Tokyo Show 2011 Highlights: 2013 Toyota Aqua

The Toyota Aqua is the JDM name for the Toyota Prius c – it’s essentially a compact hatchback with a Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive system. It measures less than four metres long with a 2,550mm wheelbase – the same as that of a Toyota Vios.

To suit its downsized dimensions, Toyota has also reengineered the HSD system. For usage in the Aqua/Prius c, it is more compact and lighter, with a reduced displacement. As opposed to the 1.8 litre and 2.4 litre systems in the Prius and the Camry Hybrid, the Aqua uses a HSD system based around a smaller 1.5 litre engine.

Toyota claims a fuel efficiency of 35.4 km/L under the JC08 test cycle and 40.0 km/L under MLIT 10-15 test cycle, which are some very impressive numbers. Now that the government has extended the hybrid car tax breaks, will UMW Toyota Motor offer the rest of the Prius family such as this Toyota Aqua in Malaysia? Not everyone needs the space offered by a Prius – a more affordable Prius could go head to head against the Honda Insight.

Thanks to: Paultan