The Prius c is Official: > 50 MPG City, 1.5-liter Engine, Pretty Colors

Some of those competitors have already made the spare optional in that segment. I think it has a bigger effect on base advertised price than weight, personally.

It is odd that its standard on the cheap model in Japan. Do the more costly trims get a fancy cargo tray, with higher mark-up, in the spare tire well?

 

It is actually 103% of Gen2 which is rated 45 MPG highway.

Ken also noted that Prius c is more efficient than Gen2 because of EGR and belt-less ICE. It should also use 0W20 oil to further increase the efficiency.

Prius c may have taller final gear because the car is lighter, so the ICE can rev lower at high(er) speeds.

My guess is 45 to 48 MPG highway.

 

where are the colors?

 

I just read an article from the LA Autoshow that is occurring right now that mirrors your comment. I'm surprised. Since I started driving, many years ago, I've put a spare tire on, myself, at least 3-4 times. It takes me less than 20 minutes, and I'm on my way. I couldn't imagine being on a road trip, far from society and not having a spare. It would be like going hiking in the desert without water or a basic first aid kit. Not very wise. I will definitely be adding the optional spare. To not do so seems foolish to me.

I understand the weight savings. F=ma. That makes perfect sense to me. But safety should always come first. I'm sure there are PLENTY of other things in the average car that can be eliminated to save weight.

 

Yeah, that's really bizarre.

Yep, http://priuschat.com/forums/other-c...tires-ditched-automakers-seek-efficiency.html.

For the PiP though, it's more a matter of the extra batteries being empty area under the rear cargo floor, blocking access to the what was there spare tire well. I suppose they could find another place for it, but that might drastically cut down on cargo space or alternatively have it mounted under the car or on the rear door, like on many SUVs.

 

The patch kit is lighter, but ruins the tire when used! I was lucky to get the stuff out of the tire fast enough first time I had to use the kit not to replace the tire, but not so much 2nd. time.
And to refill it costs more than $120!

On the positive side you have a tire preassure kit to ensure the right pressure at any time

I'm still baffled about the low weight of the c!

 

Well that is why I gave the change from the current gen III prius which has EGR, 0W20, and beltless driver. The gear ratio is virtual in the psd and based on power required of the engine, so I do not understand your use of final gear ratio. I'm not disagreeing with your numbers, but don't understand your critism of my calculation. Gen 3 hwy 48 mpg/(106% cdA) = 45mpg hwy which we must adjust for engine efficiency, rolling resistance, weight. I do not know the efficiency difference but am guessing as speed increases the gen 3 engine will be more efficient, but .... the prius c weighs less.

 

Just providing calculation from Gen2 perspective as yours is from Gen3.

What I meant about the final gearing is the opposite of what Toyota did with Prius v. To make up for Prius v extra weight, they increased the ratio and lost the some top speed but acceleration remains about 10 secs.

I would imagine Prius c to have the opposite tweak for less weight.

 

Ouch! On a side note, besides buying the optional spare, I wonder how many others will look around to spares that will also fit but originally from other cars.

On MNL, since the Leaf comes w/no spare (nor any space to store it), some folks have picked up Altima spares from junkyards.

 

With cellphones and patch kits there has to be a combination of factors to leave you stranded. Unless you're really going to be in the middle of nowhere, a spare is a warranty rather than a necessity.

 

Well, I'd like to see 48 mpg EPA highway (same as Gen 3) but I'm not holding out much hope. (Even if the EPA rating comes out at 45 mpg, the smaller engine should mean great potential for drivers who can keep off the power and keep the top speed down.)

The blurb emphasized the city mileage and "driving dynamics" or something like that. So, I think that rather than lengthen the gearing for economy they'll keep it shorter for "pep". (Not so good for me, but my wife would like it to be a bit more responsive.)

 

Is the patch kit just fiberglass that you squirt into the tire via the valve stem, like the "green stuff" used for bicycles?

I was really happy when I heard about the weight. My 2004 Corolla is 2450lbs and the Gen3 Prius is HEAVY by comparison. I think I'm really going to like the Prius c.

I just want to know that if I'm on my way somewhere important, I can palliate the matter myself, quickly, and continue on my way. And yes, I average about two road trips per year - and there are a lot of roads "in the middle of nowhere," and many national parks where there is no cell phone coverage.

 

Unfortunately I don't know any more details other than the high price and tire-ruining ability.

 

Sounds like getting a basic plug kit from wal-mart is better to have.

I have used the slime in a tire with a slow leak. It was in there for a couple of years. Didn't ruin the tire, but it did dry out, come loose, and threw the tire out of balance.

 

On flat tires. I did get two on my prius at the same time, so having a spare does not guarantee you won't be stranded. I was close to town and the tow only took 2 hours. Still having one spare is better than 2.

I have used fix-a-flat before and it did not ruin the tire. The tire place does need to clean it out though. I'm not sure if it has as long of a shelf life as the patch kit toyota is putting in.

I don't think no spare is that big of a deal any more, but certain trips they are definitely nice to have, and full size spares as I had on my last car are even nicer, since you don't need to get it repaired right away.

Let's face it the majority of people buying a prius c will never change their own tire.

 

USB must be referring to the differential ratio, and maybe ken has the figure on what this ratio will be. With similar pwr/wt it should have similar acceleration to the gen III prius. Driving dynamics would refer to handling, and we won't know if this is improved until some reviewers drive it.

 

reason might be as simple as base model having 14" tires and higher spec having 15" which would then ruin the trunk size.

usually European Toyota's with larger wheels get tire kit as supposed to base models due to this.

Also, at the time i worked there, big point was made of factory tire kit not ruining the tires and being much easier to use than cheap chinese kits. they started using them on 18" Rav4's back in 2006.

 

So it appears that Toyota did not choose run-flat tires. I'm assuming this is because run-flat tires are heavier? Any ideas?

 

The car has two a/c vents? am I missing others?

It's going to be hot in there...

 

They are normally more expensive, heavier, and have a firmer ride - these disadvantages are decreasing but still there. I would guess cost is the largest reason.