Toyota and Europe's PSA Announce Three New Co-Developed Cars

On the outside, the three cars share nearly-identical dimensions. The Peugeot and Citroën twins have the same

To ensure fairness, the three brands have agreed to build their cars with similar specifications, features and pricing. (Photo: PSA)

dimensions at 3,428 mm (134.96 in) long, 1,630 mm (64.17 in) wide and 1,470 mm (57.87 in) tall, while the Toyota Aygo is slightly smaller at 3,405 mm (134.06 in) long, 1,615 mm (63.58 in) wide and 1,465 mm (57.68 in) tall.

Compared to Canada's smallest four-seat vehicle, the Mini Cooper, the Aygo is 220 mm (8.66 in) shorter, and when compared to Toyota's own Echo hatchback, it is a further 330 mm (13.00 in) shorter. To ensure fairness in the highly competitive minicar segment, the three brands have agreed to build cars with similar specifications, features and pricing.

So what exactly separates the Aygo from its C1 and 107 siblings? The answer to the question is simple: styling and brand image.

The 107 and C1 are cheeky and cheerful; they share plenty of styling cues, in particular the highly-raked bulbous nose, bulging oval headlamps and chunky, extended bumpers. Interestingly, the Citroën shares the

The Toyota Aygo's styling is sharper and more pointed, in sync with the brand's other products. (Photo: Toyota Canada)

Peugeot's oversized, low-mounted grille, a trademark expression seen on all modern Peugeots. Vertically-oriented taillights, similar in shape to those on smart's forfour, can be found on both cars.

Toyota's approach to its product is less daring than that of the French. Rather than featuring soft curves, the Aygo's styling is sharper and more pointed, in sync with the brand's other products. Flat-faced fenders provide a contrast to a tidy nose which features Toyota's European corporate styling, while the tail end features horizontally-mounted cluster lamps.