Toyota’s New Hybrid Hatch Needs One Pedal To Brake And Accelerate

Toyota has unveiled the latest hybrid-only Aqua, a hatchback also sold as the ‘Prius C’ in some regions. This time, the carmaker has provided a host of significant tech upgrades and quite a few first-time features. 

The new Aqua is now underpinned by Toyota’s new TNGA-B platform, a change that will increase fuel efficiency by 20% over its predecessor. The top-spec variants will get an optional all-wheel drive using the E-Four system (which offers better traction when needed) and a single-pedal operation that Toyota calls Comfort Pedal. It uses only one pedal for acceleration and braking - relaxing the pressure on the accelerator produces regenerative braking force. The Aqua is also the first Toyota model to offer this function.

Another interesting feature is the bi-directional charging, or as Toyota calls it, the ‘Emergency Power Supply Mode’. This feature allows the Aqua to charge other electrical appliances in case of an emergency using the accessory power outlet (AC 100V/1,500W). It’s surprising to see this feature here, considering it is typically offered in all-electric vehicles only.

The Aqua is powered by a high-output nickel-hydrogen battery, which Toyota claims is a first for the industry. It is also offered in the Camry hybrid, but in a completely different configuration. The combined fuel efficiency with the 1.5-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain is an impressive 35.8kmpl.

The hatch is pretty well-equipped too. It gets a 10.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system (a first for a Toyota compact car), Toyota SafetySense, and semi-autonomous park assist. All these make the Aqua an exciting little hybrid, right? But, unfortunately, while the Aqua/Prius C will be available for purchase in Japan, it is not expected here in India.