New Toyota Agya to ready to cause A-Segment stir up

Most South Africans have almost forgotten the Daihatsu brand, with many overlooking the importance of vehicles like the Terios and the current-gen Rush to Toyota. With a return to form the A-segment dominated by the Renault Kwid and Datsun GO will have some severe contention issues through the form of the Toyota Agya, itself being the rebadged Ayla from the sub-brand. How does it fare when compared to the current market leaders and the Agyo that it replaces.

2020 Toyota Agya: Interior 

The cabin features a mixed-use of silver and black plastics and hard-wearing fabric for the seats with a polyurethane touches for the gear lever and steering wheel. Space within the cabin is relatively generous, and the wheels being pushed out to the far edges of the vehicle means the room within the cabin is adequate for such a car. The straightforward instrument panel provides comfortable use, with the tachometer, speedo and a small information display.

2020 Toyota Agya: Safety and specifications

Some standout features for a vehicle in this class include Automatic climate control, electric windows. A double-din head unit in either a touch or standard format featuring CD, Bluetooth, aux and USB connectivity is fitted as standard to the audio spec models. An optional touchscreen audio system with Carplay and Andriod auto can be had as a dealer included option. Safety in the A-Segment is always somewhat of a taboo. Still, the Agya providing ABS, EBD dual front airbags and a strengthened body shell should prove suitable for the ASEAN NCAP 4-star crash rating making it safer than most in its class- in theory given this is not the highest standard of testing available.

2020 Toyota Agya: Exterior design

The looks of the Agya may prove to be a touchy subject, as the model may not be the most pretty of the princesses. With bright and interesting colours, the front three-dimensional bumper design integrates small and sharply sculpted projector-style headlamps. The Agya range features 14-inch alloys finished in Anthracite and translucent tail-lamps with a design that mimics that of the front end. Colour codes mirrors and door handles are standard for the entirety of the range.

2020 Toyota Agya: Engine lineup and driving dynamics

Powering the Agay is a 1lire three-cylinder engine making 49kW and 89Nm of torque, the engine is paired to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic driving the front wheels. The 14,6second 0-100 sprint time is nothing to rave home about and the 165km/h top speed is enough for a vehicle with debatable safety. Automatic variants feature 16.3 seconds to the 100 top speed and a lower 145km/h top speed, with a claimed 4.8l/100 km. On the road the Agya is a perfect get in and go vehicle, it’s elementary behind the wheel with a very light steering wheel perfectly matched to city driving. The engine provides more than enough shove for a lightweight body, and the audio system is direct to use. At speed, the Agya is stable, and one can even be checky throwing it into corners and merely holding on as the car leans heavily. The vehicle doesn’t feel top-heavy or blown about by wind and can easily sit in the fast lane.

2020 Toyota Agya: Pricing 

Agya MT: R178,600Agya AT: R192,500Agya MT (with audio): R182,400Agya AT (with audio): R196,300Prices are inclusive of a 20,000 km service plan as well as 3-year/100,000 km warranty. Toyota Connect is standard to audio equipped models.