Toyota launches budget beating Agya

Continuing the trend of capitalising on their association with other automotive brands Toyota Motor Corporations association with their wholly-owned subsidiary, Daihatsu Motor Company, brings to South Africa the all-new Agya, which is set to compete in the price-sensitive A-segment for compact city cars.

 

Positioning

As a direct replacement for the Aygo, the Agya competes in the fiercely competitive A-segment where rands per feature matter most, the Agya is aimed at discerning budget conscious first-time buyers. Standard features such as ABS enhanced with EBD, 14-inch alloy wheels, driver and front passenger airbags Isofix mountings and an alarm immobiliser prove that the Agya offers more for less along with the peace of mind of a quality Toyota backed product.

 

Styling 

The front bumper is aggressively sculpted with a three-dimensional design for an assertive sporty look and a wide stance. This is further enhanced by upwardly curving projector headlamps with a teardrop shape. 

Door handles are colour coded, as are the electrically retractable mirrors that neatly integrate the indicator lens. The rear features a boot spoiler and LED taillights.

 

Inside story 

The Agya offers improved space compared to that of the Aygo, which it replaces. This is thanks to clever packaging such as a wheel at each corner of the body and a floating dashboard.

The generously appointed cabin features a mixed use of silver and black plastics and attractive, hard wearing fabric for the seats. The instrument binnacle features easy-to-read graphics and sees the tachometer and multi-information display flanking the speedometer.

 

Running gear 

All Agya models are fitted with assertively styled, anthracite-coloured 14-inch wheels along with a similar sized steel spare wheel. Smoothing out the bumps is McPherson strut suspension at the front and a torsion beam axle at the rear.

 

Under the bonnet 

The nippy but thrifty 998cc, three-cylinder, fuel-injected petrol engine makes light work of the urban commute. Boasting 49kW at 6 000rpm and 89Nm at 4 400rpm, it can be mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.

The manual model is said to use just 4,8 litres per 100km, while it will take 14,6 seconds to accelerate to 100km/h on its way to a top speed of 145km/h.

 

Audio and infotainment 

The Agya’s double-DIN touchscreen multimedia unit features CD, Bluetooth, auxiliary and USB connectivity. An optional touchscreen audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality is available to customers as a dealer fitted option.

All models are prepared for the use of Toyota Connect, which provides Wi-Fi connectivity to smart devices as well as a host of connected online services. Toyota in conjunction with Vodacom is also launching a new streaming service to Toyota Connect.

 

Summary 

The Agya is set to compete with the Hyundai Grand i10 and the Renault Kwid in a segment that accounts for 45 percent of passenger sales in South Africa. The generous levels of specification, great design and peace of mind that comes with buying a vehicle from a brand like Toyota that has representation in every town in South Africa is sure to make it a top seller.

 

Model line-up and pricing 

Agya Manual                                      R178 600

Agya Automatic                                  R192 500

Agya Manual (with Audio)                  R182 400

Agya Auto (with Audio)                       R196 300

 

All Agya models are sold with a two-services/20 000km service plan and a three-year/100 000km warranty, however, customers can purchase an additional service plan and warranty options via the extensive Motus dealer network.