(January 10, 2012) DETROIT — Following the U.S. debut of the all-new 2012 Prius c at the North American International Auto Show, Toyota plans to bring the subcompact five-door hatchback to market in March, and introduce Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive to the subcompact segment.

It's initial claim to fame — 53 miles per gallon in city driving.
 
And city driving is what this newest member of the Prius family is all about. The letter “c” represents “city” in the Prius c name. Designed to function as an urban-friendly vehicle with an engaging driving experience, hatchback utility, the city fuel economy rating of 53 mpg is combined with a highway rating of 46 mpg.

This is the highest city mpg rating of any vehicle without a plug.



The hybrid operating system is similar to that of the standard Prius, except that the gasoline engine is of smaller displacement, 1.5 liters compared to 1.8 liters. Between the 73-horsepower Atkinson cycle engine and the hybrid motors, the Prius C has combined output of 99 horsepower.
 
Beginning with the first generation 14 years ago, over two million Prius units have been sold worldwide. Prius remains the world’s premier eco-vehicle brand, and has made great strides establishing consumer trust in hybrid technology. 

With Prius c, Toyota will make the market’s most proven hybrid technology available to subcompact car shoppers with a starting MSRP below $19,000.