We know Gazoo as a Japanese tuner, but they also run a Youtube channel where they review the latest cars in Japan.
One of their latest videos pits two unlikely opponents against each other. The car sold in Japan as the Toyota Aqua is actually the same model as the American Prius C, closely related to the European Yaris Hybrid. Technically, it's a B-segment (subcompact) car, but it's opponent for the day is smaller A-segment, the Volkswagen Up!. Because it's imported, prices are much higher, and so the two are competing for the same customers in Japan.
Even though it's got a bigger engine with more power, the Japanese hybrid is also more efficient than its German rival. We think part of it has to do with the hybrid drivetrain and part with the single-clutch automatic gearbox that the Up! has been fitted with for this test. The 1.5-liter engine and electric motor of the Aqua hybrid produce a combined 100 PS, while the Up! can only offer 75 PS from its 1.0-liter engine.
Given the added legroom, better cargo capacity, better economy and performance, the Toyota Aqua is a clear winner.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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