My GT7 Log: The first hunt

If you're playing Gran Turismo 7 for the first time, congratulations. You have just begun your journey to become the best car collector and racer known the world over. As your GT7 adventure kicked off, you've been given 20,000 Credits to spend for your first car from the used car dealership, which is open from the start. Here are the cars available for you at the start with that kind of budget;

These are the under 20K starters in question; a Toyota Aqua, a third-generation Honda Fit Hybrid, and the fourth-generation Mazda Demio. Before buying one of the three, let's get to know about the three Japanese compacts.

Launched in December 2011, the Toyota Aqua is the most fuel-efficient hybrid sold in the market and it's one of Japan's bestsellers by a huge margin. Using the updated version of the old powerplant from the first-generation Prius, the Aqua has a fuel economy of 35kmpl back when it was launched. Two years later, they've bumped the fuel economy to 37kmpl.

The third-generation Honda Fit, launched in September 2013, was meant to be Honda's response to the Toyota Aqua. With the 1.5L hybrid powertrain mated to a 7-speed double-clutch gearbox containing an integrated, high-output electric motor powered by the car’s lithium-ion batteries, the third-generation Fit Hybrid has a 36.4km/L fuel economy based on JC08 Mode standards.

The fourth-generation Mazda Demio, launched in 2014, takes full advantage of Mazda's SKYACTIV Technology first introduced by its predecessor. It has a choice of a P3-VPS 1.3L SKYACTIV-G 4-cylinder DOHC Miller Cycle engine and the newly-developed S5-DPTS 1.5L SKYACTIV-D 4-cylinder diesel turbo engine. The 1.3L petrol model with be mated with a 6-speed auto and a 5-speed manual while the top-of-the-line 1.5L diesel model can be fitted with a 6-speed auto or 6-speed manual. The diesel variant, seen here, has a 30kmpl fuel economy based on JC08 mode standards.

These three Japanese hatchbacks not only are economical but they're also fun to drive for first-timers, making them the starting point for those who began their GT7 journey. No wonder these three are part of your first challenge in the game which involves collecting all three Japanese Compact Cars. Anyway, long story short, and having completed the first page of your GT7 adventure, it's time to find out which of these three Japanese Compact Cars is the best and with that, it's time to return to Tsukuba for a little experiment.

So nice to be back doing things in the world of Gran Turismo. Going around the world, driving the best cars, racing against the world, this is what Gran Turismo is all about. Anyway, the experiment. Let's roll the tape to find out which of these three Japanese compact cars is the best.

After a lap around Tsukuba, here are the results;

Aqua - 1:17.774

Fit - 1:18.964

Demio - 1:18.522

What a shocking result! The Aqua, despite its ancient hybrid setup and CVT gearbox, managed to defeat the double-clutch-geared Fit Hybrid and the diesel-powered Mazda Demio by a narrow margin!

These three Japanese compact hatchbacks signaled the start of your long journey in Gran Turismo 7. As you progress through the journey, you will be able to compete through new tracks, get new cars, tackle new challenges, and fight your way to become the world champion. The journey isn't easy but you got this. After all, it's the love for cars that brought you here, right?

Welcome to the world of Gran Turismo. Enjoy your stay and good luck!

Toyota Aqua - Second Generation

In late 2011, Toyota unveiled the Aqua, a hybrid hatchback that not only it's cheaper than the Prius but more economical as well. With the advent of the more economical Yaris Hybrid, we all thought that the Aqua would meet its demise because of the Yaris's success but Toyota wouldn't let go of the Aqua because, in honor of the car's 10th anniversary this year, the Japanese motoring behemoth decided to give a brand new life for the compact hybrid hatchback for the masses. That's right, the Aqua's evolved.

2022 Toyota Aqua

2022 Toyota Aqua

You are looking at the all-new, second-generation, Toyota Aqua, the evolution of the hybrid compact hatchback for the masses. Starting at 1,980,000 to 2,598,000 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the all-new Aqua retains its value-for-money charm, meaning those who can't afford a Prius can buy this affordable and fuel-efficient hybrid hatchback to live with.

First, let's take a look at the exterior design. On the front, you can think of it as a rehash from the previous model, but when you look at its side and rearview, you'll have a quirky impression that it looks vaguely similar to the Ford Fiesta. Toyota says the new Aqua is targeted at young women in their 20s and 30s because to them, cars are like an accessory, but judging from its design, it feels like it's a general audience vehicle.

2022 Toyota Aqua interior

The new interior looks almost identical to the Yaris from last year. Look closely and you'll notice that the dashboard positioning, the steering wheel, and the speedo look almost identical to the Yaris, the hatchback that took its place. Similarity aside, the new Aqua is slightly roomier than its predecessor and slightly more spacious as well, meaning you can fit tons of shopping bags as well as some groceries. Apart from being used for leisurely city trips, the new Aqua is fit for delivery and TNVS duties if you're into that.

2022 Toyota Aqua

The new Aqua now runs on the similar TNGA compact platform first applied on the Yaris and when compared to the previous model, it is more fun to drive and easier to live within the city center or in the suburbs. Although not as sophisticated and fun to drive as the European hatches, the new Aqua still has checks and balances to give drivers a more relaxing driving feel all the time.

Under the hood, the Aqua runs on the new 1.5L Dynamic Force engine bolted to an electric motor and the world's first bipolar Ni-MH battery, offered on more expensive models. This new kind of battery has twice the output, improved throttle response, and smooth low-speed acceleration compared to a normal nickel-metal battery. You can even drive it on electric power only as well. 

For the first time, the all-new Aqua can be offered with the E-Four hybrid four-wheel-drive system that sure is coming in handy in case of weather change or in need of some extra power as well as a lithium battery-powered entry model.

An entry-level Aqua with a lithium-ion battery has a fuel economy of 35.8km/L based on WLTC standards, which is slightly less than the Yaris, of course, but more importantly, more fuel-efficient than the new Nissan Note e-Power! Now that is a real bargain.

Apart from that, the all-new Aqua marks the debut of Toyota's brand-new Comfort Pedal feature which allows the car to create regenerative braking force when you gently put your foot off the pedal.

In terms of safety, the all-new Aqua features a wide range of safety techs such as the Pre-Crash Safety System, Radar Cruise Control, and the Toyota Teammate, a first for a compact Toyota car, among many others.

Despite having its place taken by the Yaris, the Aqua is back for its second generation and with its new hybrid powertrain, tech, and style, it's proof that this affordable hybrid hatchback is still alive and has become the ideal new car for the new normal. Whatever the reason, the arrival of the second-generation Aqua is a decade in the making.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyota Aqua/Prius C - 2018 minor change

The Toyota Aqua (known in the world market as the Prius C) has been on the market for six years now and for its second minor change, it's now even more stylish and even more economical than ever just in the hopes to give everyone a chance to notice it for just a little while.

2018 Toyota Aqua

2018 Toyota Aqua

Here is your 2018 Toyota Aqua. Now, pay attention, for its second minor change, the Aqua received a brand new front face, redesigned rear lamps, and reshaped wheel arches. That's it. The one that used to be called the "X-URBAN", meanwhile, has been renamed into Crossover. Yep. Aqua Crossover. To differentiate the Aqua Crossover to the normal Aqua, it has been given a unique front face as well as some added ruggedness on the exterior design and exclusive Beige paint but even with the rugged look, it still behaves like the usual Aqua.

2018 Toyota Aqua interior

2018 Toyota Aqua interior

The interior has been slightly revised with new upholstery and new dashboard as hinted by the hazard light button that used to be square-shaped but now it's round, as well as the new instrumental panel that packs some vivid display for the drivers monitoring their driving progress. Even though the interior is new to us, it still packs the same generous boot space and the same five-seater capacity you would hope for the most fuel-efficient hybrid compact hatchback in its class.

In the previous minor change three years ago, the Aqua had a fuel efficiency of 37.0km/L by JC08 Mode standards. For this latest minor change though, the fuel efficiency has gone up by one, meaning it's now 38km/L based on JC08 Mode standards, that's about 0.8km/L more than last year's Nissan Note e-Power, however, that's only when it doesn't had some concessions of comfort such as rear seat power window and sound insulation materials. One word of warning, however, in some models, they can only go up to 34.4km/L, due to the added weight that makes up to health and safety regulations. That sounds awkward why the latest minor change had some slight weight gain but despite that, Toyota managed to upgrade the ride quality and stability, which makes it perfect to take it on city centers with ease and while this is not essentially a fun car full-stop, its city car charm would not go unnoticed.

The 2018 Aqua now comes with Toyota Safety Sense C, comprising of Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, and the Automatic High Beam function. Judging by the results, perhaps this tech is what sums the Aqua up while figuring out how this latest model gained weight slightly...as a theory.

Prices start from 1,785,240 to 2,089,800 Yen (around $18,000 to $21,000) and while this is slightly expensive than the previous minor change, it's still the most affordable hybrid car Toyota offered on the market so even though with all that went happened with this latest minor change, let's hope that all eyes are on to this Aqua because it's time to ditch the chitter-chatter and turn your attention with this Aqua, just for once.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyota Aqua/Prius C Minor Change and Aqua X-URBAN

2015 Toyota Aqua

Having been there for three years since its debut in late 2011, the Toyota Aqua hybrid compact is served as the most fuel-efficient and cost-effective Toyota that money can buy if a normal Prius is so expensive for them. Even if its facing stiff competition from its chief rival, the latest version of the Honda Fit Hybrid with its double-clutch gearbox, looks like this compact car's fighting back with its fuel economy that shows that the Aqua is by no means the most fuel-efficient compact hybrid car everyone will buy. With this latest version, the newly facelifted Toyota Aqua features a mildly refreshed look that will keep this best-selling model updated for what lies ahead in the modern world.

For this minor change, the Aqua features the world's first switchable Bi-Beam LED headlamp first applied on the recently facelifted Prius Alpha MPV as well as a new front face that looks like it was similar to the 86 sportscar. Not only that, the rear view's been changed thanks to the new rear lamp design that kinda reminiscent of the Toyota 86 sportscar as well but don't be fooled though, this compact car is still a reasonably-priced baby Prius for the masses.

2015 Toyota Aqua interior

The Aqua's interior has been slightly refreshed for this minor change and when you see the difference between this and the pre-facelifted interior, you can't really tell but a spot at the climate control and some added materials should do the trick. Apart from the refreshed interior that seats up to five people, the software's been changed to accommodate Toyota's T-Connect telematics system. If you're new here, T-Connect is basically a smartphone-based navigation app that allows its customers access useful information as well as services and can also be access via an interactive touchscreen. The Toyota Aqua has this one via optional extra so if you're looking for some sights and sounds around downtown Tokyo as well as other Japanese locales, be sure to have one for a change.

2015 Toyota Aqua X-URBAN

Apart from the minor change, the Aqua added a nippy crossover variant called the X-URBAN and although it looks more like a rugged compact, the X-URBAN still feels like a normal Aqua so who cares? On the X-URBAN variant, it comes with three different accents such as BRONZE BASIC, SPICY COLOR, and COOL BLUE. It's all in the name of personalization of course but on the wrong hands, this X-URBAN may end up looking like a hideous-looking rubber shoes that your mom wore for jogging in the morning sun. For the fun of it, try the one with the SPICY COLOR accent and the Cool Soda Metallic exterior color. That will give you the look of the Gulf Oil team livery except this isn't going to race at your local track because it's a city car. A boring city car that's about as nerdy as your classmate seating next to you.

2015 Toyota Aqua

It still features the same 1.5L petrol engine bolted to an electric motor and nickel metal battery as with the previous model while mated with the same old CVT gearbox. As told from the previous update that combat against the Honda Fit Hybrid, the Aqua features reduced engine friction, an inverter, and an updated motor so fuel economy is a record-breaking 37.0kmpl by JC08 standard, depending on the model and your actual driving mileage. Yes. That's .6kmpl more than the latest Fit Hybrid but still it's worth dull because let's not forget, the Fit Hybrid's got double clutch rather than CVT that the Aqua had but with so many recalls about their faulty double clutch gearboxes that Honda faced since last year, the Aqua could be your safe but boring bet.

Although boring, it's still more enjoyable than the normal Prius and with seating up to five people, going out with your friends on a trip to the mall isn't half bad for a barkada car for a stop. It may be sluggish to accelerate but its handling wasn't half bad although some understeering is a high possibility just like any other subcompacts when going in too fast.

How much was it? The new Aqua starts at 1,761,382 Yen for the base model (around $18,000) while the heavier X-URBAN model is priced at 2,046,000 Yen (around $21,000). Although more costly than the previous Aqua, it's still a bargain to own although you might need to spend more on the optional extras as well as the T-Connect telematics essential on your Japanese holidays.

Available colors (Aqua): Super White II, Lime White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Grey Metallic, Black Mica, Super Red V, Cherry Pearl Crystal Shine, Orange Pearl Crystal Shine, Yellow, Fresh Green Mica Metallic, Blue Metallic, Cool Soda Metallic, Dark Violet Mica Metallic.

Available colors (Aqua X-URBAN): Super White II/Bronze Basic, Lime White Pearl Crystal Shine/Bronze Basic, Silver Metallic/Bronze Basic, Grey Metallic/Bronze Basic, Black Mica/Bronze Basic, Super Red V/Bronze Basic, Orange Pearl Crystal Shine/Bronze Basic, Yellow/Bronze Basic, Fresh Green Mica Metallic/Bronze Basic, Blue Metallic/Bronze Basic, Cool Soda Metallic/Bronze Basic, Super White II/Spicy Color, Lime White Pearl Crystal Shine/Spicy Color, Silver Metallic/Spicy Color, Grey Metallic/Spicy Color, Black Mica/Spicy Color, Super Red V/Spicy Color, Orange Pearl Crystal Shine/Spicy Color, Yellow/Spicy Color, Fresh Green Mica Metallic/Spicy Color, Blue Metallic/Spicy Color, Cool Soda Metallic/Spicy Color, Super White II/Cool Blue, Lime White Pearl Crystal Shine/Cool Blue, Silver Metallic/Cool Blue, Grey Metallic/Cool Blue, Black Mica/Cool Blue, Super Red V/Cool Blue, Orange Pearl Crystal Shine/Cool Blue, Yellow/Cool Blue, Fresh Green Mica Metallic/Cool Blue, Blue Metallic/Cool Blue, Cool Soda Metallic/Cool Blue.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Gran Turismo 6: Let's compare new JDM hatches!

At Gran Turismo, we're always in the forefront of all things JDM but for Gran Turismo 6, I'll be personally testing not one, not three, but four brand new JDM compacts on sale on the market and compare which one is the best. Am I worried? Am I?



First of all, I need some decent racing gear...hmmm...maybe some Simpson Diamondback helmet and some white Alpinestars suit should do but I'm starting to think I remind myself of a certain racing driver. Some say he poops like a dog and he will vomit three times. All we know is...well, you know that guy.

Anyway, here are GT6's newest compacts offered for low prices but only if you're just a casual player like me because hardcore racers go for something more powerful than those eco-boxes...





These are the eco-boxes in question. Four brand new JDM casual hatchbacks for the masses. There's the third-generation Mazda Demio, the pre-facelifted model. Then, there's the Honda Fit RS, the second-generation model. Next, the Toyota Vitz, the third-generation of Toyota's compact hatchback for the global public. And last, the Toyota Aqua, cheaper and more economical than the Prius and the undisputed leader of hybrids' fuel economies.

To find out which of these four new JDM hatches on GT6 is the better, I need to find a track. I might be go for Goodwood but since Toyota Aqua don't sold in Europe as of now, I need something else...



Yes, it's Tsukuba Circuit. Since the days of Best Motoring, it has been the proving ground for cars, domestic or import, sold in Japan and they sent Japan's professional drivers to do the comparison. Ah yes, I do miss Best Motoring and this place holds some memories. Anyway, enough history lesson, onto the comparo test.

The tires will be using for each cars will be default. It's a similar to the one the first time I bought. Then, I turned off their traction control just to let it loose in the track. And finally, I had to inspect that their specs are the same as the day it was bought. Now, time for the comparo!



First up, the third-generation Demio, the one with the tagline "NEW TARGET, NEW DEMIO" but can it set a good target here? This Demio I drove is the Sport model, it comes with a 1.5L engine developing 111HP of power and it's mated with a CVT gearbox, which theoretically, is the compact you may not want to have fun because of its annoying belt-and-pulley nonsense in this car.

The CVT gearbox isn't the least of the problem for the new Demio but understeer it is. You can try fight against its catastrophic understeer but arguably, it tries to hold you back. It maybe more of a sportier drive but it's not as sportier as its European rivals. Still, it manages to set a kickstarting lap time of 1:15.151 round Tsukuba.



Now it's time for the second-generation Honda Fit RS, the only beginner car in GT6 you're only allowed to start your GT6 legacy anew. In my past topic, I said that it's not half-bad but not half-good when you take a spin on it but can the second-generation Fit redeem itself?

This JDM compact is promising because despite it's 30kg more than the Demio, this comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, making my life a little more joyful when I drove it round Tsukuba. I told that this car tend to understeer but turns out, you can fight it. You can fight the understeer of a FWD compact if you have the right footwork (if you're playing on steering wheels) and the right technique to handle with precision.

Having manage to counter-steer through the corners of Tsukuba, the second-generation Honda Fit RS impressed me with a lap time of 1:14.890. Almost a second quicker than the Demio!



Now, how about this? The latest Toyota Vitz? Finally, I got my hands on the only Vitz to admit the Thais that they've picked the wrong Yaris. Why? Short story. Toyota launched third-generation model of Vitz in December 2010, Toyota Thailand forgot the memo, stuck on second-generation model until now, and here we are, on a fateful day, me driving the third-generation Vitz or Yaris. That made me happy to drive the latest version of the Vitz. Toyota Thailand, if you're reading this, you picked up the wrong Yaris because this is the Yaris it supposed to be! Handsome and well known globally.

Anyway, how does the new Vitz stack up? First of all, this Vitz comes with the 1.3L engine generating 93HP of power and it's connected to a CVT gearbox. It maybe sluggish in the acceleration stakes but the thing is, the new Vitz weighs around 990kg, lighter than the Demio and the Fit.

However, despite being lighter than the competition, the new Vitz, in its entry-level F form, tends to understeer and trying to fight it feels like I'm in a Robot Rodeo until my hair gets a bit frizzy because of the humidity. Where did I get that line?

After one lap, the Vitz scored a lap time of 1:16.062 round Tsukuba, which is pathetically slower than the Demio despite its light packaging.



Lastly, the baby Prius in the Toyota hybrid lineup, the Aqua. This hybrid is the most fuel efficient hybrid sold in the market and it's one of Japan's bestsellers by a huge margin. You might be expecting seeing most of these while you're on a walk in downtown Tokyo. Using the updated version of the old powerplant from the first-generation Prius, the Aqua has a fuel economy of 35kmpl back when it was launched. This year, it's now up to 37kmpl. No wonder Toyota wanted to update the Aqua in the name of fuel economy against the competitors vying to snag its fuel economy crown but anyway, enough of the blah blah blah, onto the Tsukuba lap with the Aqua.

The 1.5L engine is connected to an electric motor and a nickel-metal battery. Combined power output is below 100PS and it's mated with the CVT gearbox like most hybrids had. Even though acceleration is sluggish, just like any other hybrids, it's handling is a so-so. I may get some understeer on it like the other compacts I'm comparing but still, not as dull as the Prius.

As for the laptime, even though the combined power is more than the Vitz I used in this comparo, its lap time is a sluggish 1:17.127.

Let's check the results again...

Mazda Demio Sport '10 - 1:15.151
Honda Fit RS '10 - 1:14.890
Toyota Vitz F '12 - 1:16.062
Toyota Aqua S '11 - 1:17.127

So, there you have it. In my GT6 comparo round Tsukuba, the Aqua came dead last, the Vitz came 3rd, Demio come 2nd and the winner, amazingly, is the Honda Fit RS.



For now, time for the Fit RS to enjoy its Goodwood break.

Toyota Aqua G's

The Aqua served as the smaller, even more economical car that follows the success of the Prius and even though it's just a Toyota Vitz (Yaris) underneath it, it's narrower than the Prius.

Sure, the Toyota Aqua is going to be a playable car in the PS3 game, Gran Turismo 6, but recently, there's an updated version of the Aqua and for the 2014 model year, the Aqua recaptured the "most fuel efficient hybrid" taken by the new 2014 Honda Fit Hybrid. How did that happened? When the new Fit was launched since September 2013, the hybrid's fuel economy is now 36.4km/L in the JC08 mode so Toyota addressed the concern and upgrade the Aqua by any means of reducing the engine friction, increasing the efficiency of the hybrid system, and the inverter and motor's slightly upgraded so therefore the fuel economy of the 2014MY Aqua is now 37.0km/L. 37kmpl! That's .6kmpl more than the new Fit Hybrid but still it's worth dull because let's not forget, the Fit Hybrid's got double clutch rather than CVT that the Aqua had.

2014 Toyota Aqua G's

Now though, Toyota launched the latest addition of the Toyota G's (G SPORTS) sports conversion series, the sixth since the Noah and Voxy, Alphard and Vellfire, Prius, Vitz, and the Mark X. No wait, that's not right. There is now eight G's models in the Toyota lineup. Anyway, how do I think about the Aqua G's?

2014 Toyota Aqua G's

It still behaves the same as the normal model. You can still expect the same THS2 with a reduction mechanism, the same Atkinson Cycle 1.5 L combined with a 1LM motor and a nickel-hydrogen battery. And it even has the same CVT gearbox as the normal Aqua. What you will notice now is that the new Aqua G's now comes with the specially-tuned suspension which drops the height to just 25mm, making this compact truly nearer to the ground and overall, it gives the handling character a little more sporty on it.

Aside from its lowered height, the G's model also comes with numerous upgrades including enhanced rigidity, front suspension member rear end brace, floor center brace, rocker flange, and the rear bumper reinforcement hose.

In terms of design, the Aqua G's gets spoiled with numerous lust-worthy G's peripherals such as the special body kit, LED illumination beam, halogen head lamps with black extensions, fender garnish, and 17-inch aluminum wheels wrapped with some Bridgestone Potenza RE050A. The RE050A was specially design to complement the performance of sports cars, sports coupes, and sports sedans but having this on the Aqua, that's like a schoolgirl in a school uniform and a roller skates. Kinda cool, though.

Combine these performance enhancements such as the tuned suspension and the sports tires courtesy of Bridgestone and you got yourself a hybrid compact that shows some more character than the normal Aqua. Imagine if you drove one for your driver's ed...

2014 Toyota Aqua G's

2014 Toyota Aqua G's

On the inside, the Aqua G's always stay true to its sporty image and by giving a dark interior on the Aqua G's, that just complete the look three-fold. You can expect some front sporty seats wrapped in Alcantara, some silver stitching on the armrest center console box and the steering wheel,  a shift knob with a crystal red top to make it as flashy as a brothel, piano black dashboard, plated speaker ring, sporty aluminum pedal, and the power switch colored in red. I know these interior goodies may look flashy but if this is my car, it does suit the color of my leather jacket.

The Aqua G's is set to be on sale in Japan next month at the starting price of just 2,220,000 Yen and it's available in seven exterior colors such as Lime White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Grey Metallic, Black Mica, Super Red V, Yellow, and Blue Metallic.

So there you go, folks. Even the Aqua G's may not be the hybrid you really want one to your garage, its handling capabilities stays true to the current "FUN TO DRIVE, AGAIN" slogan of Toyota. That is if you're Japanese or if you're living in Japan but even with the lowered height, sports suspension, and some sports tires that you get from most sportscars, it's nowhere near as good as it gets but if I'm planning to put this car in my very own "CARS GT6 SHOULD PUT" list, it's worth the try than the normal Aqua.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Consumer Reports reviewed the Toyota Aqua...and they didn't like it

Once again, Consumer Reports took a beating against Toyota and this time Consumer Reports didn't like how the Toyota Aqua (Prius C in international markets) performs because of descriptions like "lackluster," "hard plastic," "cheap materials," "dead steering" and "slow."

Toyota's Aqua compact hybrid was launched in Japan since December 2011 and with the fuel economy of 35km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode test cycle, it was heralded as the most fuel efficient hybrid car ever made, eclipsing the Prius hybrid. It costs 1,690,000 Japanese Yen for the base model and it was covered onto Japan's Eco-Car Genzei system for incentives.

Scoop: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/2013-toyota-prius-c-doesnt-get-much-love-from-consumer-repor/

AKB48's Atsuko Maeda in latest Toyota Doraemon ReBORN Advert

AKB48's Atsuko Maeda
in latest Toyota Doraemon ReBORN Advert

In the 4th installment of the Toyota Doraemon ReBORN advert, we saw AKB48's Atsuko Maeda as the 28-year-old Jaiko, Nobita's former childhood friend who might have been his wife. Wow, now there's a twist going on this ad. This ad also featured Toyota's most fuel efficient hybrid compact, the Aqua (known worldwide as the Prius C), which is proven to be more fuel efficient than the normal Prius because of 35.4km/L fuel economy based on Japan's JC08 test cycle. I have no idea about this Jaiko character but I'm sorry. That could have been a trending topic in the mouths of Japanese car enthusiasts...

世界ー、低燃費

2012 Toyota Aqua

Last year, Toyota launched the much affordable alternative to the Prius known as the Aqua. It was heralded as the world's most fuel efficient hybrid car on the market, providing 35.4km/L of fuel economy based on Japan's JC08 Mode Test Cycle. The Aqua was made in the Tohoku region of Japan and this is the sign that people from Tohoku stood up again after the March 11 disaster. This model is Japan's effort to rebuild and recover.

This model will be exported worldwide as the "Prius C" and now, the Philippines was the first Asian country to get the Prius C! No wait, make that the first ASEAN country to get it!

Well, prices start for about 1,475,000 Philippine Pesos for an Aqua with standard features but you'll need about 1,525,000 Philippine Pesos to get an Aqua with full options, So if you have that cash, yes you can but if not enough then, no you can't...

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/toyota-philippines-launches-all-new-prius-c

FACT: The Aqua is MADE IN TOHOKU

2012 Toyota Aqua

Yesterday, the Toyota Aqua (known as the Prius C) was launched and this has the price tag that is cheaper than the Prius and more efficient than the Prius because the Aqua's fuel economy is 35.4km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode test cycle.

The shocking truth, however, is that the Toyota Aqua is built from the Iwate prefecture. Of course, Iwate prefecture is part of the Tohoku region, which was heavily destroyed by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. Why the Aqua is MADE IN TOHOKU? Of course, this new Toyota Aqua is the PRIDE OF TOHOKU REGION and this will prove that (I'm making a new word) what Tohoku-nians are made of and their "road to recovery" is their top priority.

Pretty soon, this Tohoku-made Aqua (known worldwide as the Prius C) will dominate most parts of the world and this discovery I found could be the biggest thriller since Michael Jackson went white.

Toyota Aqua/Prius C (NHP10)

Happily however, there is another ending for the year 2011. Welcome everyone, to the automotive climax of 2011 that is much more fuel efficient than the Prius. If whoever Google searched "Four types of Prius", well sorry, that's not what you've expected because in reality, there are three different types of Prius such as the regular one, the Prius Alpha MPV, and the Prius PHV (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle) available at the end of January 2012. This compact hybrid car is not a Prius, well despite it will be exported to the rest of the world soon as the Prius C. This is Toyota's compact hybrid that takes on the Honda Fit Hybrid and promises to deliver the best fuel efficiency a hybrid car can give. But I don't care, this is the Toyota Aqua, the newest hybrid hatchback that is cheaper than the Prius.

2012 Toyota Aqua

It's not just me who likes the Aqua either, everyone does. Some say the only thing she enjoys more than cosplaying Haqua is the Aqua. (Cure Aqua?) I praise to someone who doesn't like the Prius but girls are going to get thrilled. Well, it doesn't have powers like what Cure Aqua have from the Precure5 GoGo. It wasn't built to purify murky waters. It wasn't made to be more friendly to the animals...

2012 Toyota Aqua interior

It wasn't made to be more classy because the interior is somewhat a mash-up between the Prius and the third-generation Vitz/Yaris. It wasn't made for performance because it uses the upgraded 1NZ-FXE engine with Toyota Hybrid System II that produces 74PS of power and 111Nm of torque. In fact, it was made to satisfy you with its world-leading fuel economy of 40.0km/L of fuel economy based on Japan's 10-15 Mode Cycle, bridging the 2km/L gap ahead from the Prius. It is a good value for money because the Aqua has the starting price of 1,690,000 Japanese Yen (about 1,042,000 Philippine Pesos), affordable than the Prius' starting price of 2,170,000 Japanese Yen.

There are three grades for the Aqua; the Aqua 1.5 L (the entry-level variant), the Aqua 1.5 S, and the Aqua 1.5 G (the flagship variant). Depending on the variant, there are seven packages available to suit the Aqua's individuality for owners such as Smart Entry, Beauty, Audio, LED Headlamp, Navi Ready, Touring, and Advanced Display. After all, it is available in 10 exterior colors such as Super White II, Lime White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic, Black Mica, Super Red V, Citrus Orange Mica Metallic, Yellow, Blue Metallic, and Cool Soda Metallic.

My Comment:
It won't get you into trouble, it will often leave a female driver a smile on her face, and yes, the ride's slightly smooth enough to lead you back home. Of course, this is more efficient than the Honda Fit Hybrid as expected. There are many tuning and customization parts available for the Aqua courtesy of Modellista and there are Toyota Genuine Accessories available for the Aqua to stand out the rest.

See you next year. And now if I don't mind, I want to be alone with Haqua, I mean, Cure Aqua, I mean, Aqua...


Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation