Driven: 2020 Toyota Agya
Given the current financial state of the country, South Africans are beginning to turn to more affordable and fuel-efficient vehicle options. This is where A segment vehicles really begin to shine, as it is filled with small compact cars that can meet these demands. As the dreadful year of 2020 was ending, Toyota launched its all-new Agya, a stylish replacement for the now discontinued Agyo. We recently got to spend some time with the Agya and we are pleased to say that it has bettered the Agyo.
Light on fuel
The Agya remains as fuel-efficient as its predecessor and comes with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine that produces a nifty 49kW and 89 Nm of torque. On the road, the Agya proves that it can pack a small punch despite its less than intimidating size. The drive overall was pleasantly smooth, with the only let down being its hard five-speed manual transmission. The Agya does make saving fuel the main priority, making it ideal for those who try to get around in style while still saving an extra buck or two.
Stylish exterior
The Agya’s shape may not be to everyone's taste, but over time it certainly begins to grow on you. It's small, compact, and oddly enough quite stylish. The Agya has gotten a sportier approach and its aggressively designed front bumper is evident of that. The only letdown in our opinion is the Agya’s awkward upward curving projector headlamps which at times feels out of place with the vehicle's design. The rear end may be our favourite part of the vehicle as it comes with a roof-mounted rear spoiler and LED-powered rear lights which certainly make it a lot more appealing than the previous Agyo.
Outdated interior
Although the outside of the Agya may feel like an upgrade from the Agyo, its cabin however does not. Its interior feels at times very outdated, with one forgetting that this is a 2020 model. Our test unit didn’t have much to offer as it was not an audio-equipped model. The Agya comes standard with a double-DIN touchscreen multimedia unit that offers CD, Bluetooth, auxiliary, and USB connectivity. Although the seats may not look as appealing as one would hope, it certainly feels quite comfortable. Features like electrically operated windows, a Push Start button, and remote central locking does show Toyota’s attempt to make the Agya modernize.
Safety
In terms of safety, the Agya will come with ABS (Anti-lock braking system) and EDB (Electronic brakeforce distribution). It also comes standard with driver and front passenger airbags. At the back is two ISOFIX mounting brackets that are used to secure the baby seats to the rear seat, while the rear doors get fitted with child lock. To ensure that safety is met throughout the vehicle, the Agya will also come fitted with an alarm/immobilizer.
Verdict
Overall, Toyota has achieved what they had set out to do and that was to make a more modern and stylish version of the Agyo. The Agya in many ways has excelled past the Agyo, with its body shape alone been more appealing. The Agya is amazingly fuel-efficient, making it an easy choice for drivers who appreciate a good value-for-money vehicle. The cabin of the Agya could do with more modern features but when you keep in mind its reasonably low-price tag, you realize that the Toyota Agya in many ways just makes sense.
Pricing
Toyota Agya MT R178 600
