Toyota Aqua Crossover Debuts in Japan – Could This Play on America’s Prius c?

By Steve & Tamami Laser

If the car looks familiar yet the name doesn’t ring a bell, the Toyota Aqua is sold in the U.S. market as the Prius c. Toyota Motor Corp. has announced a new addition to the Aqua lineup called “Crossover” on sale at Toyopet, Corolla and Netz dealers across Japan.

It basically takes the previous Aqua X-URBAN customizing theme another step further by applying crossover-style cues to the exterior of the small hybrid hatchback. Thus it gets a new grille, fender arch moldings, roof moldings that resemble roof rails and exclusive 16-inch alloy wheels.

The 1.5-liter gas engine and Toyota Hybrid System II continues to drive the front wheels. Regular Aqua models in L, S, G and “soft leather selection” grades also receive a minor refresh with less aggressive styling (see the blue Aqua S below).

All Aqua models gain redesigned headlights, hoods, front fenders and bumpers. New combination lights at the rear have moved their reflectors into the rear bumper. Fourteen color choices are available including purple mica metallic and Crossover exclusive beige.

Toyota says that revised engine and hybrid controls have achieved JC 08 mode fuel efficiency estimates of 38.0 km / L for the Aqua L and 34.4 km / L for other models including the Crossover.

Changes inside the cabin include newly available white and soft leather upholstery. A new TFT multi-information display is now standard in the center meter cluster.

The Aqua remains a strong seller in Japan with a monthly sales target of 10,000 units.

News source and photos courtesy of Toyota Motor Corporation. Features and specifications for Japan market models are subject to change without notice.

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