IIMS 2017: Daihatsu Ayla and Toyota Agya LCGC twins

Selamat siang. We are reporting live from the JIExpo in Jakarta where the 2017 Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) was launched by vice president of Indonesia Jusuf Kalla this morning. IIMS is a regular stop in our annual regional motor show coverage, with the aim of showing you relevant and/or interesting cars that our neighbours get.

A car that fits the bill is the facelifted Daihatsu Ayla and its Toyota Agya twin, both produced by Astra Daihatsu Motor in Indonesia. The refreshed LCGC (low cost green car) duo was revealed earlier this month and is making its motor show debut at IIMS. Of course, this is the Indonesian version of Malaysia’s best selling car, the Perodua Axia, which was facelifted in January.

The Ayla and Agya are now available with a 1.2 litre Dual VVT-i engine, which puts out 88 PS at 6,000 rpm and 108 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm. This is the same 3NR unit used in the Toyota Calya/Daihatsu Sigra budget three-row MPV. The DOHC four-pot motor can be had with two transmissions – a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic.

The 1.0 litre option remains for both Ayla and Agya, but the three-cylinder KR engine has been fortified with VVT-i variable valve timing in the Toyota, like our 67 PS/91 Nm Perodua Axia. Without VVT, the 1.0L engine in the Daihatsu Ayla makes 65 PS and 86 Nm of torque. As with the 1.2L, gearbox choices include a 5MT and a 4AT.

The Daihatsu comes in a wide range of 10 variants, three more than the Toyota. The 1.2L gets a brand new face to set it apart from the 1.0L, which is not too different from the pre-facelift. The 1.2L’s new face is rather streamlined and handsome, and is this writer’s favourite in the Ayla/Agya series. Tail light extensions stuck on the tailgate – not present on the Axia – differentiate the 1.0L and 1.2L variants.

The top-spec Ayla 1.2 R Deluxe pictured here (orange paint is reserved for the 1.2L) comes with LED position lamps and LED DRLs, fog lamps, wing mirror indicators, chrome muffler and a bodykit. ‘R’ cars also feature a 2-DIN touch screen head unit and steering audio buttons. The Axia facelift’s keyless entry/push start and tailgate handle are not available in Indonesia.

IIMS 2017: Daihatsu Ayla and Toyota Agya LCGC twins

The Toyota Agya is available in 1.0 E, 1.0 G, 1.2 G and 1.2 TRD S variants. 1.2L models get Bluetooth, audio buttons, two-tone 14-inch alloys and window visors.

The range topping TRD S, which is available in a new yellow colour, adds on a bodykit for the full “joker” face. The kit includes front/rear bumper extensions, side skirts, tailgate spoiler with stop lamp and TRD logos on the sides and back. Only this top Agya variant has ABS brakes, which is not available in the Daihatsu Ayla range.

Plenty of flash and extra effort in styling for the Ayla/Agya facelift, and there’s now a bigger engine on offer here, but our Axia is better equipped in convenience and safety features. The Daihatsu Ayla is priced from 92,550,000 rupiah (RM30,213) to 146,250,000 rupiah (RM47,751), while the Toyota Agya starts at 131,500,000 rupiah (RM42,935) and tops out at 151,900,000 rupiah (RM49,596). What do you think?

GALLERY: Daihatsu Ayla 1.2 R Deluxe


GALLERY: Daihatsu Ayla 1.0 X

GALLERY: Toyota Agya 1.2 TRD S

GALLERY: Toyota Agya 1.0 G

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