Toyota sells far more hybrids than anyone else, thanks mainly to its iconic Prius and its industry-leading (for non plug-ins) 50-mpg EPA Combined mileage rating. But this year, it's different; Toyota has rounded out the Prius line with three more models. First, there's the Prius V, a larger wagon version, which arrived earlier this model year; and now the 2012 Prius C has arrived, appealing to those who want a simpler, more compact car.
With a more familiar, traditional small-car profile and package, yet the same best-in-class 50-mpg figure (actually 53 mpg city, 46 highway)—matched with a base price of just $19,710—the Prius C should attract a wider swath of value-conscious motorists.
As the third (and smallest) unique body style in the Prius family, the Prius C is about 157 inches long and 67 inches wide. It's closer in size to the Toyota YarisLiftback than to the Toyota Matrix—meaning it's a true subcompact, and you get all the maneuverability and parking advantages. Matched with that more ordinary five-door profile is a smooth, low front end and drawn-back headlamps that closely resemble those used in the rest of the Prius lineup. Meanwhile, the new Prius C doesn't look all that much different than Toyota's somewhat less expensive Yaris, in profile and from some angles. The look is somewhat slab-sided by today's standard, but there is an upkick just in front of the rear wheels. In back, the look is typical for the class, with vertical taillamps and a spoiler smoothing out aerodynamics at the rear of the roofline. Inside, the 2012 Toyota Prius C has an all-new dashboard that draws its centrally mounted Multi Information Display at the base of the windshield from the larger Prius, and some of its switches and minor controls from the Yaris.
The Prius C is smaller and lighter, so its powertrain is downsized to match. There's a four-cylinder engine, making 73 horsepower, and the automaker's Hybrid Synergy Drive includes a smaller motor system and 0.9-kWh battery pack—with the system altogether making 99 hp. Acceleration is about on par with other eco-minded small cars. Serving as a reminder that performance is definitely not the priority, the Prius C offers an Eco mode, which reduces power output and has different climate-control settings, as well as an EV mode, for going up to a half mile on electricity only, but there's no Power or Sport mode. As for handling, the Prius C is surprisingly nimble and meneuverable, but again, don't expect the dynamics of a sport-tuned hot hatch. But the payoff is clear at the pump: In 50 miles of driving around San Diego—including freeways, two-lane roads, and stop-and-go—we saw a 51.4-mpg average.
There's more cabin space in the Prius C than you might suspect. Front seats feel about the same as in other Prius models; in back there's no mistaking it for a mid-size car, but six-footers should be able to fit without any fuss. The nickel-metal-hydride battery pack, which is smaller than that used in the other Prius models, is packed neatly under the back seat.
Trims and materials feel noticeably cheaper than those you'd find in the current Prius (though about on par with mainstream subcompacts), but assembly quality is good. Toyota has clearly worked to keep cost down, with painted metal visible inside on the window surrounds and hatchback, but the effect is thrifty rather than grim. And in the C, there's a conventional shift lever rather than the smaller shift lever up near the steering wheel you get in other Prius models. In base Prius C One models, there's even a conventional ignition key rather than push-button start.
The Prius C comes with nine standard airbags, along with all the now-typical safety aids such as electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist. It hasn't yet been rated by either the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the federal government. Although it's structurally different than the Prius Liftback and the Prius V, both of those other models have been named IIHS Top Safety Picks, and the Prius Liftback has earned a top five-star overall rating from the federal government.
Beginning at $19.710, the Prius C arrives at a price tag that's really just a couple thousand more than a comparably equipped, non-hybrid subcompact—and seeing that the Prius C uses less fuel, it's a difference that you'll likely quickly overcome thanks to cheaper running costs. Four trims are offered—Prius C One, Prius C Two, Prius C Three, Prius C Four. Even the Prius One comes with an impressive level of standard equipment, including keyless entry, automatic climate control, power accessories, and a sound system that includes a USB port (and iPod capability). The Prius C Three includes a navigation system and Toyota's Entune interface, while the Prius Four adds fog lamps, alloy wheels, and heated seats. The only options offered for the Prius C are a moonroof and alloy wheels, sold together in a package.
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