Page 42 - Silver Lakes 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 this can be increased by dropping the rear Add in push button stop/start, electric
manufacturers have a small seats if necessary. A full size steel spare windows all round and alloy wheels and it
Mhatchback as the entry point to wheel is found under the boot board. adds up to a comprehensive package.
their range, so what makes one different
from another? What makes one stand out The Agya is powered by a 1.0l 3-cylinder All that said, however, my biggest
above the crowd? petrol engine giving 49kW and 89Nm. complaint is the interior release for the
This may sound modest, but with a kerb rear hatch inside the driver’s door with no
Recently, Toyota SA launched its new baby, weight of only 835kg, I never found it option to open the hatch from outside the
the Agya, and it immediately stands out wanting. The little car was quite happy car - not convenient when you approach
through some bold design aspects at the to cruise at 120km/h on the freeway with the car loaded with bags.
front and rear. Starting at the front, it has an occasional downshift needed when
projector LED headlights set into a bold inclines were encountered. Overall fuel The current retail price is R178 600 plus
grille and lots of angles and creases in the consumption for the test was 6.2l/100km, R4 000 for the infotainment system. A two
bodywork. At the rear, it’s the lights again a very acceptable figure that I’m sure most service/ 20 000km service plan is included.
with unusual shapes and a distinctive owners will be able to match.
L-pattern that immediately stand out. A Click here to watch our video
spoiler over the rear hatch simply adds The 5-speed manual transmission driving review: https://www.youtube.com/
to the effect, plus the test car was decked the front wheels is typically light and easy watch?v=uN3SFKCUZSo
out in bright, funky yellow livery with in everyday driving. There is an automatic
contrasting black alloy wheels. option available as well, priced at a
R14 000 premium.
The cheerful theme continues in the
interior with bright patterns on the cloth On the road, the car felt comfortable and
seats plus the (optional) infotainment stable at cruising speeds and handled my
screen. As small as the Agya appears on favourite route through the twisties to
the outside, it feels much larger inside Hartebeespoort with a touch of fun. By
with abundant legroom and headroom in keeping the revs up a bit, it never felt like
the rear - plenty of space for me, even with there was any lack of power.
my hat on!
The standard specification is high and
The boot is rated at 260l with the rear includes air conditioning, ABS plus EBD,
seats in place and, as with all hatchbacks, two airbags, and Isofix fittings in the rear.

40 INTRA MUROS SEPTEMBER 2021