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New Models
DRIVEN: Prius C Is High-Mileage Fun
While the subcompact hybrid doesn’t register all that much cheaper or fuel efficient than the regular Prius, it certainly is more of a kick to drive.
Prius C is the smallest model in Toyota's family of hybrids. (Photo: Toyota)
In theory, the Pruis C makes a lot of sense.
After all, if you’re concerned about fuel economy, what sense does it make to have a hybrid engine lugging around a sedan as large as the Pruis? And why does that sedan have to look like a wingless scarab beetle?
The new 2012 Prius C seems to answer those questions, offering an eye-catching hatchback that comes with a smaller footprint, a smaller price tag and 500 pounds less curb weight than its larger counterpart. Clearly aimed at a younger or more urban market, the Prius C should be a big hit with anyone looking to get into the revered hybrid brand for a little less money.
But the C doesn’t quite live up to its potential. For one thing, it’s not that much less money than the standard, starting at $18,950 while the Prius starts at $24,000. And the C feels a lot cheaper, with a plastic-laden interior that belongs in a cut-rate Yaris.
Plus, with its smaller size comes a smaller, less-powerful version of the hybrid powertrain, landing the C at an estimated 53/46 mpg, about equal to the full-sized Prius’ 51/48 mpg. A bit of a disappointment for anyone hoping a smaller car would mean better gas mileage. That being said, it’s still a stellar mpg score.
The C does have one advantage over its big brother that’s pretty hard to deny: It looks a whole lot cooler.
The design of the Prius C nods to its larger siblings, with a softly sloping hood and a boxy stance, but the lines are edgier and more aggressive. Add in the angular taillights and stylish wheels, and you’ve got a pretty slick hatchback. (Plus, my test car came in Habanero Orange, which really sealed the deal.)
Under the hood, the C features a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine paired with two electric motors/generators, coming together to produce 99 horsepower. Hybrids are made for efficiency, not performance, but thanks to nimble handling and fairly sporty acceleration, driving the C managed to be a pretty fun affair.
After all, if you’re concerned about fuel economy, what sense does it make to have a hybrid engine lugging around a sedan as large as the Pruis? And why does that sedan have to look like a wingless scarab beetle?
The new 2012 Prius C seems to answer those questions, offering an eye-catching hatchback that comes with a smaller footprint, a smaller price tag and 500 pounds less curb weight than its larger counterpart. Clearly aimed at a younger or more urban market, the Prius C should be a big hit with anyone looking to get into the revered hybrid brand for a little less money.
But the C doesn’t quite live up to its potential. For one thing, it’s not that much less money than the standard, starting at $18,950 while the Prius starts at $24,000. And the C feels a lot cheaper, with a plastic-laden interior that belongs in a cut-rate Yaris.
Plus, with its smaller size comes a smaller, less-powerful version of the hybrid powertrain, landing the C at an estimated 53/46 mpg, about equal to the full-sized Prius’ 51/48 mpg. A bit of a disappointment for anyone hoping a smaller car would mean better gas mileage. That being said, it’s still a stellar mpg score.
The C does have one advantage over its big brother that’s pretty hard to deny: It looks a whole lot cooler.
The design of the Prius C nods to its larger siblings, with a softly sloping hood and a boxy stance, but the lines are edgier and more aggressive. Add in the angular taillights and stylish wheels, and you’ve got a pretty slick hatchback. (Plus, my test car came in Habanero Orange, which really sealed the deal.)
Under the hood, the C features a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine paired with two electric motors/generators, coming together to produce 99 horsepower. Hybrids are made for efficiency, not performance, but thanks to nimble handling and fairly sporty acceleration, driving the C managed to be a pretty fun affair.
The Lyonheart K
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