Toyota Aqua Hybrid vs Nissan Note e-POWER

A supermini is arguably the most ideal car to have if you only plan to drive in Singapore. These handy hatchbacks are just the right size for our concrete environment and are easier to manoeuvre compared to large SUVs that continue to enamour consumers.

Superminis are efficient, too, since they typically have small engines that don't produce big horsepower figures. And when you place a hybrid powertrain into a supermini, it really becomes a fuel-sipper.

Not all hybrids are the same, though. Case in point: The Aqua Hybrid and Note e-POWER both have petrol-electric powertrains, but each one is fundamentally different. Which one offers the ideal blend of economy, practicality and drivability?

The Aqua Hybrid boasts 'rounder' styling, while the Note e-POWER Premium Adventure Series looks even sharper with the bodykit

Opposing philosophies

In terms of design, the Aqua and Note are polar opposites. The Aqua looks cuddlier because it has rounder and softer lines, while the Note's angular lines give it a sleeker style.

I prefer the Note's neater design, though I concede that the Aqua's bulbous rear profile and vertical taillights give it a more interesting character. Buyers who prefer cute-looking superminis will be more drawn to the Toyota.
 
Interestingly, however, the Aqua and Note have similar cockpit layouts, featuring digital instrument clusters and space-saving electronic gearshift tabs.

The Aqua Hybrid's cockpit feels fresher thanks to the vibrant colours, but the Note e-POWER feels more upmarket thanks to the softer materials and dual-stack centre console

Between the two, the Aqua's instrument panel has nicer graphics with livelier colours. However, the Note's display is superior, with several layouts available for drivers to choose from. The Note's steering wheel, which has a flat bottom, feels more positive to hold.

If you like bigger infotainment screens, then the Aqua's 10-inch display will get your nod, since the Note 'only' has a 9.0-inch screen. Navigating the native menus is okay, but what matters most is that both systems have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for users to mirror their smartphones.

Now, superminis may be small, but that doesn't mean their buyers don't expect them to be practical and/or convenient. In this regard, the Note ticks both boxes thanks to its two-level centre console and cupholders in front of the outer air-con vents.

The Aqua Hybrid has the longer wheelbase, but part of the passenger space is taken up by those sporty front seats

The Note also offers storage points on its rear doors whereas the Aqua Hybrid doesn't. Speaking of backseats, the Aqua Hybrid's 2,600mm wheelbase (20mm longer than the Note's) could have given it the edge in legroom.

However, the Aqua's front seats have thicker backrests compared to the Note's, which intrude into the available legroom. The Note's rear doors also open at wider angles, making ingress/egress easier for passengers.

The Aqua Hybrid's 34.6km/L figure is remarkable and probably untouchable, but the Note e-POWER's more effervescent nature endears it to keen drivers

Different powertrain approaches

While the Aqua and Note are both hybrids, each system works differently. The Aqua has a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine and electric motor that put out 114bhp and 120Nm.

Here, the petrol engine is the primary driver, and the electric motor assists it when needed, thereby lessening the load on the engine. The electric motor can also propel the car by itself at low speeds. Powering the electric motor is a bipolar nickel-hydrogen battery, which is recharged by the petrol engine and regenerative braking.

The Note e-POWER, on the other hand, is solely driven by its electric motor. Its engine - a 1.2-litre three-cylinder - only functions as a generator to recharge the batteries that feed the electric motor. You can even think of it an as electric vehicle with a range extender.

Like the Aqua, the Note also makes 114bhp. But being solely driven by an electric motor means the Note has a lot more torque - 280Nm of it to be exact.

The Aqua Hybrid will please drivers seeking an efficient supermini, while the Note e-POWER delights with its nimbler handling

There's no contest when it comes to off-the line acceleration, for the Note scampers off the moment it senses your foot's urgency. Powered by electrons, the front wheels pull the hatchback with vigour, so the Note is a delight to punt around town.

Although the Aqua Hybrid doesn't have the Note's meaty low-end, it makes up for it with its hyper-efficient performance, which lets the supermini average up to 34.6km/L. Not even the renowned Prius claims such a figure.

On the go, the Aqua instead impresses with its smooth, easy-going manners. The helm is effortless, and the ride quality is cushier than the Note's. However, it must be said that pressing the Aqua results in a gruff soundtrack, thereby reminding you to take it easy.

The Note is more refined in this regard, for the engine note is a bit less obvious. With its peppy personality that makes it fun to zip from point to point, it could even surprise keen drivers. However, the Note's keen nature is probably why its average consumption is 'just' 21.7km/L.

The Note costs almost $10k more than the Aqua and isn't as efficient, but its unique powertrain and zippy nature are probably enough to justify the premium

Greener method

If your main criteria for a hybrid supermini boils down to fuel efficiency, then head over to Venture Cars and check out the Aqua Hybrid. The hatchback's 34.6km/L figure is simply splendid - you can even drive it from Singapore to KL to JB (like we did) on a single tank of fuel.

Economy aside, the Aqua's design with its rounded shape and curvy lines is also easy on the eyes. It's also easy to handle and at time of writing, costs $9,800 less than the Note.

The Note doesn't come close to the Aqua's efficiency, but if driving fun ranks higher than fuel economy on your list, then this hatchback is the one to consider. Its engaging nature can turn otherwise mundane office commutes and errand runs into interesting drives.

That, along with the fact that the Note is solely electrically driven, is arguably enough to justify the premium it commands over the Aqua.

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