive manufacturer Toyota has received a welcome respite from its much-publicised safety issues following the surge in popularity of its latest model Aygo.

Branded as a super city car, the Toyota Aygo has been a common and popular sight on roads across Britain since it first hit the streets back in2005.

Last year saw a revision of the concept car, which was famously used by the Top Gear team for a game of car-football, leading Clarkson and Co to label the vehicle as outstanding.

The award winning Toyota-Peugeot three-cylinder 1.0 litre VVT petrol engine, which incorporates Toyota’s Optimal Drive program, was revamped in 2009, with a host of new features that are designed to deliver greater engine and fuel efficiency and better overall performance.

The VVT Aygo engine was first released back in 2005 and produces a low 109g/km of CO2. This level had been reduced by 2008 when the level was at 108g/km while the latest model Aygo has gone one step further and reduced its emissions level to a mere 106g/km. The lightweight, aluminium construction means the Aygo proudly offers the driving market the lightest internal combustion engine, which weighs in at just 67KG.

Fuel efficiency has been improved to now reach 62.8mph via a five-speed manual gearbox, while handling in city traffic has been optimised through a new intake system which used smaller diameter intake ports. The three-cylinder set-up means increased torque for the already metal-less vehicle.

The conveniently priced Toyota Aygo is available at selected dealerships on a three-year plan for just £120 per month excluding VAT.