Toyota Aqua Hybrid Hatchback Spied Testing In India: We Explain Why
Toyota Kirloskar Motor India and Maruti Suzuki have been betting big on the future of strong and mild hybrid vehicles in India. For this reason, the company has been working on the development and improvement of its hybrid powertrain. Recently, a Toyota Aqua hybrid hatchback, which is a Japan-only car, was spotted testing on the Indian public roads. It is believed that the company is testing the hybrid components which it will be utilising in the new-generation Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and the seven-seater versions of these SUVs.
Toyota Aqua spotted testing
The video showing the test mule of the Toyota Aqua hybrid has been shared on YouTube by 91Wheels on their channel. In this short video, which was shot in Gurgaon, Haryana, we can note that a bright green-colored Toyota Aqua was being driven on the extreme right lane of the highway. We can note that the rear logo of this hatchback was covered by a black strip.
Apart from this, there is also no other badge on the rear of this hatchback. The video then shows the side profile of the vehicle, and we can note that it had no camouflage. In addition to the rear emblem, the front Toyota emblem was also covered with a black wrap to make sure that the people on the road could not note the brand name.
Hybrid components are getting tested
As stated, the Toyota Aqua is a Japan-only model. It was sold in some international markets as the Toyota Prius C; however, due to lackluster sales, it was discontinued. Also, it has to be noted that this particular test mule has been spotted before as well. Most likely, the company is testing the hybrid components for the upcoming new-generation Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Grand Vitara strong hybrids.
The Toyota Aqua, which is sold in Japan, comes powered by a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder Dynamic Force petrol engine. Dubbed as the M15A-FXE (Atkinson cycle), the ICE engine alone makes 90 bhp and a torque of 120 Nm. When combined with the electric motor, this vehicle generates 114 bhp of power and 141 Nm.
What makes the Toyota Aqua unique is that it comes equipped with a bipolar nickel-hydrogen battery, which has a voltage of 177.6V. It is the world’s first high-output application in a production car. This battery is located under the rear seat. As for the transmission, this model gets an e-CVT (Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission).
No plans to launch Aqua in India
As stated above, Toyota Kirloskar Motor India has no plans to launch the Aqua in India. This model has been spotted on other occasions as well. The hybrid powertrain and the new components inside it are being tested for the models that will be launched by Toyota and Maruti Suzuki in India in the coming period.
Currently, the company is working on the development of the seven-seater version of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder. Most likely, it will boast an updated exterior and interior design. This model will be competing with the likes of the new Grand Vitara seven-seater (Y17 codename), Hyundai Alcazar, Mahindra XUV700, and the Tata Safari.