2018 Toyota Aqua Review

The Toyota Aqua has earned a special place in the hearts of many owners in the New Zealand market mostly due to its exceptional fuel efficiency, affordability, advanced safety features, and reliability. The name Aqua which means “water” in Latin is meant to associate the car with an “image of clean transparency” and “something that is universally cherished”. The Toyota Aqua competes with the Nissan Note, Honda Fit, Mazda Demio, and Mitsubishi Mirage.

2018 Toyota Aqua New Zealand front view

Introduction

The Toyota Aqua also known as the Toyota Prius C in some markets is a compact hatchback that has been in production for two generations since 2011. The first generation known as the NHP10 was in production from 2011 to 2020. The second generation known as the XP210 has been in production from 2021 to present.

The Aqua is a member of the Prius family and is built on the Toyota B platform which is also used by popular Toyota brands such as the Axio, Vitz, Belta, Fielder, Ractis, and Porte.

The 2018 Toyota Aqua comes with a single-engine option, the 1.5L 1NZ-FXE engine. It is paired to an electric continuously variable transmission (CVT).

2018 Toyota Aqua Grades

2018 Toyota Aqua L- This is the base grade that comes with 15-inch steel wheels, Power windows, and mirrors, AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary input, Cloth seats, and Rear wiper

2018 Toyota Aqua S- This grade Comes with 15-inch alloy wheels, a Smart key with a push-button start, a Multi-function steering wheel, both front and rear power shutters, Cruise control rear wiper.

2018 Toyota Aqua G- This is Premium grade, that has all the features of S Grade but adds, LED fog lights, Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, Heated front seats, a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, and a rearview camera

Interior

The 2018 Toyota Aqua has adequate space for a car of its size which can accommodate up to five people. In the first row, the seats are comfortable, supportive and offer enough headroom and legroom for most adults. The second-row seats are a bit cramped but are comfortable for two adults or three children.

2018 Toyota Aqua New Zealand Interior.

2018 Toyota Aqua New Zealand first-row seats.

Boot Space

The 2018 Toyota Aqua offers a boot space of 17.8 cubic which is adequate for everyday needs such as a few suitcases or groceries. If extra space is needed the rear seats can be folded down, increasing the space up to  33.4 cubic feet.

2018 Toyota Aqua New Zealand cargo space.

Exterior

The 2018 Toyota Aqua has a simple yet elegant exterior design. The front end features a large trapezoidal grille and has narrow and angular headlights integrated into the grille. The side profile is characterized by smooth and flowing lines, The 2018 Aqua has large windows that allow natural light inside the cabin. The roofline slopes gently towards the rear, enhancing the car’s aerodynamic qualities. At the rear end, the 2018 Aqua typically features a spoiler, vertical taillights, and a prominent rear bumper.

2018 Toyota Aqua New Zealand front and side view.

Safety Features: SRS airbags, Antilock Braking System (ABS), ESC, Traction Control System(TC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Pretensioner seatbelts, Child safety seats, Rearview Camera and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Performance

The 2018 Toyota Aqua offers a comfortable and smooth ride which makes it suitable for everyday commuting. The suspension system is tuned for comfort and may lack the same level of agility and cornering prowess like other cars in its class. The steering wheel is light and responsive making the 2018 Aqua to easily maneuver in tight spaces. However, some owners feel that the steering wheel does not provide much feedback to the driver.

The 2018 Toyota Aqua prioritizes fuel efficiency over performance and may feel slightly underpowered while driving on steep roads.

The Aquas additionally comes with advanced safety features like Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TC), and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). These features help to prevent the Aqua from losing control in slippery conditions.

Reliability

The 2018 Toyota Aqua is regarded as a reliable compact hatchback that can serve you for a long time without experiencing major problems. However just like any car the Toyota Aqua owners can experience issues. Some of the commonly reported problems are Suspension issues, electrical issues, and engine issues. If you are buying the Toyota Aqua don’t worry about these problems. We have done a detailed reliability report on the Toyota Aqua which will help you to mitigate these problems and ensure your Aqua gives you many years of service. We also recommend you follow the guidelines as provided in the Toyota Aqua Owners Manual.

Pros and Cons

     Pros

• Good Fuel economy
• Comfortable ride
• Good reliability

      Cons

• Low ground clearance
• Lacks different engine options.

Conclusion

The 2018 Toyota Aqua is a great option for those who are looking for a fuel-efficient, comfortable, and stylish hatchback in New Zealand. It’s responsive handling and small turning radius make it maneuverable and well-suited for navigating urban areas.

2018 Toyota Aqua New Zealand side and rear view.