Some years back, Toyota dominated the small car market with the Tazz. It was everywhere! Cheap and reliable it was the go-to car for many South Africans, now however Toyota is trying to win our hearts back with their latest small car called the Agya. We got to spend some time with the Agya and here is what we think.
Equipped with the modern-day necessities that most people want in a new car, the Agya is not short on features, it is true that cars today offer a lot more but looking at where Toyota’s target market for the car and price, it is adequate. It seats 5 comfortably, has air-conditioning, electric windows all-round and, 2 airbags and ABS with EBD.
There is only one engine choice available is SA, a 1.0-litre naturally aspirated 3-cylinder engine producing 50kW and 89 N.m being sent to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. It is very light – weighing under 850kgs – which is my precise weight after Christmas. I kid you not.
Now just to talk more about the engine. When I had this car on test I had quite a bit of driving to do and was in a rush most of the time so I spent a fair amount of time in this car. The naturally aspirated factor of the Agya’s engine makes it feel a lot quicker than its rivals and I like that but since it is so light you will most definitely sweat hard when turning corners at slightly increased but suitable speeds that you would expect it to handle. Although I drove quickly I didn’t expect to burn the amount of fuel I did and I guess that is just the cost of having a naturally aspirated car.
Inside it is a very easy car to live with everything is where it needs to be, plain and simple to-the-point cabin and I appreciate that. The seating adjustability can be better though at least for the driver, I mean I am considered short but I felt tall in the driver’s seat and you cannot lower the seat at all.
Toyota will offer the option of a touchscreen infotainment system (replete with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility) very soon. The standard system will give you access to Toyota Connect, which works as an app on your phone that allows you to stream video and music, there’s even free data (10 GB) thrown in for use within the App.
The Toyota Agya is a good car, I think with Toyota’s brand being so popular people will trust the Agya. it’s not a bad choice, it ticks all the boxes with the price being the main attraction. This could be the return of the Tazz and all the success it brought for Toyota.
Specs
- Engine: 1.0- three cylinder petrol engine
- Power: 90 kW
- Torque: 89 Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Acceleration: 0 – 100 km/h – 14.6 sec
- Top Speed: 165 km/h
- Fuel Consumption: 4.8 l/100 km (claimed)
- Price: R182 400
Images: Toyota South Africa
