- The Aqua hatchback could be the next Toyota to receive hammerhead styling.
- The JDM hybrid entered its current gen in 2022, with a facelift rumored for 2025.
- An independent designer’s render shows how small tweaks create big changes.
In the past few years, Toyota’s signature hammerhead face has made its way across much of the brand’s lineup, yet more models are still in line for the treatment. Rumors out of Japan suggest the next to join the list is the Aqua hatchback, which is getting ready for a mid-cycle refresh.
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If the name doesn’t ring a bell, the Aqua is a subcompact hatchback that entered its second generation in 2021. Built on the Yaris platform, it runs solely on a self-charging hybrid system. Its predecessor was offered overseas, including North America, as the Prius C, but the latest gen remains exclusive to the Japanese market.
Sharper Looks Ahead
Toyota has yet to release official images or teasers, but an early speculative look comes from Tokki Totsu, a former Nissan designer now working with Damd. His digital rendering imagines the Aqua with slimmer LED headlights and sportier bumper intakes inspired by the latest Prius.
The design keeps the rest of the bodywork intact, which aligns with how Toyota typically handles mid-lifecycle updates. What stands out is how seamlessly the revised nose blends with the Aqua’s existing lines, giving the compact hybrid a sharper, more assertive presence even compared to today’s GR Sport trim.
The current Toyota Aqua (above) compared to a rendering of the upcoming facelift (below).
Illustration @Tokki_Totsu / X
Beyond the exterior styling, the facelift is expected to extend to the cabin as well. Rumors point to upgrades such as a modernized digital cockpit and expanded safety features. It remains uncertain whether Toyota will tweak the Aqua’s TNGA-B platform that’s shared with the Yaris and Yaris Cross, or keep things unchanged.
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The current self-charging hybrid powertrain combines a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with two electric motors, generating a combined 114 hp (85 kW / 116 PS). Furthermore, the Aqua is fitted with a bipolar nickel-metal battery pack that allows it to run in EV mode for longer periods compared to its predecessor.
According to Japanese outlet Kuruma News, the facelifted Aqua is expected to debut on September 1, though it could break cover on October 30 at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo. Either way, we’ll be watching for Toyota’s announcement and keep you updated.
Toyota
