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BY JOHN SOLTES
NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
Toyota launched its brand-new gasoline-electric compact hybrid car, dubbed the "Aqua," on Monday, Dec. 26 in Japan. The global car manufacturer expects to sell 12,000 models every month in Japan.
The vehicle is billed as achieving a “world-leading fuel efficiency of 35.4 km/L” under a new test cycle administered by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, according to an official press announcement. That number equates to roughly 83 miles per gallon.
In Japan, the Aqua will sell for approximately 1.69 million yen, or approximately $21,000 USD.
The car features a 1.5-liter hybrid system, battery-powered water pump, friction-reducing beltless design and coolant-water-flow volume control. All of this, plus a cooled exhaust-gas recirculation system, promises to improve efficiency.
10 exterior colors are available for the Aqua, including the new Citrus Orange Mica Metallic and Lime White Pearl Crystal Shine. Interior color options include Earth Brown, Fresh Green, Cool Blue and Natural Gray.
Plans are underway to introduce the Aqua – possibly under a different name – into the American marketplace in the coming years, according to news reports.
John Soltes is an award-winning freelance journalist based in New Jersey. He currently serves as publisher of Hollywood Soapbox (www.HollywoodSoapbox.com). E-mail him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
