Toyota's efforts to move hybrid cars into the mainstream have shifted up a gear with the introduction on the Japanese domestic market this week of the Aqua, a compact hatch that combines a 54kW, 1,5-litre petrol engine with a 45kW electric motor to deliver a combined 73kW and a claimed 2.8 litres per 100km.
The Aqua will be badged as the Prius C when it is released elsewhere, starting in mid-2012.
With a starting price of ¥1.69 million (R177 000), Toyota is targeting sales of 12 000 a month in Japan.
The 1496cc Atkinson engine uses cooled exhaust-gas recirculation and a battery-powered water pump to reduce friction and belt losses. The electric motor, control unit and transmission form one unit, mounted low down in the engine bay, while the heavy nickel-metal hydride battery is under the rear seat to help keep the centre of gravity as low as possible and still allow for a 305-litre boot.
The Aqua has a selectable battery-only mode but Toyota doesn't quote its range, or the capacity of the battery, so it's unlikely to be more than a couple of kilometres.
Using both power sources, the Aqua will hit 100km/h in 10.7 seconds from standstill and, more importantly in the real world, accelerate from 40-70km/h in 3.6 seconds.
ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, and an electronic stability programme with traction control and hill hold, are standard, as is auto aircon, with an electric compressor, so the system can run even with the car switched off.
The strikingly geometric dashboard layout has colour-coded switchgear with a liquid-crystal display providing a variety of eco-driving information, such as Eco Judge (which ranks your driving on a 100-point scale) and Eco Wallet, which shows money saved as compared with other levels of fuel efficiency.
The Aqua is also available with TRD and Modellista packages; the TRD set-up includes a new front bumper with lower apron and LED running lights, side skirts, new rear bumper with diffuser, special rims, firmer damping and a special stainless-steel exhaust system with dual tailpipes.
The Modellista package is largely cosmetic, comprising a five-piece body kit including front and rear aprons, skirts and roof spoiler.