The Prius C will join the expanding Prius line-up as the base model of the range, together with the standard Prius, the Prius PHEV plug-in hybrid, and the Prius V MPV. The car will be sold as the Toyota Aqua in its home market of Japan, and badged as the Prius C in other markets.

The Prius C measures 3,995mm long, 1,695mm wide, and 1,445mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,550mm, which makes it marginally bigger than the latest Yaris hatchback. The Prius C features a compact and lightweight hybrid system that combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a high-output electric motor.

Toyota did not released details of the car’s performance figures, but the 1.5-litre petrol engine is said to be able to produce 74bhp and 111Nm of torque, with the electric motor chipping in to add another 61bhp and 169Nm of torque. The two powerplants will combine to produce 100bhp together.

Standard features on the Prius C will include Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, steering-wheel audio controls, and nine airbags while Toyota’s new Entune multimedia system will also be available. The Prius C is expected to be officially launched as the Aqua at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show in November, while the export version will be unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2012.