By Khulekani Dumisa

Toyota has introduced its latest offering in Mzansi and this time it’s a supermini hatch that’s here to replace the Aygo and take the fight to the likes of Vivo, Swift and others. The Agya shares its underpinnings with the Daihatsu Ayla – a five-door urban hatchback that is said to offer generous interior space which is complemented by compact exterior dimensions. The name Ayla is Sanskrit for “light”, while “Agya” translates to “fast.”

Looks

In terms of looks, the front bumper is aggressively sculpted with a 3-dimensional design. This is further enhanced by upwardly curving projector headlamps.

At the side, the door handles are colour coded, as are the electrically retractable mirrors that integrate the indicator lens. The back features a roof-mounted rear spoiler and LED-powered rear lights.

All Agya models are offered with anthracite-coloured 14-inch alloy wheels. A similar-sized steel spare wheel is also part of the package.

Interior

The interior is said to be spacious with wheels placed on the outermost of the car and the dashboard appearing in an upright position. In terms of look and feel, the cabin features a mixed use of silver and black plastics and hard wearing fabric for the seats with a touch of polyurethane for the gear lever and steering wheel. The instrument binnacle features easy-to-ready graphics and sees the tachometer and MID flanking the speedometer.

Other interior comforts and conveniences include keyless go, central locking, automatic air conditioning (climate control), Multi-Information Display with trip information, electrically operated windows, and an auxiliary 12-volt socket for charging additional mobile devices.

On the infotainment front, the Agya is offered with a double-DIN touchscreen multimedia unit that 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.

Simple line-up

In terms of grades, the Agya range comprises two transmission options – manual and automatic – along with the choice of an audio system or without.

Engine

The Agya range is powered by a 998cm3 three-cylinder engine that makes 49kW of power and 89Nm of torque. The engine is paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission that send power to the front wheels.

The manual version of the Agya sips an average of just 4.8 l/100 km and completes the 0-100km/h sprint in 14.6 seconds before reaching a top speed of 165km/h.

Its automatic variant consumes 4.9 l/100 km and accelerates from standstill to 100km/h in 16.3 seconds with a top speed of 145km/h. An eco-indicator assists drivers in achieving fuel efficient driving.

Safety

Safety is taken care of courtesy of driver and front passenger airbags and Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) equipped with Emergency Brake Force Distribution (EBD). At the back, two ISOFIX mounting brackets are available for securing child seats. In its Ayla form and with airbags, the car scored four stars in 2016 at ASEAN NCAP crash tests.

Model line-up and pricing

Agya MT:                                R178,600

Agya AT:                                R192,500

Agya MT (with audio):           R182,400

Agya AT (with audio):           R196,300

Prices include a 2-services/20,000 km service plan as well as 3-year/100,000 km warranty.