Toyota Hybrids Flying Off Dealer Lots

With the month of April 2012 in the log books, Toyota Motor Corp has noted that its hybrid sales jumped an amazing 125 percent for the month, selling 32,593 units. Of that total, Toyota-branded hybrids accounted for 30,126 and most of those carried the increasingly popular Prius family.

With the ever-expanding Prius hybrid family now including the small Prius c, versatile Prius V, and advanced Prius-plug-in total Prius sales in April reached 25,168, up 102 percent from a year ago. Notably, the Prius C is one of the lowest-priced hybrids on the market and has been a hit since day one, and has caused Toyota to increase the production rate.

The Prius c, which starts at $20,950, is graced with an updated version of Toyota’s venerable 1.5 liter inline four cylinder engine. The enhancements help improve fuel efficiency with lighter weight valve springs, lighter tension weight piston rings, along with a few other items like the elimination of an accessory belt. In doing so, the power steering, air conditioning and water pump are all driven via electric motors to reduce drag and friction and improve fuel economy. This is paired with a Ni-MH battery pack that is about 2/3rds the size of the one found in the larger Prius, and provides an additional 25.9 horsepower to the c’s 73 horsepower engine. The transaxle in the Prius c is an all electric unit that has no belts.

Additionally, Cars.com filtered through loads of sales data through April and found some loud-speaking numbers. The Toyota Prius Plug-In managed to walk away as the third quickest-selling car in the large United States market, spending just five days on dealer lots in April of 2012. Likewise, the turnover rate for the all-new Prius c is just seven days.

There are currently 18 hybrid vehicles in Toyota’s worldwide lineup, sales of which account for 15 percent of Toyota Motor Corporation’s overall vehicle sales this year. And with the Prius being far and away the most popular hybrid in the world, Toyota Motor Corp. has sold 4 million hybrid vehicles since 1997 when it introduced its first gas-electric car in Japan. Toyota calculates that the hybrids it has sold globally since 1997 have resulted in a reduction of about 26 million tons in carbon dioxide emissions, compared to a scenario where these hybrids would have been similarly sized gas-only models.

Demand For New Toyota Prius c Is Soaring

Back in December, when the Toyota Prius c first went on sale in Japan, the company received 120,000 orders in the first five days it was on sale. That’s pretty amazing, and the love for the Prius c has found its way to North America, selling 1,200 units in the first three days it was on sale in the United States, and has become the fastest selling vehicle in the market. Because demand is so high, production of the little Prius c has increased.

The Prius c, which starts at $20,950, is graced with an updated version of Toyota’s venerable 1.5 liter inline four cylinder engine. The enhancements help improve fuel efficiency with lighter weight valve springs, lighter tension weight piston rings, along with a few other items like the elimination of an accessory belt. In doing so, the power steering, air conditioning and water pump are all driven via electric motors to reduce drag and friction and improve fuel economy. This is paired with a Ni-MH battery pack that is about 2/3rds the size of the one found in the larger Prius, and provides an additional 25.9 horsepower to the c’s 73 horsepower engine. The transaxle in the Prius c is an all electric unit that has no belts.

The Toyota Prius c also carries on the family tradition of being incredibly fuel efficient. Rated by the American EPA at 3.5l/100km in the city,  4.0l/100km on the highway, and 3.7l/100km combined. For those that worry that this B-segment car is cramped inside, it is not. Front seat passengers have plenty of room, no fear of rubbing shoulders with your passenger. For back seat passengers, two normal sized adults will be able to ride comfortably. We had the drivers seat set for us at 5’11”, then jumped in the back seat behind and were able to get in and out with no problem, and our knees were not touching the back of the driver seat either.

The rear seats do fold in a 60/40 arrangement allowing for good load flexibility, bicycles and snowboards will have no problem fitting inside. With the seats up there is 484.2 liters of space in the hatch area, which should be more than enough room for day to day items, or runs to the grocery store.

Toyota TRD T/X Baja Series Priced In United States

Toyota has a rich Baja off road racing heritage that dates back nearly 30 years ago, and includes numerous titles at the legendary and rigorous Baja 500 and 1000. Toyota’s desert racing program has inspired the development of numerous TRD off-road focused products and packages over the years including the Tacoma PreRunner and TRD Off-Road packages for both Tacoma and Tundra. Last year, Tacoma’s Off-Road Package was enhanced with the launch of the TRD T/X and T/X Pro packages. TRD now takes Tacoma off-roading to the next level with the development of the T/X Baja Series.

Inspired by Toyota’s Baja racing heritage, Toyota announced pricing today for the Tacoma TRD T/X Baja Series Package from $32,990 USD. The thrill-seeking truck features bold graphics worded “Baja Series” near the rear fenders along with an enhanced suspension, increasing the fun factor, as well as function. The special limited edition package will be available on select Tacoma 4×4 pickup trucks.

The T/X Baja Series will be available on both the Tacoma Access and Double Cab 4×4 models equipped with the TRD Off-Road Package. The Tacoma T/X Baja Series is equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine with either six-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmissions that will also feature an electronically-controlled locking rear differential, Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC). In addition, the limited-production T/X Baja Series adds BF Goodrich T/A KO tires (LT265/70R16) and bead-lock style off-road wheels with an exclusive Gun-Metal Gray paint finish, a TRD Cat-back Exhaust, and an increased front ride height of nearly two inches and unique Baja Series graphics. The suspension upgrade adds in Bilstein race shocks with TRD coil springs that feature a protective zinc plated body and a one inch increase in wheel travel, while the rear adds 1.5 inches.

The T/X Baja Series will be part of a Tacoma line that was updated for 2012 with a restyled front end and a refreshed interior in all models. Exterior changes included a redesigned hood, grille, headlamps and front bumper, among other changes. Inside, Tacoma received a new center-instrument panel design with a revised gauge cluster, along with a new steering wheel. A redesigned center stack added new air conditioner/heater controls and power point locations.

The 2012 Tacoma interior also received a new look with a black high-contrast center console, switch plate covers, dash and upper door trim, while the SR5 grade featured a new seat fabric design. Tacoma offers new heavy-duty all-weather flooring option for 2012 on Tacoma Access and Double Cab models equipped with a V6 engine. The more specialized TRD Sport and Off-Road packages also feature new water-resistant fabric protection seats.

All Tacoma TRD T/X Baja Series models will be built exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (TMMTX) in San Antonio and will reach dealer showrooms in May 2012.

Scion FR-S Derived Race Car To Enter Nürburgring 24 Hour Race

Toyota Motor Corporation is continuing its launch of the all-new Scion FR-S and looks to gain exposure for the new sports car by entering it in several different racing circuits. In North America, it’s been previously announced that the FR-S will participate in the Formula Drift racing circuit, which is popular with the Millennial generation. And most recently, Toyota announced that two GT 86 race cars — what the Scion FR-S is called outside of North America — into the grueling, intense, and enduring 24-hour race at Germany’s famous Nürburgring race track this May 17-20 through the GAZOO Racing team. In addition, racing variants of the car will also enter the Japanese Super Taikyu Endurance Series and All-Japan Rally Championship as the Toyota GT 86 as well. Toyota seeks to cultivate personnel suitable for the development of ever-better cars by engaging its own employees as drivers and mechanics for the race.

The 2013 Scion FR-S will features a 2.0-liter direct-injection 4-cylinder boxer engine, sending power to the rear axle equipped with a limited slip differential. With an ultra-low center of gravity, the FR-S also returns superior handling capabilities, and a 53/47 weight distribution balance.  Lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels and ventilated disc brakes are on all four corners.

The 2.0-liter boxer engine found in the Scion FR-S is a Subaru-sourced four-cylinder, but with Toyota’s D4-S direct injection system for added power and fuel economy. It features a high 12.5:1 compression ratio, and requires premium fuel. Altogether, the FR-s will send 200 horsepower at 7,000 rpm.

The FR-S’s interior features a 2+2 seating configuration that is designed with both form and function in mind. The front seats are mounted extremely low and are comfortable yet assertive, while the rear seat folds down flat, creating flexible space. The large center-mounted tachometer is the focus of the three-gauge cluster, keeping the driver informed of the engine’s vitals. Speed is monitored by both digital and analog gauges.

For an MSRP of $25,990 Canadian consumers will be able to purchase the first-ever Scion FR-S at dealerships. And just as the sporty, low-slung exterior assists in the performance of the car,  the FR-S cockpit instantly exudes an uncomplicated sport sensibility. Slide into the driver’s seat and you’ll feel a deep connection to the road thanks to the extremely low-to-the-ground seat position, with a deep hip point of only 400 mm. Occupants can also enjoy a standard Pioneer Audio System, which comes with AM/FM/CD, MP3/WMA/AAC capabilities, an Auxiliary Input Jack and USB connection along with Bluetooth and 8 speakers. This of course, is to say nothing of the exhilarating performance the FR-S promises.

Toyota Updates Winning Formula For 2013 Venza

Toyota has served legions of utilitarian consumers with its Venza mutli-purpose vehicle, offering up a fantastic combination of practicality, size, power and efficiency. And for the 2013 model year, Toyota decided to add on several new features, while keeping its familiar and practical recipe.

Now present on the front fascia is a less cluttered grille, giving the Venza a more elegant look. The headlamps are also of a new design, and the fog lights have also been blacked out with chrome accent rings. Finishing off the new light fixtures are reworked door mirrors fitted with built-in turn signals.

In back, the taillights have been slightly updated, but everything else seems to be much the same as the 2012 model. Venzas can now be ordered in Attitude Black, Cypress Pearl and Cosmic Gray Mica.

Interior changes are kept light, but add on with wheel buttons and the option of adding Toyota’s Entune package that integrates your smart phone with the vehicle’s dashboard display. Also made available for the 2013 model year is a black interior.

The 2013 Venza comes standard with a familiar 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 181 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 247 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm. Efficiently, the 2013 Venza is rated at 10.0L/100km city, 6.8L/100km highway, and 8.5L/100km combined for the FWD model and 10.2L/100km city, 7.1L/100km hoghway, and 8.8L/100km combined for the AWD.

The 3.5-liter V6 produces 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 334 Nm of torque at 4,700 rpm. The V6 FWD delivers surprisingly pleasant fuel economy ratings of 11.1L/100km city 7.7L/100km highway and 9.6L/100km combined, while the AWD version delivers 11.4 L/100km city 7.9L/100km highway and 9.8L/100km for the AWD model. Both engines are teamed with a six-speed sequential-shift electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). The six-speed ECT-i provides an engaging driving experience and helps optimize fuel economy. Uphill/downhill shift logic selects the proper gear for driving conditions and helps provide moderate engine braking during downhill driving.

The 2013 Venza is available in LE, XLE and Limited grades. The LE and XLE models are available with all powertrain combinations: four-cylinder, V6, front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD); the Venza Limited is powered by the V6 engine only, in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations. Value has been enhanced and ordering simplified with the addition of many standard features in all three grades.

Venza was developed specifically for the North American market, appealing to customers who prioritize bold, innovative design, a luxurious and refined interior and excellent handling, but they still require roominess and versatility. Venza provides SUV flexibility with its fold-flat rear seats, spacious cargo area, elevated driver sightline, available AWD and up to 1,587.5 kg towing capacity.

Toyota Unveils All-New, More Dynamic 2013 Avalon

For those looking for something more premium, Toyota presents the all-new Avalon at the 2012 New York International Auto Show, redesigned for the 2013 model year. Toyota claims the new mid-sized sedan will begin its launch later this year. When it does, consumers can expect a more spirited drive, a higher level of refinement, the latest technology, and a more progressive design than ever before.

The new 2013 Avalon is the result of a North American-focused design and engineering effort. The new sedan’s dramatic exterior and interior design was conceived by a youthful and talented team at the Calty Design Research Inc. facilities in Southern California and Michigan. At the same time, the new Avalon’s engineering development was principally led by the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Adding to the North American pedigree, the 2013 Avalon will be assembled at Toyota’s facility in Georgetown, Kentucky.

A More Dynamic Drive

Several structural and chassis upgrades were made to the new Avalon to enhance the ride quality, straight-line stability and handling, compared to the outgoing model. Body structure improvements include gains in torsional rigidity thanks to additional and strategically placed welds, improved body bracing, and high-strength steel in key areas in order to provide a stiffer chassis and optimize suspension performance. What’s more, the Avalon receives an electric power steering (EPS) system, tuned deliver enhanced vehicle control while also realizing superior linear stability.

The new Avalon offers three distinct drive modes that help tailor dynamic performance to the driver’s needs. The drive modes – Normal, Eco, and Sport -are made available through driver-selectable switches. In Sport mode, throttle response is enhanced and steering effort is weighted from center to offer a sportier character. Eco changes throttle response and A/C power usage to help improve fuel economy. Steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters help provide a sportier drive while in the D or S Mode, where the revised throttle helps improve shift response to help maximize engine power and vehicle performance.

Rakish Exterior Styling

The new Avalon’s outer shell is a sleek and expressive profile that appears full of motion, even when standing still. The beltline has been lowered, and there’s a longer, sloping roofline, flared front fenders, reduced front and rear overhangs, lower vehicle height, and reduced body-to-tire gap. There’s even new 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheel and tire combinations fill the wheel well to enhance the vehicle’s dynamic exterior expression.

Key exterior design elements include the square Double-eye PES (Projector Ellipsoid System) headlamps with HID (High-Intensity Discharge)and elegant DRL (Daytime Running Lights) feature available that provide excellent night time visibility while helping define a narrower, more taut and muscular exterior expression. A wider, more assertive grille design provides a bolder front perspective. At the rear, high-performance LED combination tail lamps are adopted which are more integrated with the revised rear-body styling. The dual rear tailpipe outlets further the more cohesive design theme.

Modern Interior Experience

Interior improvements on the new Avalon are as evolutionary and modern as the exterior promises. For 2013, the Avalon offers a modern, spacious, premium interior, plenty of rear seat legroom, and even more available features. Beyond mere dimensions, the new Avalon’s interior design enhances the cabin’s sense of spaciousness and comfort. The front seat’s hip point has been lowered by 10 millimeters to improve headroom. The new power front seat design with increased side bolstering is more supportive and offers an expanded range of downward adjustment. In addition, the structural components of the sunroof and the headliner design have been optimized to help increase the cabin’s roominess. A concave dash panel design, located in front of the passenger, helps create an expansive feeling. While the rear overhang has been reduced by 1.7 inches, the luggage compartment capacity is 16.0 cubic feet, an increase of 1.6 cubic feet as compared to the outgoing model.

The Avalon’s premium interior also steps up the refinement by reducing wind, engine and road noise inside the cabin compared to the outgoing model. The resultant interior is even significantly quieter and more comfortable than the current Avalon and it creates an ideal environment to enjoy conversation, music or Toyota’s Entune multimedia system. Sound absorbing materials have been strategically placed around the cabin and body structure while not inhibiting a reduction in overall vehicle weight. The windshield and front side-glass panels utilize acoustic glass that helps control sound intrusion into the cabin. Reductions in wind noise have been realized by optimizing exterior shape, specifically cowl and louver sealing, outer mirror shape and position, and wiper-blade position, which have all been developed to dramatically reduce wind noise generation. Exterior gaps and steps have also been minimized to reduce wind noise around the door glass areas.

The new Avalon’s interior utilizes premium materials and a high degree of craftsmanship to offer an upscale experience. Rich, supple leather trims the steering wheel, shift knob, and seat upholstery helping add visual and tactile appeal. Hand-crafted, decorative stitching is featured on the steering wheel, and soft-touch materials on the dash panel and door trim elevate the vehicle’s sense of tactile luxury. Smoked chrome-metallic accents are applied to the instrument panel, center console, door panel, and steering wheel surfaces to help add distinction and exceptional feel. Available push-button controlled soft white ambient lighting illuminates key regions of the interior to help convey the sense of luxury. What’s more, the 2013 Avalon’s console area is equipped with a USB port, AUX input terminal and three 12-volt power outlets to help facilitate device interface and charging.

The new Avalon will also offer intuitive technologies such as capacitive touch switches with positioning and sensitivity that makes them ideal for vehicle system controls. Other premium in-car technologies include three color display screens that support the multi-information display, audio/navigation interface, and a climate control panel. An easy to use Display Audio system with 6.1 inch touchscreen is standard on the new Avalon. Optional is a JBL Synthesis Premium Audio system, HDD Premium Navigation with 7″ screen, dynamic radar cruise control, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, and a three-zone air conditioning system are also on the list of available features and equipment.

Safety

Like all Toyota models, the new Avalon will feature Toyota’s Star Safety System standard, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, and Smart Stop Technology brake-override system. Just as important, the new Avalon features a best-in-class 10 airbags. A Pre-collision system is also available that is designed to “sense” an impending frontal collision and can help mitigate damage. A variable ratio brake pedal is adopted that varies the initial and final pedal effort ratios to help realize excellent brake pedal feel.

In addition to a rearview monitor, Avalon offers an available Blind Spot Monitoring system which is designed to help detect vehicles behind the outer mirrors and to help alert drivers in addition to a new Rear Cross Traffic Alert system (RCTA) that can alert drivers of cross traffic when they are backing up.

2013 Scion FR-S Priced In United States, Canadian Pricing To Be Announced Soon

The pricing of the spiritual successor to the Toyota AE86, the zippy rear-wheel drive Scion FR-S has recently been made official in the United States market — a great indicator for how it will be priced in Canada. For $24,200 USD, American consumers will be able to purchase the base six-speed manual transmission model. Those who prefer the six-speed automatic will need to be able to afford $1,100 more, or a total of $25,300.

At launch, the 2013 Scion FR-S will feature a 2.0-liter direct-injection 4-cylinder boxer engine, sending power to the rear axle equipped with a limited slip differential. With an ultra-low center of gravity, the FR-S also returns superior handling capabilities, and a 53/47 weight distribution balance.  Lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels and ventilated disc brakes are on all four corners.

The 2.0-liter boxer engine found in the Scion FR-S is a Subaru-sourced four-cylinder, but with Toyota’s D4-S direct injection system for added power and fuel economy. It features a high 12.5:1 compression ratio, and requires premium fuel. Altogether, the FR-s will send 200 horsepower at 7,000 rpm.

The FR-S’s interior features a 2+2 seating configuration that is designed with both form and function in mind. The front seats are mounted extremely low and are comfortable yet assertive, while the rear seat folds down flat, creating flexible space. The large center-mounted tachometer is the focus of the three-gauge cluster, keeping the driver informed of the engine’s vitals. Speed is monitored by both digital and analog gauges.

With its introduction, the FR-S also marks the return of affordable excitement and performance to Toyota Motor Corporation’s lineup of products in the North American market. The Japanese automaker hasn’t offered a true performance machine in the U.S. since the MR2 Spyder ended production in 2007.

Fuel Economy Numbers Of New Scion FR-S Go Public

The market for small, rear-wheel drive coupes in the Canadian market is about to get a huge dose of adrenaline with the launch of the first-ever Scion FR-S. The stylish new brainchild of Toyota Motor Corporation and Subaru is not only a looker, or the epitome of four-cylinder road performance, but it’s also surprisingly fuel efficient, as the fuel economy ratings show.

The official United States EPA fuel efficiency numbers are in, and the Scion FR-S equipped with a six-speed manual transmission has been rated at 22 miles per gallon city and 30 highway on premium fuel, which can be converted as 9.41 L/100km combined fuel economy.

The FR-S will usurp even less fuel when outfitted with the optional automatic six-speed transmission with paddle-shifters — but the stick and clutch pedal are removed in the process. But with numbers close to 25 city/34 highway, (8.4 L/100 km combined) it’s hard to protest.

In brief, here’s what the 2013 Scion FR-S brings to the table:

• 2.0-liter boxer with D4-S injection (direct and port injected)
• 197 hp @ 7,000 rpm and 151 lb-ft (205 Nm) @6,600 rpm
• 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions
• 17-inch wheel/tire package standard
• 4,240mm (167 in.) long, 1285mm (50.6 in.) high, 2,570mm (101 in.) wide
• 53:47 front-to-rear weight distribution
• 475mm (18.7 in.) center of gravity

The 2013 Scion FR-S is expect to go on sale in the spring of 2012. The high-performance rear-wheel-drive, no-frills performance coupe is the fifth model to join the Scion family, and has a set price for the Canadian market of $27,500.

With its introduction, the Scion FR-S brings a performance renascence to Toyota Motor Corp. One that nostalgically brings reminders of the legendary Toyota MR-2 and Supra from decades past. It’s truly a great time to be shopping Scion.

Demand For New Toyota Prius c Is Soaring

Back in December, when the Toyota Prius c first went on sale in Japan, the company received 120,000 orders in the first five days it was on sale. That’s pretty amazing, and the love for the Prius c has found its way to North America, selling 1,200 units in the first three days it was on sale in the United States. Because demand is so high, production of the little Prius c will be increased.

The Prius c, which starts at $20,950, is graced with an updated version of Toyota’s venerable 1.5 liter inline four cylinder engine. The enhancements help improve fuel efficiency with lighter weight valve springs, lighter tension weight piston rings, along with a few other items like the elimination of an accessory belt. In doing so, the power steering, air conditioning and water pump are all driven via electric motors to reduce drag and friction and improve fuel economy. This is paired with a Ni-MH battery pack that is about 2/3rds the size of the one found in the larger Prius, and provides an additional 25.9 horsepower to the c’s 73 horsepower engine. The transaxle in the Prius c is an all electric unit that has no belts.

The Toyota Prius c also carries on the family tradition of being incredibly fuel efficient. Rated by the American EPA at 3.5l/100km in the city,  4.0l/100km on the highway, and 3.7l/100km combined. For those that worry that this B-segment car is cramped inside, it is not. Front seat passengers have plenty of room, no fear of rubbing shoulders with your passenger. For back seat passengers, two normal sized adults will be able to ride comfortably. We had the drivers seat set for us at 5’11”, then jumped in the back seat behind and were able to get in and out with no problem, and our knees were not touching the back of the driver seat either.

The rear seats do fold in a 60/40 arrangement allowing for good load flexibility, bicycles and snowboards will have no problem fitting inside. With the seats up there is 484.2 liters of space in the hatch area, which should be more than enough room for day to day items, or runs to the grocery store.

First Drive: 2012 Toyota Prius c

It’s been twelve years since the Toyota Prius first came on to the American stage. Thought of as a science experiment then, and in many ways it was, now in it’s third generation the Prius Liftback IS the face of Toyota.

While the hybrid and plugin electric market may only be 2.5% of all vehicle sales in the U.S., the Prius accounts for more than 50% of those sales. The most shocking statistic is that 96% of all Prius’ sold, are still on the road today. Looking to expand the sales of the Prius, Toyota have expanded the sub-brand of Prius into four models, with the goal of the Prius family of vehicles surpassing Camry in sales

The first expansion of the Prius family was the v, not quite a crossover, yet more than a wagon, it was Toyota’s move to get growing and active families more space to fit their lifestyle without compromising fuel economy or the integrity of the Prius name. The Plug-in Prius will be the current Liftback model that will have the ability to drive 15 miles on pure electric, then revert back to a standard Prius Hybrid once the charge has been depleted. The last component is the source of our review, and that is the Prius c. It is a B-segment car, which will be competing against the likes of Toyota’s own Yaris and iQ, along with the Mazda2, Ford Fiesta, Chevy Spark, Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, Kia Rio and Hyundai Accent.

Powering the Prius c is an updated version of the venerable 1.5 liter inline four cylinder engine. It has been updated to improve efficiency with lighter weight valve springs, lighter tension weight piston rings along with a few other items like the elimination of an accessory belt so now that the power steering, air conditioning and water pump are all driven via electric motors to reduce drag and friction and improve fuel economy. This is paired with a Ni-MH battery pack that is about 2/3rds the size of the one found in the Liftback, which provides an additional 25.9 horsepower to the 73 horsepower engine. The transaxle in the Prius c is an all electric unit that has no belts.

Fuel economy is the raison d’etre in the Prius family and the Prius c will deliver that in spades. Rated by the American EPA 53 city (4.43l/100km), 46 highway (5.1l/100km) and 50 (4.7l/100km) combined. We had the opportunity to drive for a short 25 mile loop that was an equal mix of surface roads and highway. On the surface roads we pulled down 63.5 mpg (3.7l/100km) without really making an effort to maximize fuel economy, and at the end of the loop we had a combined 54.7 mpg, (4.3l/100km) and that was while driving highway speeds of 70-75 mph (110-120kph). Keeping with the rest if the Prius family, the c also has start/stop technology, so that the car is running only when it needs to when stopped in traffic. If you are in stop and go driving, this is an excellent way to save a few extras drops of fuel.

Lest you think this B-segment car is cramped inside, it is not. Front seat passengers have plenty of room, no fear of rubbing shoulders with your passenger. For back seat passengers, two normal sized adults will be able to ride comfortably. We had the drivers seat set for us at 5’11”, then jumped in the back seat behind and were able to get in and out with no problem, and our knees were not touching the back of the driver seat either.

The rear seats do fold in a 60/40 arrangement allowing for good load flexibility, bicycles and snowboards will have no problem fitting inside. With the seats up there is 484.2 liters of space in the hatch area, which should be more than enough room for day to day items, or runs to the grocery store.

In the upper trim levels Toyota have made Softex synthetic leather an option. Listening to their consumers, Toyota have eliminated the use of natural leather in the Prius family of cars. The Softext in our test car, was comfortable, had a quality feel to it, and was grippy so that we did not slide around in the seat.

There will be four trim levels to the Prius c, One, Two, Three and Four. Stepping up to trim level’s Three and Four will net you a smart key, which offers the ability to not have to take the key out of your pocket to get in the car, or need it for starting. The upper two levels also get you the top end audio system with navigation. It has a 6.1 inch touch screen with AM/FM/SirusXM/HD Radio and also will play CD’s along with MP3 and WMA files through a six speaker system.

All trim levels have bluetooth as standard but trim levels Three and Four allow for advanced voice recognition. The top end audio system also includes Entune. Entune is a system that Toyota have developed that works with the data connection on your smart phone to supply Pandora, iHeart Radio, OpenTable, MovieTickets.com along with real time traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports scores and weather to you.

You register on a specific Toyota website with your cars VIN number, and then you can assign up to four different phones to the system so that everyone can taylor the system to themselves, if multiple people in a household share the car.

The Prius c also contains a 3.5-inch (8.9 cm) TFT display to the right of the offset digital speedometer. There are multiple levels of menus to explore within. Items like energy monitors, drive information, scoring the last 100 drives and how economical the current one is, 5-minute consumption. There is an ECO Savings level where you can program the current cost of gas in, and also the mpg of another vehicle to see how much you are saving with the Prius c. It also calculates the current cost of your current trip, and past trips, and brake it down into a cost per mile. It will also grade you on how economically you are driving and braking on a scale of 1-5 and display it in a bar graph.

Many people worry about safety in cars that are as small as the Prius c. To address this Toyota is including nine standard airbags along with items like ABS, traction control, vehicle stability control, brake assist, brake force distribution and smart stop.

Smart stop is a system that intervenes when both the brake and gas peddles are pressed at the same time. In a panic situation one might press down hard on both peddles without meaning to. The system senses this, and disengages the gas, it also incorporates a hill assist into the system so that if you are on a hill and stopped, you do not roll backwards when transferring from the brake peddle to the gas peddle.

Pricing (given in US Dollars) for the Prius c in trim level One starts at $19,710, Level Two is $20,760, Level Three is $22,395 and Level Four is $23,990, all prices include the $760 destination fee. While this is certainly on the higher end of the B-Segment price structure, cars like Ford’s Fiesta can quickly top $20,000 as well once they are optioned up. The base price of the Prius c is about a $2,000 premium over the Yaris to give some context.

Out on the road the Prius c drives very well. While the handling can’t be called sporty, it is very competent. It is very agile, has a better ride quality than the Prius Liftback or v, and also transmits less road noise through the tires than the Liftback or v as well. The Prius c engineers took extra time to mitigate as much NVH from the car as possible and their work shows.

Acceleration in city traffic from 0-40 (0-65kph) miles an hour is good, though not quick. Merging onto the highway the power can be best described as adequate. It is able to get on to freeways and merge without drama, and while you may feel you need to be going faster or accelerating quicker, once you look at the speedometer, you will see you’ve already gotten up to the speed of surrounding traffic. The car can engage an EV mode where it can run up to a mile with a max speed of 25 miles (40 km) an hour.

The Prius c was able to run (120 kph) 75 miles an hour on the highway with no issues, it was not moved around by semi’s going past, it felt very stable, and the interior is quiet enough to hold a conversation in a normal tone of voice.

While the other versions of the Prius have never excited us all that much, we feel that the c is the first Prius that we can get behind. It truly was a fun and satisfying car to drive. In a time when gas is again approaching (on the rise again) $4/gallon in the U.S., having a car that can pull down (sub 5l/100km) 50 mpg is an attractive proposition. And when that proposition asks very few compromises from you, it’s even more so. No the car is not a sports car, or a sporty car, what it is, is a small car that gets the job done, can be well equipped, and you don’t mind driving. While in the past, and even now with the Liftback and the v, the Prius’ could be described as automotive appliances, the c does not have that vibe, it feels like a car first, a hybrid second.