We challenged our Toyota ambassador (and first-time driver) Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix to learn to drive in the Aygo X. The catch? Her mother (Alessandra Spendolini) – responsible driver – would be in the passenger seat.
With an impeccable spatial awareness and attention to detail that only a trained diver can muster, our Toyota ambassador took to our four driving challenges like a fish to water. For a full video immersion into the challenges, head over to Toyota UK’s Instagram and TikTok accounts. You can also see the behind the scenes of this learning experience over on Andrea’s Instagram as part of her ‘Growing Pains’ series.
Challenge 1: The Slalom
Weaving in and out of precisely placed cones, the first challenge required the heightened senses of a professional diver. Alessandra immediately took on the role of learned driver, calming the expected nerves of her daughter and first-time driver. Despite the aforementioned nerves, Andrea took the challenge in her stride, the compact nature of the Aygo X aiding the brilliant execution.
Andrea on her experience driving the Aygo X:
‘It’s simple, not complicated and a smooth drive.’
Challenge 2: Bay Parking
After having been informed that Andrea had yet to learn how to parallel park, the Toyota Team were poised and ready for a *few* cones to be hit along the way (in a private closed-off parking area). However, once again, with the encouragement of her mother, all but one cone were left standing.
Alongside a keen eye and Alessandra’s wise guidance, the Aygo X demonstrated, yet again, it’s adaptability, making learning to drive as simple as possible.
When asked on tips for parents helping their children learn to drive, Alessandra emphasised the importance of words of affirmation, stating that parents should ‘offer encouraging, uplifting, and positive words and teach them to be safe and alert while driving.’
Challenge 3: Rear-view parking
When learning to drive, one of the first fears is always rear-view driving. However, the Aygo X takes away the initial nerves with the ‘Park assist’ function that allows you to plan your next move as if you had eyes on the back of your head – a must-have as you learn to drive.
In the recently launched Aygo X Hybrid, this function is paired with a high driving position for greater visibility, allowing you to keep an eye on what’s in front and behind of you.
Challenge 4: The Emergency Stop
The final challenge not only tests nerve but also reflexes, and with the reaction time of an athlete, the Toyota Team were certain this would be an easy A. Though deceptively simple, the emergency stop is an incredibly important skill to have whilst on the road. However, with a strong grasp of hazard awareness this should only be used when necessary.
Overall, when you learn to drive it can often be daunting but, with the help of someone you trust (over the age of 21, with a driver’s licence) and a strong sense of self-belief, it soon becomes a new-found source of confidence and independence.
Remember to head over to the Toyota Instagram and TikTok accounts to see how Andrea and her mother performed!
Contents correct at the time and date of publication.
