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April 9, 2015
Prius's little brother "Aqua" debuts! | Toyota Aqua | TOYOTA AQUA
TOYOTA AQUA | Toyota Aqua
Boasting the World's Best Fuel Economy
Prius's Younger Sibling, the Aqua, Debuts!
Toyota's compact hybrid car, the Aqua, which was exhibited as a concept at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show, was officially released on December 26th.
Text by ONO Taiji
Achieving 40 km/ℓ Fuel Economy in 10-15 Mode
The Aqua's greatest appeal is undoubtedly its fuel economy, touted as the world's best. The JC08 mode fuel economy is 35.4 km/ℓ across all grades. For the basic model, the 10-15 mode fuel economy is an astonishing 40 km/ℓ, which is truly remarkable for a commercially available car powered by an internal combustion engine. The hybrid system employed is Toyota's proud "THSII." While its basic configuration is the same as other Toyota hybrid vehicles, including the Prius, the Aqua's system has been further optimized for efficiency.
The engine is a 1.5-liter DOHC Atkinson cycle unit (maximum output: 74 ps [54 kW] / 4800 rpm, maximum torque: 11.3 kg-m [111 Nm] / 3600–4400 rpm). Approximately 70% of the parts have been newly designed from the Prius engine, with improvements focused on the intake and exhaust systems. Furthermore, the adoption of a cooled EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system achieves a compression ratio of 13.4, realizing top-level efficiency for a gasoline engine.
The paired hybrid transaxle is also brand new for the Aqua. The motor (maximum output: 61 ps [45 kW], maximum torque: 17.2 kg-m [169 Nm]) has been significantly reduced in size and weight, and the gear train has been revamped, resulting in an 8 kg weight reduction compared to the Prius. The battery is a conventional nickel-metal hydride, not the lithium-ion used in the Prius α, but it has also been newly made smaller and lighter. The battery pack, housed beneath the rear seats to contribute to a lower center of gravity, weighs 1 kg less than the Prius's and its volume has been reduced by 20%.
Interior Space Surpassing the Corolla
The Aqua's selling point isn't just its fuel efficiency. With its concept of "a compact car for 2020," the fundamental aspects of the car, starting with its packaging, are also at a high level. The body dimensions are 3995mm in length, 1695mm in width, and 1445mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2550mm. When compared to other Toyota models, it sits between the Vitz and the Corolla, corresponding to the European B-segment. However, its interior space achieves a level that surpasses the Corolla. By compactly housing the hybrid system, it also secures a class-leading luggage space of 305 liters (VDA measurement) in its normal configuration.
Furthermore, the combination of the hybrid system's total power of 100 ps (73 kW) and a vehicle weight of just under 1.1 tons delivers more than sufficient performance, and the quietness unique to hybrid vehicles is also a major draw.
The pricing is also strategic, with the basic "L" model at 1.69 million yen, the mid-range "S" at 1.79 million yen, and the top-tier "G" at 1.85 million yen. The monthly sales target is 12,000 units, a figure that should be easily achievable given Toyota's sales power and the product's appeal.
TOYOTA AQUA | Toyota Aqua
Body Size | Length 3,995 x Width 1,695 x Height 1,445 mm
Wheelbase | 2,550 mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,050 kg (1,080 kg for G, S)
Engine | 1,496cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC + Electric Motor
Maximum Output (Engine) | 54 kW (74 ps) / 4,800 rpm
Maximum Output (Motor) | 45 kW (61 ps)
Maximum Torque (Engine) | 111 Nm (11.3 kgm) / 3600–4400 rpm
Maximum Torque (Motor) | 169 Nm (17.2 kgm)
Drivetrain | FF
Transmission | Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission
JC08 Mode Fuel Economy | 35.4 km/ℓ
CO2 Emissions | 66 g/km
Price | L: 1.69 million yen S: 1.79 million yen G: 1.85 million yen