While not priced yet, expect the Prius c to sell for around $17,000, which is likely how Toyota will define entry level or affordable.
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A will unveil its new baby Prius, the Prius c next January at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit prior to its on sale date in the spring. Prius C will then join the Prius, Prius v mid-size hybrid vehicle and the Prius Plug-in Hybrid model, which will also debut next spring.
The five-door, sub-compact member of the growing Prius hybrid lineup is predicted to offer class-leading fuel economy of better than 50 mpg in the city, which – if true – is the highest city mpg of any non-plug-in vehicle.
| Prius Family | Prius c | Prius | Prius v | Prius Plug-in |
| Length (in.) | 157.3 | 176.4 | 181.7 | 176.4 |
| Width (in. | 66.7 | 68.7 | 69.9 | 68.7 |
| Height (in.) | 56.9 | 58.7 | 62 | 58.7 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 100.4 | 106.3 | 109.4 | 106.3 |
| Gas Engine | 1.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder | 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder | 1.8-liter DOHC, four-cylinder | 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder |
| Emission | SULEV | SULEV with AT-PZEV | SULEV | SULEV with AT-PZEV |
The Prius c inside look...
While not priced yet, expect the Prius C to sell for around $22,000, which is likely how Toyota will define entry level or an affordable price. In spite of fuel economy benefits, hybrids remain a tiny portion of the U.S. auto market – a little over 2% of sales YTD – because mainstream buyers refuse to pay a premium amounting to several thousand dollars over a comparable gasoline-fueled car.
See also:
- 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
