The subcompact C is a gasoline-electric hybrid with fuel economy ratings of 53-mpg city, 46 highway on 87 octane fuel. While the maximum mileage takes advantage of electric-only driving, I was getting 47 to 48-plus mpg in combined city/highway driving, and I wasn't trying to conserve.
This five-seat, five-door hatchback is intended as a city-friendly vehicle with an engaging drive experience. But it is solid and reasonably quiet on the Interstate to be a good choice for long-distance commuters.
The C shares some elements of the Toyota Yaris. The interior is very plasticky, but the uplevel trims soften the harshness with creative graining, textures and accent colors.
Launched last year, the C gets just modest changes for 2013.
Interior upgrades include a standard SofTex-trimmed steering wheel on the Prius C Four and a black SofTex dash panel on Prius C Two and Three models.
Sold in four trim levels, starting prices range from $19,875 to $24,155, including the $795 freight charge from Japan.
Standard features include a tilt-telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, Bluetooth phone connectivity and Smart Key locking and push-button ignition.
Safety features include nine air bags and Toyota's Star Safety System, which includes stability control and brake override.
This car may not be the choice for the big-and-tall set, but it shows some clever engineering in a one-size fits most package.
Though a subcompact, the Prius C makes the most of a 13-foot-long footprint. It is 19 inches shorter than the Prius Hatchback, but the impression from inside is roomy. In front, there is headroom for a 6-foot-6 adult with visibility not restricted by a too-short windshield.
There are a surprising 35 inches of rear legroom and the rear bench seat has one of the longest seat bottoms I've endured in a subcompact. The back seat is often the place to cut corners, but not here.
All models have a folding rear seatback. Up-level models get a 60/40 split, which will allow transport of a snowboard or maybe a bicycle with the front wheel removed. And the roof is low enough that roof-mounted carriers won't be a struggle to use.
The 99-horsepower 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.
The C certainly isn't overpowered, but with a big push of the accelerator the continuously variable transmission gets up to speed quickly enough for non-threatening freeway merging.
Toyota claims 0-60 mph in 11.5 seconds and a top speed of 105. With a pair of robust adults onboard, the Prius C will cruise handily at 60 to 80 mph in freeway traffic.
There are three drive modes, including Eco and EV. Eco slows the driver input by not giving sharp accelerator responses. In EV mode the car can be driven up to about a mile at speeds to 25 mph. The engine has an emissions rating of SULEV or Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle.
A display screen allows the driver to get serious about fuel conservation, with modes that track fuel usage and savings, which also can applied and compared to a driver's second vehicle.
The instrument panel is still Prius-different, but not as oddly arranged as the standard Prius Hatchback. The controls and gauges are easily viewed and not confusing.
Toyota used much high-strength steel in the assembly, with aluminum in key areas, such as the hood and hatchback. And additional soundproofing was applied to such areas as the floor pans, roof and foamed urethane to block sound travel.
The front-wheel-drive C is the youngster of the Prius Family. It joins the third generation Prius Liftback (starting at about $24,000 to $28,000), the new Prius v wagon (about $27,000 to $31,000) and the Prius Plug-in Hybrid ($34,000 to $40,000).
The Prius c isn't a hybrid celebrity. It drives like a simple mileage tool that happens to be hybrid.
2013 Toyota Prius c
—Body style: subcompact, front-wheel drive, 5-passenger hatchback
—Engine: 73-horsepower, DOHC, 1.5-liter Atkinson Cycle 4-cylinder
—Electric drive: 60 horsepower permanent magnet AC synchronous motor and 144-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack
—Combined horsepower: 99
—Transmission: CVT
—0-60 mph: 11.5 seconds; top speed 105 mph
—Fuel economy: 53-mpg city, 46 highway; 87 octane
—Length/wheelbase:157.3/100.4 inches
—Front head/leg/shoulder room: 38.6/41.7/52.3 inches
—Curb weight: 2,500 pounds
—Cargo space: 17.1 cubic feet
—Turning circle: 31.4 feet
—Fuel tank: 9.5 gallons
—Rear head/leg/shoulder room: 37/35/51.7 inches
—Safety features: Nine air bags (including front seat-bottom bags), driver and front passenger Advanced Whiplash-Injury-Lessening seats and Toyota's Star Safety System, which includes Vehicle Stability Control, Traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist and Smart Stop (brake override) Technology.
—Standard equipment includes: remote locking, automatic climate control, tilt-telescopic steering wheel with redundant controls (audio, climate, multi-information display, Bluetooth hands free phone), power mirrors with turn signals, 3.5-inch multi-information display, covered vanity mirrors, 4-speaker audio system with USB port and auxiliary audio jack,15-inch low-rolling resistance tires and steel wheels with wheel covers
—Base price: $19,875, including $795 freight charge
—Where assembled: Japan
—Warranty: 3-years/36,000-miles bumper-to-bumper; 5-years/60,000-miles powertrain; 8-years/100,000-miles hybrid components
Mark Maynard is online at [email protected]. Find photo galleries and more news at Facebook.com/MaynardsGarage. To find out more about Mark Maynard and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
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