2012 Toyota Prius C Hybrid Priced from $19,610 to $25,140

Prius C will be available in four grades starting this March, all powered by a 1.5-liter DOHC, 16-valve engine with VVT-i, a 60 horsepower permanent magnet AC synchronous motor, and a 144 volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack.

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) said manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the all-new 2012 Prius C will range from $18,610, including $760 for delivery, all the way to $25,140.

Though relatively high prices for a sub-compact car in the U.S., Toyota is betting that the hatchback with an EPA-estimated 53/46/50 city/highway/combined mpg, along with Toyota’s unquestioned leadership in hybrid vehicles, will be sufficient to make the car a success. Notably, the highway rating leads all cars except plug-in hybrids, which benefit in the ratings from credits when they run on electricity. Even the base Prius C model is loaded with equipment as an added incentive to spur sales.

No sales projections have been released, although Toyota has sold more than one million Prii in the U.S. and more than 3 million hybrid models globally. In the U.S. during 2011 Toyota sold more than 136,000 of the larger Prius liftback and V models, down slightly at -3% from 2010. In spite of clear fuel economy benefits and ongoing high U.S. fuel prices, hybrids remain a tiny portion of the U.S. auto market – a little more than  2% of  overall sales – because mainstream buyers refuse to pay a premium amounting to several thousand dollars or more over a comparable gasoline-fueled car.

Prius C will be available in four grades this March, all powered by a 1.5-liter DOHC, 16-valve engine with VVT-i, a permanent magnet AC synchronous motor, and a 144 volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack. All told Prius c is rated as a 99 horsepower car. The Prius C will come with 9 standard airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop Technology (SST).

The Prius C is smaller and lighter than its mid-size Prius stable mate with 19.1 inches less length (157.3 vs. 176.4 inches OAL) and 542 lbs. less weight than the Prius Liftback (2,500 vs. 3,042 lbs.).  In adapting the Hybrid Synergy Drive to the smaller Prius C platform, each of the system’s components were re-designed to reduce weight, scale, and improve efficiency.

Prius C – Four Grades

The Prius C One base grade has as automatic climate control, tilt-telescopic steering wheel with audio, climate, multi-information display and Bluetooth hands free phone controls; and remote keyless entry with illuminated entry.

The Prius C Two has a 6-speaker audio system, variable intermittent windshield wipers, a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat with adjustable headrests, cruise control, engine immobilizer, center console with armrest and storage compartment, and a cargo area tonneau cover.

The Prius C Three has a Display Audio system with Navigation and Entune that adds a 6.1-inch touchscreen, Sirius XM Satellite Radio capability (includes 3 month trial subscription), HD Radio with iTunes Tagging, USB port with iPod connectivity and control, vehicle information with customizable settings, and advanced voice recognition. Apps available spring 2012 at no charge include iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com and OpenTable.  Access to Entune services is complimentary for three years. In addition, the Prius c Three grade includes color-keyed outside door handles with touch- sensor lock/unlock feature, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio, climate, Multi-information Display, Bluetooth hands free phone and voice command controls, a Touch Tracer Display, and a Smart Key System on the front doors and liftgate with Push Button Start and remote illuminated entry.

The Prius C Four has 15-inch, 8-spoke alloy wheels, Softex-trimmed heated front seats, color-keyed heated power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, and integrated fog lamps. Optional equipment for the Prius c Four includes 16-inch, 8-spoke alloy wheels with 195/50R16 tires and power tilt telescopic moonroof with sunshade.

See also:

• 50 MPG Predicted for Toyota Prius C Hybrid
• Honda to Show AC-X Plug in Hybrid at Tokyo Motor Show
• Ford Taking Orders for 2012 Focus Electric at $39,995
• 2012 Honda Insight Hybrid Ups Fuel Economy at Under $20,000
• Chevrolet and Nissan Succeed with Plug-in Hybrids and EVs as the Business of Plugging In Shows First Product Results
• Toyota Prices 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrid at $32,760 and $40,285
• Ford and Toyota to Develop a New Hybrid System for Light Trucks and SUVs as well as Future Telematics Standards
• Muscle Hybrids Decried for Performance in Hybrid Scorecard
• Toyota Offers New Prius Plus Performance Package for $3,699