Page 22 - The Villager September 2021

Motoring

toYota agYa 1.0 teSt review

BY ALAN ROSeNMeYeR

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 much larger inside with abundant as well, priced at a R14 000 premium.
manufacturers have a small legroom and headroom in the rear - On the road, the car felt comfortable
Mhatchback as the entry plenty of space for me, even with my and stable at cruising speeds and
point to their range, so what makes hat on! handled my favourite route through
one different from another? What The boot is rated at 260l with the the twisties to Hartebeespoort with a
makes one stand out above the crowd? rear seats in place and, as with all touch of fun. By keeping the revs up a
Recently, Toyota SA launched hatchbacks, this can be increased by bit, it never felt like there was any lack
their new baby, the Agya, and it dropping the rear seats if necessary. of power.
immediately stands out through A full size steel spare wheel is found The standard specification is high
some bold design aspects at the under the boot board. and includes air-conditioning, ABS
front and rear. Starting at the front, The Agya is powered by a 1.0l plus EBD, two airbags, and Isofix
it has projector LED headlights set 3-cylinder petrol engine giving 49kW fittings in the rear. Add in push button
into a bold grille and lots of angles and 89Nm. This may sound modest, stop/start, electric windows all round
and creases in the bodywork. At the but with a kerb weight of only 835kg, and alloy wheels and it adds up to a
rear, it's the lights, again with unusual I never found it wanting. The little car comprehensive package.
shapes and a distinctive L-pattern, was quite happy to cruise at 120km/h All that said, however, my biggest
that immediately stand out. A spoiler on the freeway with an occasional complaint is the interior release for
over the rear hatch simply adds to the downshift needed when inclines were the rear hatch inside the driver’s door
effect plus the test car was decked encountered. Overall fuel consumption with no option to open the hatch from
out in bright, funky yellow livery with for the test was 6.2l/100km, a very outside the car - not convenient when
contrasting black alloy wheels. acceptable figure that I'm sure most you approach the car loaded with
The cheerful theme continues in owners will be able to match. bags.
the interior with bright patterns on The 5-speed manual transmission The current retail price is R178 600
the cloth seats plus the (optional) driving the front wheels is typically plus R4 000 for the infotainment
infotainment screen. As small as the light and easy in everyday driving. system. A two service/20 000km
Agya appears on the outside, it feels There is an automatic option available service plan is included.

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

20 • Issue 9 2021 • The Villager

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