New Axia’s Twins, Daihatsu Ayla and Toyota Agya Launched in Indonesia

The 2023 Perodua Axia D74A generation has really got the nation talking, featuring many improvements that not only directly address its predecessor’s weaknesses, but also grants it an expected price hike. Now that Perodua has launched the new Axia, it is time for its Indonesian-based Japanese counterparts to put their own twists to Malaysia’s undisputed number one supermini.

Unlike in Malaysia, the Indonesian market is bestowed with two twins of the current-gen Axia, in the form of the all-new Daihatsu Ayla and Toyota Agya. Both debuted at the Gaikindo Jakarta Auto Week (GJAW), the new Ayla and Agya are set to compete against each other to take the crown as the Republic’s best low-cost green car (LCGC).

Starting off with the Ayla, Astra Daihatsu Motor (ADM) is offering the new supermini in five trim levels with two powertrain options, either the 1.0-litre 3-cyl 1KR-VE engine rated at 66 HP and 89 NM or the peppier 1.2-litre 3-cyl WA-VE engine that outputs 87 HP and 113 NM. Said powertrains are then mated with either a 5-speed manual transmission or CVT automatic gearbox – depending on the trim level.

In terms of styling, the Ayla boasts a painstakingly-similar look to the new Axia, with the notable difference being the badgings, with the front part rocking a special Ayla emblem instead of the standard Daihatsu logo. Another difference is the front bumper design, with the Ayla ones coming with faux vertical inlets at the corners instead of black trims on the Axia.

Apart from that, the Ayla rides on 13-inch steel wheels for the baseline spec, while the rest of the trim levels will get a bigger set of 14-inch alloy wheels, finished in gunmetal hue. To add, ADM also offers an additional Astra Daihatsu Styling (ADS) package that grants the Ayla with additional styling bits, including a redesigned front grille and bumper with T-shaped LED DRLs, black front lips, sticker stripes, as well as rear taillights garnish.

On board, all variants of the Ayla come standard with fabric seats, while opting for the mid-level X spec grants it with multi-info instrument display, four speakers and rear cupholder. The range-topping R variant adds a novel 7-inch infotainment display, keyless entry and engine start, tilt steering adjustment, as well as a digital panel for the climate control.

Compared to the Axia, the Ayla truly lacks on the safety front, with not a single variant offering any advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features to boot. While the CVT-equipped X and R spec will sport a few active safety features as standard, such as Vehicle Stability Control (VCS), ABS, with EBD and Hill Start Assist (HSA), none of the variants come with six airbags like the range-topping Axia AV.

With five variants offered, the 2023 Daihatsu Ayla starts at IDR134 million (RM39,153) for the base 1.0 M MT. This is followed by the mid-spec 1.0 X MT at IDR146.9 million (RM42,922) and the 1.0 X CVT at IDR166.9 million (RM48,775). Finally, the range-topping 1.2 R MT commands a price tag of IDR164 million (RM47,928), while its automatic twin, 1.2 R CVT, is priced at IDR184 million (RM53,773).

Moving to the Agya, Toyota Astra Motor (TAM) is offering the Agya in three specs, topped-off by a special GR-Sport variant. Unlike the Ayla, the Toyota Agya comes with a single powertrain option for the entire line-up, which is the 1.2-litre 3-cyl WA-VE mill, also rated at 87 HP and 113 NM. This is also paired with either a 5-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission, with the base-spec E being the only variant that comes with the former.

While all variants boast the similar powertrain spec, the GR-Sport variant is bestowed with additional performance upgrade in the form of a sportier tuning for the suspensions and steering.

Visually, the Agya sports a similar-looking rear end as the Axia, with the big differences can be seen on its front end. Its front fascia features a hexagonal-shaped grille that is linked to the lower intake by a thick black bar. Though the LED headlights pretty much carried over from the Axia, the Agya features vertically-mounted LED DRLs located on both front corners.

Meanwhile, the GR-Sport variant will get a sportier front bumper with much more prominent air intakes, plus an equally-sporty rear bumper, side skirts, as well as a roof-mounted rear wing. It also rides on bigger 15-inch machined alloy wheels, instead of the 14-inch alloys featured on the lower variants.

Inside, all variants of the Agya will get a digital control panel for the air-cond, 7-inch infotainment display, multi-info driver’s display, as well as tilt adjustment for the steering wheel.

The GR-S spec will enhance the Agya’s cabin further with exclusive GR seats and scuff plates, 8-inch infotainment screen with reverse camera function, 7-inch TFT driver’s display, wireless charging pad, leather steering wheel and gear knob, keyless entry, on-board digital video recorder (DVR), as well as a T Intouch telematics system.

Safety-wise, the Agya comes standard with VSC, ABS with EBD, HSA, rear parking sensors, two airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors,speed-sensing auto lock and front seat seatbelt warning across the board. However, just like the Ayla, the Ayga won’t be sporting any ADAS features.

The 2023 Toyota Agya starts at IDR167.9 million (RM48,980) for the baseline E spec, followed by the G variant, which clocks in at IDR175.4 million (RM51,167). On the other hand, the top-specced GR-Sport variant commands a price tag of IDR237.5 million (RM69,279).

Folks, what are your thoughts on the newly-launched Axia twins, the Daihatsu Ayla and Toyota Agya? Which one of the DNGA supermini trio would you prefer? As always, leave your thoughts in the comments below…