Toyota Aqua - Second Generation

In late 2011, Toyota unveiled the Aqua, a hybrid hatchback that not only it's cheaper than the Prius but more economical as well. With the advent of the more economical Yaris Hybrid, we all thought that the Aqua would meet its demise because of the Yaris's success but Toyota wouldn't let go of the Aqua because, in honor of the car's 10th anniversary this year, the Japanese motoring behemoth decided to give a brand new life for the compact hybrid hatchback for the masses. That's right, the Aqua's evolved.

2022 Toyota Aqua

2022 Toyota Aqua

You are looking at the all-new, second-generation, Toyota Aqua, the evolution of the hybrid compact hatchback for the masses. Starting at 1,980,000 to 2,598,000 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the all-new Aqua retains its value-for-money charm, meaning those who can't afford a Prius can buy this affordable and fuel-efficient hybrid hatchback to live with.

First, let's take a look at the exterior design. On the front, you can think of it as a rehash from the previous model, but when you look at its side and rearview, you'll have a quirky impression that it looks vaguely similar to the Ford Fiesta. Toyota says the new Aqua is targeted at young women in their 20s and 30s because to them, cars are like an accessory, but judging from its design, it feels like it's a general audience vehicle.

2022 Toyota Aqua interior

The new interior looks almost identical to the Yaris from last year. Look closely and you'll notice that the dashboard positioning, the steering wheel, and the speedo look almost identical to the Yaris, the hatchback that took its place. Similarity aside, the new Aqua is slightly roomier than its predecessor and slightly more spacious as well, meaning you can fit tons of shopping bags as well as some groceries. Apart from being used for leisurely city trips, the new Aqua is fit for delivery and TNVS duties if you're into that.

2022 Toyota Aqua

The new Aqua now runs on the similar TNGA compact platform first applied on the Yaris and when compared to the previous model, it is more fun to drive and easier to live within the city center or in the suburbs. Although not as sophisticated and fun to drive as the European hatches, the new Aqua still has checks and balances to give drivers a more relaxing driving feel all the time.

Under the hood, the Aqua runs on the new 1.5L Dynamic Force engine bolted to an electric motor and the world's first bipolar Ni-MH battery, offered on more expensive models. This new kind of battery has twice the output, improved throttle response, and smooth low-speed acceleration compared to a normal nickel-metal battery. You can even drive it on electric power only as well. 

For the first time, the all-new Aqua can be offered with the E-Four hybrid four-wheel-drive system that sure is coming in handy in case of weather change or in need of some extra power as well as a lithium battery-powered entry model.

An entry-level Aqua with a lithium-ion battery has a fuel economy of 35.8km/L based on WLTC standards, which is slightly less than the Yaris, of course, but more importantly, more fuel-efficient than the new Nissan Note e-Power! Now that is a real bargain.

Apart from that, the all-new Aqua marks the debut of Toyota's brand-new Comfort Pedal feature which allows the car to create regenerative braking force when you gently put your foot off the pedal.

In terms of safety, the all-new Aqua features a wide range of safety techs such as the Pre-Crash Safety System, Radar Cruise Control, and the Toyota Teammate, a first for a compact Toyota car, among many others.

Despite having its place taken by the Yaris, the Aqua is back for its second generation and with its new hybrid powertrain, tech, and style, it's proof that this affordable hybrid hatchback is still alive and has become the ideal new car for the new normal. Whatever the reason, the arrival of the second-generation Aqua is a decade in the making.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation