FORGET prescription drugs, or herbal remedies, if you're after something to fix a permanent smile on your face, then look no further than the small, but perfectly formed Toyota Aygo. The little A-segment wonder has been on our roads since 2005, and has been transforming the lives of city drivers ever since.

Despite its somewhat waspish looks, there's no sting in its tail as the tiny tot delivers big on style, driving dynamics and low running costs. Developed with Peugeot and Citroen, the Toyota Aygo (pronounced i-go) is part of a trio of city cars, alongside the 107 and C1 that have been developed specifically for the urban youth market.

It's easy to dismiss such vehicles as mere cupboards on wheels, but a stint behind the wheel of the tiny Toyota will soon challenge any negative preconceptions about budget motoring. Just because it's small and affordable, does not mean that quality and equipment levels have been compromised. In fact, it is easily the best built motor in its class, and could even be said to give upper class models a run for their money.

There is no more exclusive Aygo than the new Platinum, a version of Toyota's award-winning city car that is brimful of premium quality features. But while the specification is high, the price tag marks the model down as an ideal New Year bargain. On sale from January, Aygo Platinum benefits from £1,555-worth of additional equipment beyond the range-topping Aygo+, yet the price premium is just an extra £550. No maths degree is required to work out that that's a deal worth more than £1,000 for every customer.

Luxurious features provided as standard include Alcantara and leather upholstery, leather trim for the steering wheel and gear knob and 14-inch Turbine alloy wheels with locking nuts. There is also Crystal Silver metallic paint - now exclusive to the Platinum model.

These items are in addition to the regular Aygo+ specification, which includes six airbags, electric front windows, tilt-adjusting steering column, remote central locking, removable rear parcels shelf, six-speaker sound system with CD player and AUX-in socket for connecting portable audio equipment, 50:50 split-folding rear seats and body colour-matched door handles.

Aygo Platinum is available in both three and five-door body styles, powered by Toyota's ultra-fuel efficient 1.0 VVT-i petrol engine, which gives an official 61.4mpg in combined cycle driving. CO2 emissions of 109g/km mean that Aygo Platinum costs owners just £35 a year in Vehicle Excise Duty. A five-speed manual gearbox is standard, but optional MultiMode clutchless transmission can be selected, in conjunction with optional air conditioning.

On-the-road prices are £7,995 for the three-door model and £8,245 for the five-door. Build quality is seriously impressive. Close your eyes and shut the door, and you could be fooled into thinking you were sitting in a cabin usually found in cars several classes up. It is quite possibly the best-built A-segment car currently on the market. And, with the amount of room it offers, it could easily claim the title of being one of the cleverest too.