TOKYO: Toyota Motor Corp. released the fully remodeled Aqua hybrid subcompact vehicle on Monday, giving the first full revamp to the vehicle since its original launch in December 2011.

The fuel efficiency of the new Aqua is some 20 percent higher than the older version, with the output of the new model’s nickel-metal hydride battery about twice that of the older one’s battery, according to the leading Japanese automaker.

Toyota aims to sell 9,800 units a month of the second-generation Aqua, priced between 1,980,000 yen and 2,598,000 yen.

Toyota launched the original Aqua model as part of its support for areas affected by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

Produced at Toyota Motor East Japan Inc.’s Iwate Plant in the town of Kanegasaki in the northeastern prefecture of Iwate, the first-generation Aqua has sold around 1.87 million units around the world.

The new model is also manufactured at the Iwate plant.

JIJI Press