The Smaller Version of the Toyota Prius May Take Its Look in the Upcoming Update | Carscoops

The Smaller Version of the Toyota Prius May Take Its Look in the Upcoming Update | Carscoops

      The successor to the discontinued Prius C is anticipated to undergo a mid-cycle facelift in the upcoming months.

      23 hours ago

      by Thanos Pappas

      The Aqua hatchback may be the next Toyota model to adopt the hammerhead design.

      The JDM hybrid debuted its current generation in 2022, with a facelift anticipated for 2025.

      A rendering by an independent designer illustrates how minor adjustments can lead to significant transformations.

      In recent years, Toyota's distinctive hammerhead front has been introduced across much of the brand's range, with more models awaiting the update. Reports from Japan indicate that the Aqua hatchback will soon follow suit with a mid-cycle refresh.

      If the name sounds unfamiliar, the Aqua is a subcompact hatchback that began its second generation in 2021. Built on the Yaris platform, it operates exclusively on a self-charging hybrid system. Its predecessor was marketed internationally, including in North America, as the Prius C, but the latest generation is available only in Japan.

      Sharper Aesthetics Ahead

      Toyota has not yet made official images or teasers available, but an initial speculative look has come from Tokki Totsu, a former Nissan designer now collaborating with Damd. His digital rendering envisions the Aqua with sleeker LED headlights and sportier bumper intakes, drawing inspiration from the latest Prius.

      The design retains the rest of the bodywork, consistent with Toyota's typical approach for mid-lifecycle updates. Notably, the revised front seamlessly integrates with the Aqua's existing contours, giving the compact hybrid a more aggressive and refined presence compared to the current GR Sport variant.

      The existing Toyota Aqua (above) compared to a rendering of the forthcoming facelift (below).

      Illustration @Tokki_Totsu / X

      In addition to exterior changes, the facelift is expected to bring updates to the interior as well. Speculation suggests enhancements like a more modern digital cockpit and additional safety features. It remains unclear whether Toyota will modify the Aqua’s TNGA-B platform, which it shares with the Yaris and Yaris Cross, or keep it as is.

      The current self-charging hybrid powertrain features a 1.5-liter gasoline engine paired with two electric motors, producing a total of 114 hp (85 kW / 116 PS). Moreover, the Aqua is equipped with a bipolar nickel-metal battery pack, allowing extended EV mode operation compared to its predecessor.

      According to Japanese publication Kuruma News, the refreshed Aqua is set to be unveiled on September 1, although it might also be presented on October 30 at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo. We’ll be keeping an eye on Toyota’s announcements and will provide updates as they come.

The Smaller Version of the Toyota Prius May Take Its Look in the Upcoming Update | Carscoops The Smaller Version of the Toyota Prius May Take Its Look in the Upcoming Update | Carscoops The Smaller Version of the Toyota Prius May Take Its Look in the Upcoming Update | Carscoops

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The Smaller Version of the Toyota Prius May Take Its Look in the Upcoming Update | Carscoops

The replacement for the discontinued Prius C is anticipated to undergo a mid-cycle refresh in the next few months.