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Toyota Prius C 2012 review


With hybrid sales continuing to spark little more than a fleeting interest, you've got to hand it to Toyota despite the obstacles its commitment to hybrids is unswerving.

This year it has tripled its Prius model line-up by adding the Yaris-sized Prius C in late March and seven-seat Prius V a month ago. The Prius C appears to have hit a sweet spot, chalking up 652 sales in two months. 

Toyota is confident the Prius C will advance the cause by aiming it at Gen Y singles, couples and, at a stretch, young families, who it believes will be more prepared to pay for the technology.

VALUE

And the interest has rubbed off. Mainstream Prius sales are up almost 70 per cent so far this year to 443, no doubt helped by a $1000 price cut in late March and a return to full supply out of Japan.

There are two models, the base model at $23,990 and the i-Tech at $26,990. This makes them the cheapest hybrids available at up to $6000 less than the larger Honda Insight. 

Within the Toyota ranks, the Prius C automatic costs about $4600 more than a 1.5-litre Yaris automatic five-door hatch with comparable power output.

Standard features include seven airbags, stability and traction control, brake assist, a reversing camera, keyless entry and start, automatic air-conditioning, 6.1-inch touch-screen display audio, CD player, Bluetooth, USB and iPod connection, a 3.5-inch information display, cruise control, fog lights and power windows and mirrors.

The i-Tech adds satellite navigation with live traffic updates. The hybrid has some more features than the Yaris but is burdened by a lower retained value, partly due to the cost of replacing the battery pack.

TECHNOLOGY

The C's hybrid system is similar to the Prius, and delivers a peak output of 74kW from the combination of a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor driving through a constantly variable transmission. It will travel for short distances (up to 2km) in electric mode and comes with a clever trip computer that encourages economical driving.

Fuel use is a frugal 3.9l/100km on the combined cycle or 2.4l/100km less than the Yaris. But at a petrol price average of $1.50 a litre, that's about the price of a cup of coffee for every 100km travelled. At that rate it would take more than eight years to recover the price premium if you drive 15,000km a year.

DESIGN

The C is shorter, lower and narrower than Prius but has more leg room and hip room than a Yaris. It will seat five at a squeeze and has the battery pack and fuel tank under the rear seat, so the boot is a decent size and accommodates a full-sized spare wheel.

The interior is disappointing. The cabin has a budget car feel with a cheap finish and hard plastics. The main instruments are poorly placed in the centre of the dash like the old Yaris, not in front of the driver like the new Yaris.

DRIVING

Performance is brisk and linear under full throttle but like most hybrids, the driving experience is far from involving, due mainly to shudder when the petrol engine cuts in and the drone of the CVT under load. It also requires constant throttle adjustment to maintain cruising speeds on the open road.

Handling is competent and secure at normal speeds and the ride is comfortable enough on smooth surfaces, but there is some suspension thump over rough edges and the tyres react to coarse chip surfaces. The electric power steering is light but remote and the disc/drum brakes are confident if a touch aggressive in pedal feel.

VERDICT

Unless you're motivated by the environmental benefits, there is still no great incentive to switch to a hybrid.

$13,900 - $18,990

Based on 10 car listings in the last 6 months

VIEW PRICING & SPECS

Score

3.8/5
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