By Al Vinikour
MotorwayAmerica.com

Look up the word “iconic” in the dictionary and you’re liable to see a picture of the Toyota Prius, arguably the vehicle that started the hybrid revolution that’s become so prevalent in the battle against high fuel prices.

Since Prius’ first generation almost 15 years ago over two million units have been sold worldwide. Through the years the company has developed a number of Prius models — the latest being the Prius c (the “c” is lower case and represents the word “city”).



Debuted at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the five-door hatchback entered the market in March of this year and introduced Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive to the subcompact segment.

It was designed to function as an urban-friendly vehicle with hatchback utility, city fuel economy and a fun-to-drive scooter of a car. It reached all its objectives. It boasts a fuel economy rating of 53 miles per gallon, the highest city mpg rating of any vehicle without a plug. While Toyota’s target demographic is the young there’s nothing to stop an older, but younger family from using a Prius c as their daily ride. It sports a wide array of available convenience and advanced in-car electronics features that one wouldn’t associate exclusively with a targeted audience.

The heart of the Prius c obviously begins with its powertrain technology but Toyota carried this one step further by locating key drivetrain components within the chassis to help optimize interior space and handling. The compact gasoline engine, transaxle and power-control units are placed within the vehicle to help enhance weight distribution and lower the center of gravity.

Furthermore, the hybrid battery and fuel tank are positioned together beneath the rear seat. Consequently the Prius c has an interior volume of 87.4 cubic feet and 17.1 cubic feet of cargo volume, figures that belie the small exterior image of the vehicle.

The gasoline segment of the powertrain is a 1.5L, four-cylinder Atkinson cycle with VVT-i that produces 73 horsepower and 82 pound-feet of torque. The electric motor output is 60 horsepower and the combined system produces 99 horsepower.

No, you’re not going to look like a test pilot from the 1950s propelled by a rocket sled as the force rubberizes your face to the point of your cheeks flapping like a hummingbird. It’s entirely adequate for the mission it’s been assigned.  It’s mated to a Continuously Variable Transaxle — a smooth one at that. Prius c offers three distinctive drive modes: Normal, Eco and EV. Eco mode reduces overall energy consumption by governing climate control and throttle to improve fuel efficiency. EV mode, under certain conditions, allows the vehicle to be driven solely by electric power for a short distance (under one mile) while remaining below 25 mph.



As already mentioned, the Prius c is really a hoot to drive. It’s small, nimble, and handling and suspension have been engineered to keep them that way. Front suspension uses a MacPherson strut design and the rear rides on a tuned torsion beam. Coil-spring and shock-absorber characteristics have been tuned to enhance handling, flat turning and smooth ride comfort.

My test vehicle was equipped with 15-inch wheels and tires but 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels are available.

Four trim levels are offered in the new Prius c — Prius c One through Prius c Four. Each offers a higher degree of content. Selections range from the basic Prius c One that still has an impressive array of standard features all the way up for models with upgraded audio systems, navigation systems, a bevy of advanced technology electronics, etc. Instrumentation and controls are very user friendly and as stated earlier, interior room is very comfortable and not at a premium as would be expected for a vehicle in this segment. Storage is liberal as well. 

Safety certainly was a consideration when engineering this vehicle. Prius c is equipped with nine airbags strategically placed throughout the vehicle, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-lock Brakes, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Brake Assist, Smart Stop Technology and a host of other features.

Even the exterior colors connote fun: Habanero, Moonglow, Summer Rain Metallic, Blue Streak Metallic, Absolutely Red, Black Sand Pearl, Magnetic Gray Metallic Classic Silver Metallic and Super White. Black is the basic interior color.

MSRP for the Prius c One is $19,080 and goes up to $23,360 for the Prius c Four.

With the advent of the Toyota Prius c there’s no longer the subliminal feeling for the owner and his or her occupants being thought of as a bunch of toilet paper-recycling tree huggers. That type doesn’t drive around in a spirited vehicle like the Prius c.