Manage updates with the Download AppToyota Prius C
Toyota began adding different-sized cars to the Prius family last year, and the C is the second new model after the V. The C is designed as a small hatchback, well sized for the urban environment. Its hybrid drive system has a smaller engine than the Prius Liftback, so it gets slightly better fuel economy, turning in 53 mpg.
The Toyota Prius C has already arrived at dealerships, and has a base price of $18,950, making it the most affordable Prius yet.
The good: The 2012 Toyota Prius C's hybrid power train easily achieves fuel economy of better than 50 mpg. The connected Entune system gives access to online search, weather, and gas prices. The car's Eco Score screen encourages economical driving.
The bad: The car's touch screen is prone to bad glare with a minimal amount of sunlight, and too many warning screens pop up when you try to use Entune.
The bottom line: As the latest member of the Prius family, the 2012 Toyota Prius C shows off a very modern, high-tech cabin, along with excellent fuel economy, in a size city dwellers will find easy to park.
March 22, 2012 4:22 PM PDT
Photo by: Timothy Hornyak/CNET
