TOYOTA'S popular little Aygo model has been replaced by a larger compact crossover and it really looks the business.

It's called the Aygo X (pronounced ‘cross') andprices range from £14,805 to £20,750.

There are generously-equipped trim levels to choose from called Pure, Edge, Exclusive and Limited Edition and all models are powered byToyota's highly-acclaimed and award-winning one-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine delivering 71bhp and 93Nm of torque.

The Aygo X can be matched toa five-speed manual transmission or CVT automatic gearbox.

The compact five-door, four-seater can complete the 0-62mph dash in 14.9 seconds if fitted with a manual box and the auto shaves a tenth of a second of that time.

It has a top speed of 98mph (94mph on the CVT model) and when it comes to running costs, the vehicle can delivera combined 56.5-58.8mpg with carbon emissions of 109-110g/km on manual models and 56.5mpg with CO2 emissions of 113-114g/km on CVT versions.

There's no denying the Aygo X is a looker and it comes with its own distinctive range of colours calledCardamom Green, Chilli Red, Ginger Beige or Juniper Blue. There is bi-tone black paint and customers can also specify a pagoda-style open-top roof, costing £895.

It features a more dynamic style with flared wheel arches,a shorter front overhang plus larger 17 or 18-inch wheels. Entry-level cars have halogen projector headlights while the top models gain LED lights and daytime running lights. There are black wheel arch mouldings, pop-out rear windows and rear privacy glass.

Moving inside, the cabin is fresh, bright and cheery witha choice of fabric, synthetic leather or part leather upholstery. There is a three-spoke leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear level, plus climate control with pollen filters. An ‘X' symbol is discreetly stitched into the seat upholstery on higher trim levels, along with the ‘Aygo X' model name subtly featured in the LED headlamps.

On-board creature comforts are generous with Toyota's latest multi-media system offering cloud-based navigation - that means the car is always connected on the move with fully automatic over-the-air software updates.

Wireless smartphone connectivity is offered via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with a charging tray on Exclusive and Limited Edition models. Also, dependant on the trim, there is a four-speaker audio with DAB or five-speaker JBL premium sound system.

The touchscreen ranges from seven, eight or nine-inches in size, but all versions have Bluetooth and USB connection, along with audio controls on the steering wheel.

Range-topping models gain Toyota Smart Connect. This not only adds the larger touchscreen, but introduces the MyT smartphone app that allows you to track fuel levels, trip data, driving analytics and it even works as a vehicle tracker.

We tried the European equivalent of the Exclusive grade Aygo X with the manual gearbox costing £17,725 - Toyota predicts 75 per cent of Aygo X sales in the UK will be manual.

And it's easy to see why, it's an absolute cracker of a car that fizzes along weaving through the busy city traffic.

Some rivals may beat the Aygo X for sheer pace, but this car is very capable on motorways and nicely balanced through winding country lanes.

The three-pot engine does get a little more vocal under heavy acceleration but generally the Aygo X is nicely refined. The suspension has been specifically tweaked for this car and it does a worthy job of settling the vehicle on uneven surfaces.

And the steering has been perfected for European roads so offers ample driver feedback and comfort levels also impress with nicely cushioned seats.

The Aygo X has been transformed from a hatchback to a crossover and that means it has had quite a growth spurt.

It stretches3,700mm in length (235mm longer than the outgoing car), 1,740mm across (an increase of 125mm) and is 1,525mm in height which is 65mm taller than the Aygo.

There is more shoulder space up front and the two designated rear seats are ideal for children or grown-ups if the seats are not pushed back too far.

The boot is larger and can swallow 60 litres more kit compared to the outgoing Aygo. It has a capacity of 231 litres, increasing to 829 litres with the 50:50 split-folding rear seats dropped down. If the model is fitted with the JBL sound system, it reduces the boot limit by up to 50 litres.

Another factor that really impresses with the Aygo X is all the safety equipment and driver assistance aids that are standard across the entire range. These include Toyota's Safety Sense package featuring a pre-collision system with vehicle detection that now functions at higher speeds.

The day and night pedestrian detection, daytime cyclist detection, collision mitigation support functions, intelligent adaptive cruise control, lane trace assist and emergency steering assist all make their Aygo debut.

Additional safety specifications include two Isofix child seat fixtures, child safety door locks, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, vehicle stability control, hill-start assist, a tyre pressure warning system, seatbelt reminders, speed limiter, eCall and six airbags.

All in all, the new Aygo X is a fabulous compact crossover that is easy on the eye and pocket, packed with tech and great fun to drive.