Not even a year ago, Toyota made the announcement that the Prius nameplate would expand to be its own family and that household is growing. The next member will be the smallest Prius offered and thus carry with it the highest fuel economy rating of any car without a plug. With the vail pulled completely off at this year’s North American International Auto Show, the 2012 Prius c may be small, but it holds true to the philosophy that made the original Toyota hybrid so successful. When it hits showroom floors in March of this year, the c will be the first subcompact to offer Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive.
Designed as a usable urban run-about, the c rightfully stands for city, placing the car right below the standard Prius. With that designation comes a city fuel economy rating of 53 mpg and will be able to muster up to 46 mpg on the highway. Forward thrust comes by way of a 1.5 liter four cylinder engine paired with a nickel-metal hydride battery powering an electric motor to produce a combined 99 horsepower. The front wheels spin via a CVT transmission and Toyota’s hybrid control computer mitigates the electric assist and internal combustion engine’s operations. Classified as a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV), the Prius c can operate extremely briefly (under one mile) as a zero emissions vehicle. At 157.3 inches long, the little c is 19.1 inches shorter than the base Prius and 542 lbs less heavy. It may be little, but it still carries five doors, a useful hatchback rear and spacious 100.4 inch wheelbase so comfort should be high for its segment. By placing the battery system in the rear, the Prius c manages to offer 104 cubic feet of overall interior volume.
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At first, there will be four trim levels for the Prius c all of which come standard with automatic climate control, a tilt-telescoping steering wheel with controls for the stereo, climate, multi-function display and bluetooth phone pairing as well as remote keyless entry. Standard wheels are 15 inch steels with 16 inch alloys available. When equipped with the larger set, a faster ratio steering rack accompanies the struts up front, torsion beam rear suspension. Overall, the Prius c looks quintessentially Toyota with its pug-nose grille and jeweled tail lamps. The flat rear and short overhangs give it the appearance of being larger than it is and that’s a good thing in the subcompact segment. Another good thing is the car’s price. Starting at under $19,000 is reasonable considering other Toyota hybrids can fetch nearly and more than $40,000.
Source: Toyota
