TOYOTA'S funky little Aygo has had the X-factor by the bucketload since it's second generation hit the road last year.

Not only does the Japanese car maker's city model have a bold design based around Simon Cowell's favourite letter - but it also boasts five models with x-themed names.

The x-cite is one of two special editions available, the other being the x-clusiv, while the three regular trim levels are dubbed x, x-play and x-pression.

Then there's the new x-touch infotainment system that you get on higher spec versions, the x-wave fabric sunroof - available only on five-door x-pression cars - and the optional automatic gearbox which is called, you've guessed it, x-shift.

This pun-heavy approach is unashamedly gimmicky and seeks to tap into the current fashion in the small car market - where fun has become just as important as functionality as manufacturers go after the young urban crowd.

And there can be no denying that the bold new x-rated look has given the Aygo a much more youthful appeal than the first generation car which, despite a couple of facelifts since it first appeared in 2005, was somewhat staid by comparison.

A selection of eye-catching new colours also helps, with options such as red pop, deep blue buzz and silver splash on the menu, while my x-cite test car comes exclusively in an eye-wateringly bright orange twist hue.

Personalisation is big in the small car market too, and Toyota have made sure that there are plenty of ways to stamp your own identity on the Aygo.

A selection of optional extras packs allow you to do such things as colour code your dashboard, include a raft of extra chrome trim, add contrasting door mouldings or roof decals and vary the colour of the front ‘X' design and rear diffuser.

Once you've got your Aygo looking the way you want it, though, there is considerably less choice when it comes to powering it - in fact there's none.

The three cylinder 1.0-litre petrol power pack from the first generation model is retained and is the only engine option.

It has been tweaked, though, to improve efficiency and when equipped with the five-speed manual gearbox average fuel economy has increased by more than three miles per gallon to 68.9 while carbon emissions have dropped to an impressive 95g/km, meaning you'll pay no road tax and running costs will be low.

And although not the sharpest off the mark, this engine does prove peppy enough around town and, coupled with accurate and responsive steering and a short throw on the gear shift, makes the Aygo an enjoyable and engaging little motor to drive in the city.

The characterful note of the three-pot power pack even sounds pretty good when accelerating.

The Aygo's incredibly compact dimensions also make it an absolute doddle to manoeuvre in and out of the tightest parking spaces in busy town centres.

Take it away from its natural environment onto the open road, though, and it's lack of power is noticeable. While motorway speeds are handled well, it's not really a relaxed cruiser and you'll find yourself having to resort to the gearbox for some extra oomph when overtaking and on steep climbs.

Interior space is always at a premium in city cars and while there is plenty up front in the Aygo, leg room in the back is pretty tight - although the five-door option at least makes getting in easier.

The boot, at 168 litres, falls short of the class leaders and has a high load lip and while the split rear seats fold down for extra luggage space they do create quite a step in the floor.

Equipment levels are good though, if you avoid the sparse entry-level model, and this x-cite special edition comes with plenty of sporty style trappings and creature comforts including 15-inch gloss black alloys, touchscreen multimedia system with mirrorlink for compatible mobile phones, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, aircon, reversing camera, stability control, hill start assist and tyre pressure monitoring.