Editor's note: This story is part of the WardsAuto digital archive, which may include content that was first published in print, or in different web layouts.
TOKYO – Toyota at the Tokyo Motor Show next week will showcase its new Aqua, the domestic version of the Prius C, and Prius Plug-In Hybrid, the newest additions to the auto maker’s growing hybrid lineup.
The Aqua is designed to compete head-on with the Insight, Honda’s best-selling hybrid.
Because of its smaller size and weight, the model will achieve an industry-best 82 mpg (2.9 L/100 km) under Japan’s JC08 test cycle.
The model is 4.3 ins. (10.9 cm) longer than the Vitz subcompact and 2.2 ins. (5.5 cm) lower. Its interior space is equivalent to that of the Corolla.
The Aqua will go on sale in Japan in late December. The Prius C version is scheduled for a spring launch in the US. Toyota will build the car at its Iwate Kanto Auto Works plant in northeastern Japan.
The plug-in Prius, due in early 2012, will make its Japan premiere at the Tokyo show. The car achieves 134-mpg (1.8 L/100 km) fuel economy.
In EV mode only, its range is 15 miles (23.4 km). Toyota plans yearly sales of 50,000 units but gives no timeframe for reaching that level.
Also on display will be the FT-EV III, an electric version of the tiny iQ scheduled to go on sale next year through Toyota’s Scion channel in the U.S.
