Timing is often everything in the automotive
world. As gasoline prices again spiraled upwards, Toyota’s launch of the
Prius c in mid-March couldn’t have been better timed. With a price
starting at $18,950 and an EPA city fuel economy estimate of 53 mpg, it
should be no surprise that the smallest Prius tallied 1,201 units sold within three days
of its launch. Through the end of May, sales totaled 12,379, numbers
that aren’t far removed from the Honda Insight’s 15,519 units for all of
2011.
The diminutive c is the fourth hybrid to be tagged a Prius and joins
the conventional midsize Prius (now referred to as the Liftback), the
more spacious V and the Plug-in model. While based largely on the Toyota
Yaris platform—it’s about four inches longer than the Yaris—the c is
remarkably similar to the original Prius. Both have a 100.4-inch
wheelbase, the same 66.7-inch width and employ a 1.5-liter four-cylinder
engine. However, the Prius c is some 12 inches shorter than the first
Prius, and is 265 pounds lighter. But the big difference is fuel
economy: The Prius c clocks in at 53 mpg city/46 highway and 50 combined
compared to the first model’s 42/41/41 rating.And just what does that “c” stand for? Cute, compact and cheap come to mind, but Toyota says it represents “city” and is designed to function as an urban-friendly vehicle aimed at millennial buyers. That prompts two questions: Does it not function in small towns or rural areas and, are Baby Boomers excluded as potential buyers?
Until now, the Prius design has been undeniable and, for many owners, the distinctive look sends a message which declares that steps must be taken to reduce our voracious thirst for oil—with all its negative consequences in terms of the environment and geopolitics.
Up front, the c does exhibit the familiar Prius nose bump with a Toyota logo badge below. However, the small upper grille opening is a slot rather than the elongated V shape with a chrome insert found on the larger models. And, although the headlamps on the c sweep upwards toward the front roof pillar, they look too large in proportion to the car’s size and aren’t as sleek as those on the other Prii.
Like the grown-up Liftback and V Prii, the instrument panel is placed in the center of the dash below the windshield rather than the more orthodox—and easier to see—location behind the steering wheel. Readouts always include the digital speedometer, fuel gauge, gear selection, odometer, average fuel economy and time. With a steering wheel mounted button, the driver can toggle different information that is displayed on the bottom section of the screen, such as: a graphic of the power distribution between the battery, engine, electric motor and wheels; a real-time battery charge gauge; scoring that measures economical driving; and fuel cost per mile. Want to compare the cost of driving the Prius c with another vehicle, say the gas guzzling Toyota Sequoia SUV (13 city/17 highway)? You can do that, too.
There are certainly other subcompact hatchbacks that are more fun to drive that cost less—the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Chevrolet Sonic and Hyundai Accent come to mind. However, if you’re a city-centric greenie, the Prius c is the car for you. Don’t stray too far from its natural urban habitat and it will most likely exceed your expectations. And, if you have a gotta-be-connected personality, well, this little fuel-sipping hatchback has you covered.
