Toyota Introduces All-New Aqua (Prius C) Compact Car In Japan

For the Japanese market, Toyota revealed the all-new second-generation Aqua, also known as the Prius C. Compared to the previous, which debuted in 2012 and has sold over 1.87 million units, the new Aqua boasts a 20 percent more effective hybrid technology, as well as a new platform and a more updated look.

Aqua is built on the TNGA GA-B platform, which was first seen in the Toyota Yaris in Europe last year. A 1.5-liter gasoline engine with natural aspiration and an electric motor is housed beneath the hood. The top news here is the brand-new high-output bipolar nickel-hydrogen battery, which replaces the predecessor's nickel-hydrogen battery with an output that is almost twice as high.

As a result, the hybrid may stay in EV Mode for longer lengths of time in a wider range of situations before switching to the ICE engine.

Because of the hybrid Aqua's Power+ Mode, which uses regenerative braking to decelerate, it can be operated with just one pedal, the same to BEVs and PHEVs. It's also the first Aqua with optional E-Four all-wheel drive, which improves traction in muddy weather. According to Toyota, Aqua gets a remarkable 84.2 mpg (2.79 lt/100 km) on the highway.

Since Japan has experienced numerous natural catastrophes (earthquakes, tsunamis, and so on), Toyota equipped Aqua (Prius C) with a standard emergency power distribution mode that allows electricity to be pulled from the car for exterior use during emergencies via an AC 100-volt/1500-watt electrical outlet.

With more robust rear fenders, a sharper window line, and smarter LED lights, the new Aqua looks like a development of its predecessor. Although there are features from the Euro-spec Yaris, the Aqua appears to be more of a compact hatchback than a supermini.

Even with the new platform, revamped body, and slightly longer wheelbase (+50 mm), the external proportions remain the same as the previous model. The latest generation, according to Toyota, features more internal space, particularly for back passengers, as well as a larger boot.

Aqua (Prius C) is more elegant on the inside, with a digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen. All grades come standard with the current version of Toyota Safety Sense, which features a variety of ADAS such as Full-speed Range Radar Cruise Control, Teammate Advance Park, and Lane Tracing Assist.

The latest Aqua is now on sale in Japan, with prices ranging from 1,980,000 million yen ($17,996) for the base FWD model to 2,598,000 yen ($23,657) for the top-of-the-line E-Four.