Toyota Aqua / Prius C Hybrid Targeted at Younger Buyers in Japan

Compact hybrids are the new thing right now and Toyota has just introduced the Prius C hatchback, aimed at a younger audience. Automotive News today reports that the Aqua, as it’s named as a JDM model, will be sold in Japan for JPY1.69 million (equivalent to $21,700).

"The Aqua shows Toyota is increasing efforts to boost sales in the domestic market," said Mamoru Kato, an auto analyst at Tokai Tokyo Research Center in Nagoya, Japan. "Toyota raised the price of the Prius to a more profitable level, so the Aqua serves to meet demand for smaller, cheaper hybrids."

The Aqua is powered by a 1.5-liter VVT gasoline engine mated to an electric motor for a combined output of 100 horsepower. On the Japanese cycle, it’s good for an incredible 35.4 km/liter (83.3 mpg). The Aqua will debut in the US next year as the Prius C, but it’s unclear right now if Toyota will sell it Europe as well.