What is the Toyota Aqua?
A 1.5 L petrol-hybrid hatchback produced by Toyota since 2011. Sold globally as the "Prius C", the Aqua is one of the most popular first cars in Sri Lanka — landed prices typically run LKR 11–14M, and real-world fuel economy reaches 25–35 km/L.
Also known as: Toyota Prius C, Aqua hybrid, Aqua Prius C
What is the Toyota Aqua?
The Toyota Aqua (sold as the Toyota Prius C in some markets) is a compact petrol-hybrid hatchback that Toyota has produced since 2011. It uses Toyota’s hybrid synergy drive — the same architecture as the Prius — packaged into a smaller, lighter body.
Why the Aqua dominates Sri Lankan imports
Three reasons:
- Tax efficiency — 1,500 cc petrol-hybrid puts it in Sri Lanka’s lowest excise band (LKR 1,500/cc) and below the LKR 5.5M luxury threshold for typical CIF values
- Real fuel economy — 25–35 km/L is genuinely achievable in mixed driving
- Reliability — Toyota hybrid drivetrains routinely cover 300,000+ km without major work
Generations
- First generation (NHP10, 2011–2021) — the long-running original; well-supported parts ecosystem in Sri Lanka
- Second generation (MXPK10, 2021–present) — TNGA-platform redesign; sharper styling, more equipment, slightly improved economy
Typical landed prices in Sri Lanka
| Year | CIF range (JPY) | Landed (LKR) |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | ¥600,000–800,000 | 8.5–10.5M |
| 2020 | ¥900,000–1,200,000 | 10.5–13M |
| 2022 | ¥1,400,000–1,700,000 | 12.5–15M |
| 2024 | ¥1,800,000–2,200,000 | 14–16M |
See live Aqua listings for current prices.
Trim grades to know
- L — base trim
- S — mid-range, most common in SL imports
- G / G “Soft Leather Selection” — upper trim
- Z — top trim, post-2021
- Cross-over — taller, mock-rugged trim available second-gen
Read more
Related terms
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Hybrid (petrol hybrid)
A vehicle with both a petrol engine and an electric motor, where the battery is charged by regenerative braking and engine load — not by plugging in. The dominant Japanese powertrain since the original Toyota Prius (1997). Hybrids attract significantly lower Sri Lankan import excise than equivalent petrol vehicles.
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CVT
A type of automatic transmission that uses a belt-and-pulley system to provide a continuous range of effective gear ratios, instead of the fixed gears in a traditional automatic. CVT is the dominant transmission type in modern Japanese hybrids and small-engine vehicles.
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Honda Vezel
A compact SUV produced by Honda since 2013, sold globally as the Honda HR-V (or as the Honda HR-V outside Japan). The Vezel is the most-imported step-up SUV in Sri Lanka — typical landed price LKR 13–22M depending on year and grade. Hybrid and petrol variants are both common.
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