Toyota is shaking up the competitive A segment market with the introduction of its new Agya hatchback. Built in Indonesia and based on the Daihatsu Ayla, the Agya replaces the Aygo and competes against the Renault Kwid, Kia Picanto and Hyundai Grand i10. 

Pop the bonnet and you will discover the Agya is powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine that produces 49kW at 6,000rpm and 89Nm at 4,400rpm. Customers have the option of mating it to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Toyota claims the manual version sips a miserly 4.8l/100km and will "sprint" to 100km/h in 14.6 seconds. Top speed is 165km/h. The automatic consumes 4.9l/100km, hits 100km/h in 16.3 seconds and top speed of 145km/h - fast it is not. 

Looks are obviously subjective, but we think the Agya quite a handsome thing with its large trapezoidal grille and slanted projector headlamps giving it a face that certainly stands out in this relatively bland segment of the market. Further boosting its street-cred are 14-inch alloy wheels, LED taillights and a sporty roof spoiler. The door handles are colour-coded as are the electronically retractable side mirrors that feature integrated indicators. 

Wise to the fact that A segment buyers want the most bang for the buck, Toyota has fitted the new Agya with a generous raft of standard features including ABS brakes (with EBD) and dual front airbags. Customers can also look forward to automatic climate control, an onboard computer, electric windows, push-start button and a 12-volt power socket.