• Toyota's new Agya will replace the Aygo. The A-segment hatch retails from R178 600.
• The Agya is powered by a 998cc engine with 49kW and 89Nm.
• Toyota says its aimed directly at first-time car buyers.
Toyota's perceived reliability and extensive dealer network allow the Japanese carmaker to flex its muscles in virtually every segment it plays in.
The buying-down trend in South Africa continues unabated as consumers feel the pain of a weak economy ravaged by the effects of Covid-19 and other more lofty matters.
It means that the A-segment is fertile ground for a newcomer that wears a badge many know, love and own. The new Agya is sourced from Daihatsu's Indonesian plant and arrives locally with a starting price of R178 600.
Toyota says its aimed squarely at first-time car buyers, but I see families considering replacing a bigger or more expensive car with the Agya as a second car or family runabout.
If you're wondering about the name, Agya means "fast" in Indonesian. But fast is probably one thing the Agya ain't. Power is drawn from a 998cc engine with 49kW and 89Nm and has a claimed 0-100km/h time of 14.6 seconds. Gearbox options include a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.
It rides on 14-inch wheels with 175-65-R14 tyres. According to Toyota it has 'similar-sized steel spare wheel', in other words it's not a 'marie biscuit' size but don't expect a similar-sized wheel.
The Agya's top speed is 165km/h and it's fitted with a 33-litre fuel tank that should provide around 680km of range based on the claimed fuel consumption figures of 4.8-litres per 100km (manual) and 4.9-litres for the auto.
Agya MT – R178 600
Agya AT – R192 500
Agya MT (with audio) – R182 400
Agya AT (with audio) – R196 300
All Agya models are sold with a two services or 20 000km service plan. A three-year or 100 000km warranty is also provided.
Specification
The Agya is available without an audio system that reduces the price by R3800. Models fitted with the audio system can enjoy the use of a CD player or play music via Bluetooth, auxiliary and USB connectivity.
Toyota says an optional touchscreen audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality will be available to customers as a dealer-fitted option.
All models feature power steering and a climate control system, electric windows and an auxiliary 12-volt socket is on hand for charging additional mobile devices.
It has a keyless start and remote central locking. The Agya is fitted with driver and passenger airbags and anti-lock Brakes (ABS) equipped with Emergency Brake Force Distribution (EBD). It does not have vehicle stability control.
Last but not least and very on brand for a entry-level car is the brand's offering of Toyota Connect. It provides Wi-Fi connectivity to smart devices as well and 15Gb of data.
Once linked to the MyToyota App, owners can make on-demand service bookings, retrieve vehicle usage information (logbook), renew vehicle licenses, review tracking data, request roadside assistance and more, says the company.
Toyota has teamed up telecoms company Vodacom and is offering a streaming service to Toyota Connect called MyEntertainment. Packaged under MyEntertainment are Vodacom's Videoplay (video streaming) and MyMuze (music streaming) services.
Users can either activate a 15Gb data bundle, 10Gb with two-month free Video play streaming or 10Gb with three-month free MyMuze, on their MyToyota App. These services will go live in December 2020.
