Touted as the “gateway to the Prius family,” Toyota introduces its new 2012 Prius c subcompact with a $18,960 starting price. This compares to the standard Prius Liftback’s $24,000 base MSRP.
Four grades — labeled One, Two, Three and Four — are offered with the top-line model having a $23,230 starting price. The Prius c, with “c” representing “city,” is designed to be an urban-friendly vehicle that will appeal to younger consumers.
It’s smaller than the midsize Prius Liftback — 19.1 inches shorter and 542 pounds lighter. Toyota boasts the Prius c has the “highest-rated fuel economy estimate of any vehicle without a plug.” Its estimated fuel-economy rating is 53 miles per gallon city, 46 mpg highway and 50 mpg combined. These figures fit real-world conditions, with the test vehicle, driven roughly 70 percent on the highway, getting between 49-51 mpg.
Like its larger sibling, the Prius c is propelled by Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system, basically consisting of a gasoline engine, electric motor with continuously variable transaxle and a nickel-metal hydride battery. The gas engine is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder, producing 73 horsepower and 82 lb.-ft. of torque. Teamed with the electric motor, total hybrid system output is 99 horsepower.
Acceleration is respectable, with hard throttle coaxing a soft whirring sound. Steering is responsive and ride quality is good, albeit on the firm side.
The Prius c can be operated in three drive modes: Normal, Eco and EV mode. In Eco mode, climate-control operation is minimized and throttle control regulated to boost vehicle efficiency. Selecting EV mode allows the Prius c to be driven via electric power only for just under a mile.
Keeping tabs on the hybrid system’s energy flow and fuel consumption can be accomplished via a multi-information screen in a display atop the dash. “Training” the driver to operate the vehicle in an eco-efficient manner is an ECO Score display, providing feedback on driving habits. Fuel-consumption history also can be checked on the screen.
Automatic climate control, tilt-telescopic steering wheel and remote keyless entry are among the base model’s standard features. The Prius c Two, base priced at $19,900, provides upgrades such as a six-speaker audio system, 60/40-split fold-down rear seat, center console with armrest and storage compartment, and a hard cargo-area cover.
Technology, featuring improved audio and connectivity, is the advantage with the Prius c Three, which ups the base price to $21,635. Added is a Display Audio System with navigation and Entune that’s linked to a 6.1-inch touchscreen. Also included are Sirius XM Satellite Radio capability; HD Radio with iTunes Tagging; USB port with iPod connectivity and control; vehicle information with customizable settings; and advanced voice recognition. The Display Audio System also provides updates on hybrid system energy flow and trip information.
A visual pop comes with the Prius c Four model, which adds 15-inch, eight-spoke alloy wheels, integrated foglamps and color-keyed heated power outside mirrors. Sixteen-inch, eight-spoke alloy wheels are optional.
In base form the Prius c has a sleek, aerodynamic look and impressive 0.28 coefficient of drag number. Shortly past the stopping point of the steeply raked expansive windshield and A-pillars, the roof takes a steep slant to a body-colored rear roof spoiler. The body widens below the beltline and is muscled-up with sculpted rear fender flares.
Eye-popping colors add to the flair of the spunky-looking hatchback. The test car is painted a bold orange-ish Habanero — one of nine available colors.
Inside, designers created a fresh, stylish two-tone treatment. Black is the basic color and is paired with a contrasting color — mainly gray. The dashboard is clean and modern looking with an interestingly framed center stack and artsy arching lines crisscrossing the facing on the passenger side.
Seats are firm, and front legroom and headroom (even with the optional moonroof) are generous. For a subcompact, rear headroom and legroom also are surprisingly good.
Protecting passengers are nine standard airbags.
Courtesy of SanFranciscoChronicle
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