Toyota Aqua

The Toyota Aqua (Japanese: トヨタ・アクア, Hepburn: Toyota Akua) is a full hybrid electric subcompact/supermini hatchback (B-segment) manufactured and marketed by Toyota since 2011. The nameplate is exclusive to the Japanese domestic market, as the vehicle was exported to overseas markets as the Prius c, leveraging the popularity of the Prius hybrid car nameplate and marketed as the smaller alternative to the Prius liftback.

Toyota Aqua
2011 Toyota Aqua (NHP10, Japan)
Overview
ManufacturerToyota
Also calledToyota Prius c (2011–2021)
ProductionDecember 2011[1] – present
Body and chassis
ClassSubcompact car/Supermini (B)
Body style5-door hatchback

The Aqua is considered the most successful nameplate launch in Japan in the last 20 years.[2] As of January 2017, the Aqua/Prius c is the second highest-selling Toyota hybrid model after the regular Prius, with 1,380,100 units sold worldwide. Japan as Aqua's market leader has sold 1,154,500 units of the model through January 2017.[3] The Aqua was the best-selling (non-kei) car in Japan for three years in a row, from 2013 to 2015.[4][5][6]

The name Aqua means 'water' in Latin. The name was meant to associate the car with an "image of clean transparency" and "something that is universally cherished".[7]

First generation (NHP10; 2011)

The production version of the first-generation Aqua was unveiled at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. Its design was previously previewed by the Prius c concept car which was unveiled at the January 2011 North American International Auto Show. The first facelift was announced in December 2014, along with a crossover-inspired variant called the X-URBAN.[8] A second facelift was introduced in June 2017, with the crossover-inspired variant redesigned and renamed as the Aqua Crossover.[9]

Second generation (XP210; 2021)

Second generation
2021 Aqua X with optional projector headlights and fog lights (MXPK11, Japan)
Overview
Model codeXP210
Production2021–present
AssemblyJapan: Kanegasaki, Iwate (TMEJ)
Designer
  • Shingo Tomooka (project chief designer)[10]
  • Yoshihiro Shimada, Syota Ito and Mika Ueno (exterior)[10]
  • Ryota Fujishima and Ai Murai (interior)[10]
Body and chassis
Layout
PlatformTNGA: GA-B[11]
Related
Powertrain
Engine
Electric motor
Power output
  • 67 kW (90 hp; 91 PS) (petrol engine only)
  • 59 kW (79 hp; 80 PS) (1NM electric motor)
  • 3.9–4.7 kW (5.2–6.3 hp; 5.3–6.4 PS) (1MM electric motor)
  • 85 kW (114 hp; 116 PS) (combined system output)
TransmissioneCVT
Hybrid drivetrainPower-split
Battery
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,600 mm (102.4 in)
Length4,050–4,095 mm (159.4–161.2 in)
Width1,695 mm (66.7 in)
Height1,485–1,505 mm (58.5–59.3 in)
Curb weight1,080–1,230 kg (2,381–2,712 lb)

The second-generation Aqua was unveiled on 19 July 2021 and went on sale on the same day. Built on the GA-B platform shared with the XP210 series Yaris, the wheelbase has been extended by 50 mm (2.0 in) compared to the previous generation. It retained the 1,695 mm (66.7 in) width, allowing it to remain in the "compact car" category of Japanese government dimension regulations.[12] It was initially offered in four grade levels: B, X, G and Z.[13] The GR Sport grade was added later in late November 2022.[14][15][16]

According to Toyota, the second-generation Aqua is the world's first vehicle to use a high-output bipolar nickel–metal hydride battery.[17] This offers twice the output of the standard nickel-metal hydride battery in the previous generation. The battery also delivers improved accelerator responsiveness and enables linear and smooth acceleration from low speeds, according to the carmaker. The speed range at which the vehicle can operate solely on electrical power has also been increased.[13] This battery is used on the X, G, Z and GR Sport grades, while the B grade used the lithium-ion unit.

Sales

Calendar yearJapan[18][19]
2011361
2012266,574
2013262,367
2014233,212
2015215,525
2016168,208[20]
2017131,615[21]
2018126,561[22]
2019103,803[23]
202059,548[24]
202172,495[25]
202272,084
202380,268[26]

References

External links