News of the hour coming in – the Japan-bound Toyota Aqua hybrid has been spied being tested on Indian roads around Delhi, raising the possibility of an India debut. Spotted well being tested with Black Maky wrap was the compact hybrid hatchback on the bloated lens and it got captured in Gurgaon, Haryana with covered badges and absolutely no camouflage indicating Toyota is taking serious evaluation tests.
Testing Purpose: Next gen Hybrid TECH, No release plans
Industry experts also believe that Toyota is not readying the Aqua for launch in India but is instead testing cutting-edge hybrid components that could eventually find their way into its future Indian models. The spotted vehicle seems to be demoing hybrid tech for which could be used in the next-gen Urban Cruiser Hyryder as well as Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Earlier, Toyota has applied similar test methods on other models such as the RAV4, Yaris and C-HR to assess hybrid systems under conditions found in Indian driving. The firm is believed to be working on seven-seat versions of current SUVs that are likely candidates for testing electric-hybrid power.
Aqua’s Impressive Hybrid Powertrain
The Toyota Aqua sets a new benchmark for hybrids with impressive consumption figures. Based on the TNGA-B platform, it is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that generates 91PS/120Nm alongside an 80PS/141Nm electric motor.
Key Technical Specifications:
- Combined Power Output: 116PS
- Fuel economy: 35.8 kmpl WLTC cycle
- Transmission: Electronic CVT (e-CVT)
- Battery: First in the world bipolar nickel-hydrogen battery pack
- Drivetrain: FWD standard, with E-Four AWD available
World-First Battery Technology
The Aqua sports Toyota’s bipolar nickel-hydrogen battery – the first of its kind in mass produced motors. This high-performance battery is 1.5 times more durable than other systems and has low internal resistance.
The battery pack is located under the rear seats and operated by the vehicle’s charge control hybrid system and idling stop mechanism for maximum efficiency.
Why India Launch Remains Unlikely
A few reasons though, why an Indian based launch is highly unlikely, even with the testing activity:
- Size Limitations: The Aqua will measure around the 4 meter mark in overall length, turning it ineligible for India’s sub-4m tax advantages
- Market Status: Toyota is already selling similar hybrid systems in the Urban Cruiser and Grand Vitara
- Cost Implications: The sophisticated hybrid technology was expected to lead to a price tag on the higher side, which wouldn’t have gone down well with Indian customers
Advanced Features and Safety
The Aqua is fully loaded with 10.5 inch infotainment system, wireless charging, auto-climate control and fabric-synthetic leather upholstery. Safety technologies run the gamut, with 10 airbags, a 360-degree camera, Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 and an extensive suite of ADAS features.
Read Also: 4 Upcoming 7-Seater SUVs Set To Launch In India – Maruti To Mahindra
Industry Context: Hybrid Future
TKM is still investing deeply in hybrid technology and has strong and mild hybrid systems under consideration. This company and its hybrid strategy are in-sync with the direction towards cleaner mobility options India is taking and still wanting to hold onto viable charging infrastructure options.
The results of the Aqua testing indicate Toyota’s interest in tweaking the hybrid recipe for Indian conditions and could have some positively influence on models that are in the pipeline from the Japanese car maker.