Toyota Motor Corporation has launched its new Aqua hybrid electric compact car redesigned to realize its mission to ‘introduce sustainable vehicles practically’ and to contribute to carbon neutrality, the company said in a release.
The new Aqua is the first vehicle in the world to use a high-output bipolar nickel-hydrogen battery as an electric drive battery. In addition, the speed range at which the new Aqua can operate on electrical power alone has been expanded, allowing the vehicle to run on electricity alone, without engaging the engine, in a wide variety of urban scenarios.
It is the first Toyota model to feature the ‘Comfort Pedal’ which reduces driver burden by reducing the frequency with which accelerator and brake pedals have to be pressed, the company said.
Aqua has a highly efficient 1.5-liter dynamic force engine and an optimised HEV system which has a fuel economy of 35.8 km/L, approximately 20% more fuel efficient than the previous generation, but combines with the comfortable driving characteristics of an HEV along with an extended wheelbase. It is also available as part of the Welcab series, offered in Wheelchair Storage Device, Front Passenger Turn Tilt, and Friendmatic Seat models, the release added.
The compact car is equipped with Toyota Teammate Advanced Park and Parking Support Brake that provides support for all parking operations, including steering wheel, brake, accelerator, and gear shifting operations and provides alerts and brake control to help avoid collisions.
The vehicle is available in a total of nine colours which includes the newly developed Clear Beige.
The new Aqua also becomes the first Toyota compact car to feature a large, 10.5-inch audio display, delivering outstanding operability and visibility. Customers can sign up either online or at Toyota dealers, the release said.
