Colin-on-Cars – Targeting the entry level market

Aygo is now Nogo as Toyota launches yet another partner collaboration that started where Subaru BRZ equally Toyota 86, Suzuki Baleno equalled Starlet and now from the stable of its wholly-owned susidiary, the Daihatsu Ayla becomes the Agya.

Kicking off at R178 600, the Toyota Agya is set to muddy the waters in the price-sensitive A-segment for compact city cars where it will come up against the Hyundai Grand i10, Renault Kwid and Datsun Go.

The Agya shares its underpinnings with the Daihatsu Ayla – a five-door urban hatchback first introduced in 2013. The name Ayla is Sanskrit for ‘light’, while ’Agya translates to fast.

As a direct replacement for the Aygo, the Agya is aimed at budget-conscious first-time buyers and it comes with standard features such as anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution (EBD), 14-inch alloy wheels, driver and front passenger crash bags and the option of an automatic transmission.

The front bumper is sculpted with a 3-dimensional design for an assertive, sporty look and a wide stance,  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.

To maximise interior and boot space (which can be increased through its fixed folding rear seat), the all-new Agya has been designed with each wheel positioned at the outermost corner of the vehicle’s body. The dashboard is a floating unit that allows for more space around the typical placement of the transmission tunnel, making space for a pair of cup holders ahead of the gear lever.

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.

All four Agya derivatives have anthracite-coloured 14-inch alloy wheels shod with 175-65-R14 tyres, along with a similar-sized steel spare wheel, serving as backup. The suspension is configured as standard-for-the-segment McPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam axle at the rear.

The 998 cc, three-cylinder, fuel-injected petrol engine drives the front wheels and develops maximum power of 49 kW at 6 000 r/min and peak torque of 89 Nm at 4 400 r/min, mated to either a five-speed manual transmission a four-speed automatic transmission.

The manual version uses a claimed 4,8 l/100 km and emits a corresponding 112g CO2/km, while its automatic variant consumes 4,9 l/100 km with an emissions figure of 115g CO2/km.

“The new Agya is a no-nonsense value proposition that is laser-focused on delivering the best value to budget-conscious customers under the umbrella of Toyota’s legendary quality, durability and reliability,” says Glenn Crompton, TSAM’s Vice-President of Marketing.

Interior comfort is taken care of by power steering and automatic air-conditioning (climate control), key trip information is conveyed to the driver via a Multi-Information Display, while all passengers enjoy electrically operated windows and an auxiliary 12-volt socket for charging additional mobile devices.

On selected models, 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 will be 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 and 15Gb of complimentary 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.

Toyota, in partnership with Vodacom, is also excited to announce the introduction of a new streaming service to Toyota Connect – MyEntertainment. Packaged under MyEntertainment are Vodacom’s Videoplay (Video streaming) and MyMuze (Music streaming) services.

In support of these new services, buyers now have the option of activating either a 15 Gb data bundle, 10 Gb with 2-month free Video play streaming or 10 Gb with 3-month free MyMuze, on their MyToyota App.

Model line-up & Pricing

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 2-services/20 000 km service plan. A 3-year/100 000 km warranty is also provided. Customers can purchase additional service plan and warranty options via the dealer network.

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