Page 28 - Fourways Gardens August 2021

Motoring

toYota agYa 1.0 test revieW

B y a lan r o SE nm E y E r

A small hatchback is a small

hatchback . . . right? There's a
specific body shape, the size
is within certain constraints
and it has four doors and a rear

hatch. But then there's the Agya
that boasts some bold design
aspects that make it stand out.

ost of the mainstream manufacturers have a small of only 835kg, I never found it wanting. The little car was quite
hatchback as the entry point to their range, so what happy to cruise at 120km/h on the freeway with an occasional
makes one different from another? What makes one downshift needed when inclines were encountered. Overall fuel
Mstand out above the crowd? consumption for the test was 6.2l/100km, a very acceptable figure
that I'm sure most owners will be able to match.
Recently, Toyota SA launched their new baby, the Agya, and it
immediately stands out through some bold design aspects at the The 5-speed manual transmission driving the front wheels is
front and rear. Starting at the front, it has projector LED headlights typically light and easy in everyday driving. There is an automatic
set into a bold grille and lots of angles and creases in the bodywork. option available as well, priced at a R14 000 premium.
At the rear, it's the lights again with unusual shapes and a distinctive
L-pattern that immediately stand out. A spoiler over the rear hatch On the road, the car felt comfortable and stable at cruising
simply adds to the effect plus the test car was decked out in bright, speeds and handled my favourite route through the twisties to
funky yellow livery with contrasting black alloy wheels. Hartebeespoort with a touch of fun. By keeping the revs up a bit, it
never felt like there was any lack of power.
The cheerful theme continues in the interior with bright patterns
on the cloth seats plus the (optional) infotainment screen. As small The standard specification is high and includes air-conditioning,
as the Agya appears on the outside, it feels much larger inside with ABS plus EBD, two airbags, and Isofix fittings in the rear. Add in
abundant legroom and headroom in the rear - plenty of space for push button stop/start, electric windows all round and alloy wheels
me, even with my hat on! and it adds up to a comprehensive package.

The boot is rated at 260l with the rear seats in place and, as with All that said, however, my biggest complaint is the interior release
all hatchbacks, this can be increased by dropping the rear seats for the rear hatch inside the driver’s door with no option to open
if necessary. A full size steel spare wheel is found under the boot the hatch from outside the car - not convenient when you approach
board. the car loaded with bags.

The Agya is powered by a 1.0l 3-cylinder petrol engine giving The current retail price is R178 600 plus R4 000 for the infotainment
49kW and 89Nm. This may sound modest, but with a kerb weight system. A two service/20 000km service plan is included.

Here’s the link to our video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uN3SFKCUZSo

Fourways Gardens • 26 • August 2021