The brand new Toyota Prius c is a spin off model based on the Toyota Prius Hybrid range. Though it is much like the regular Prius, the c is smaller in size as it is designed to be more of an inner city car (the C after Prius standing for city). The car is designed for a younger, more money conscious, and environmentally mindful demographic and comes in a range of attractive colours to catch the eye. There are many performance features included that are perfect for an urban car and it uses exceptional use of technology, making it so that the driver is completely aware of how their car is functioning at all times. The new Prius c is not only an affordable small car, but has outstanding fuel economy.

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While the Prius c is not the most powerful car on the market, for its intended city use it is more than capable. The car delivers a maximum output of 74kW as a result of the 1.5 litre four-cylinder petrol engine, electronic motor and electronic automatic transmission. Β As well as the regular mode the car can be driven in, the Prius c can also be driven in two other modes, EV (Electric Vehicle) mode and Eco mode. These features enhance convenience to the driver and have ecological benefits. While the car is next to silent driving in its normal mode, when switched to the EV mode the car becomes even quieter and reduces exhaust gas emissions. This is perfect for leaving the house extra early or super late and not waking the family! Although this is a handy feature, it can only be used for short periods of time (1-2km) and while travelling under a speed of 40km/h- after you exceed this speed the car automatically turns EV mode off. During the Eco mode the driver has more power over the throttle and electric air-conditioner. This helps to reduce energy consumption and enhances fuel economy. On the combined cycle the Prius c consumes just 3.9 litres/100km. While this is a higher figure than the Ford Fiesta Econetic’s combined cycle consumption of 3.6 litres/100km, the Prius c comes out as the more environmentally friendly car, by only sending out 90 grams/km of CO2 emissions as opposed to the Ford Fiesta Econetic’s 95 grams/km.

With a contemporary and stylish exterior the Prius c can be found in 9 different exterior colours. The sleek and modern interior of the Prius c includes savvy technological components to help money conscious buyers track their fuel consumption, as well as countless other great features. While the Prius c is both narrower and shorter in length then the regular Prius model, the inside is still a perfect combination of being both cosy and comfortable, and lacks that claustrophobic feeling that various other smaller cars can often have. Β The ultra-modern black and light-grey interior create a young and sophisticated attitude, also aided by such features as keyless entry and start, a 6.1 inch touch screen, front storage space, multiple USB ports and iPod connectivity and a 3.5 inch colour multi-information display. The multi-information display includes 8 different screens:

  • Energy Monitor
  • Drive Information
  • ECO Score
  • 5min Consumption
  • ECO Savings
  • ECO Savings Record
  • Past Record
  • Settings and Screen

The energy monitor is used to track where the car is receiving and using power from at any given time, and incredibly the ECO Savings option can show the driver how much they are saving on fuel based on current petrol prices. This outstanding multi-information display is perfect for a driver who likes to be in complete control of their vehicle and understand the ins and outs of how the car works to benefit not only the environment but to benefit them too. To maximise space the fuel tank and hybrid battery can both be found underneath the rear seat. This is a Toyota first and, with the room it saves, allows for the storage of a full sized spare wheel. As well as the multi-information display the Prius c comes with a multitude of standard features such as Bluetooth audio streaming and phone connectivity, cruise control, fog lamps, power windows and mirrors and multiple cup holders.

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The Prius c will keep the driver safe with 7 airbags and a reversing camera, as well as other great safety features such as traction control, anti-skid brakes, vehicle stability, hill-start assist control and electronic brake force distribution. For such an environmentally friendly car with added gadgets for a fun and efficient driving experience, the Prius c is only $23,990- almost $6500 cheaper than the Honda Insight.

What the Prius c lacks in power it makes up for in efficiency in so many different ways. Perfect for a young city driver with its attractive interior and exterior design, the Prius c is a charmingly sophisticated, little environmentally friendly car.