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

Despite its more conservative styling and smaller dimensions, the Aygo is sportier looking than its French counterparts

The Aygo is sportier looking than its French counterparts and is expected to be the hot car for younger buyers. (Photo: Toyota Canada)

and is expected to be the pick of the litter for younger buyers.

While interior pictures and specifications have yet to be released, the three cars are expected to set new standards in space and roominess. By utilizing a tall monospace (one-box) design with a long wheelbase and short overhangs, room for rear-seat passengers should be impressive.

In addition, the rear door line stretches as far back as the rear pillars, making entry and exit easy. The downside to this particular layout is that cargo space is limited, so to compromise, the cars will most likely get a sliding rear bench to create more cargo room when larger loads must be carried.

As urban runabouts, the three citycars have been designed with a variety of special traits to help make life simpler for

The rear door line stretches as far back as the rear pillars, making entry and exit easy. (Photo: PSA)

their owners. Large windows ensure that visibility around the vehicle is not compromised, making for easier parking, while tough plastic components on the car's front, rear and sides should stand up to bumps and scuffs, an inevitability in a crowded city.

While a hybrid-electric model is unlikely, there's a good chance that PSA's Stop-Start transmission and clutchless manual gearboxes will be available to reduce fuel consumption and ease driver strain.