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Toyota Prius c: 53 MPG city / 46 MPG Hwy; Under $19,000

Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' started by Danny, Jan 10, 2012.

  1. Danny

    Danny Admin/Founder
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    Below are a few important bullet points on the upcoming Prius c. See the full report below for further details.
    • 53 MPG City / 46 MPG Hwy / 50 MPG Combined
    • With a starting price that will be under $19k, the Prius c will carry a lower MSRP than the first-gen Prius Toyota launched 12 years ago.
    • Targeted toward "younger shoppers seeking a smartly designed, fuel-efficient subcompact car packing advanced drivetrain and in-car technology"
    • Powered by 1.5-liter engine. 99 total horsepower.
    • Available in 9 different colors.
    Toyota Prius c Completes the Prius Family of Vehicles • Highest rated city fuel economy of any vehicle without a plug • Introduces proven hybrid powertrain at MSRP below $19,000 • Wide array of available convenience and premium technology DETROIT , Michigan, Jan.10, 2012 – Following the U.S. debut of the all-new 2012 Prius c at the 2012 North American International Auto Show here, Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., plans to bring this dynamically styled, five-door hatchback to market in March of 2012, and introduce Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive to the subcompact segment. The letter “c” represents “city” in the Prius c name. Designed to function as an urban-friendly vehicle with an engaging driving experience, hatchback utility, and a city fuel economy rating of 53 mpg, Prius c offers the highest city mpg rating of any vehicle without a plug. The all-new Prius c joins the Prius Family, which includes the third generation Prius Liftback, the versatile new Prius v and the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, which will debut in early 2012. Beginning with the first generation fourteen years ago, over two million Prius units have been sold worldwide. Prius remains the world’s premier eco-vehicle brand, and has made great strides establishing consumer trust in hybrid technology. With Prius c, Toyota will make the market’s most proven hybrid technology available to subcompact car shoppers with a starting MSRP below $19,000. Unique Place in the Prius Family A gateway product into the Prius Family, the new Prius c will find favor with younger shoppers seeking a smartly designed, fuel-efficient subcompact car packing advanced drivetrain and in-car technology. The Prius c will offer engaging driving dynamics with superior urban maneuverability. When the 2012 Prius c arrives in showrooms this spring, the all-new hatchback will offer:
    • The highest rated city fuel economy estimate of any vehicle without a plug*; 53 mpg in the city, and 46 mpg on the highway, for a combined rating of 50 mpg
    • The most accessible Prius will feature a starting MSRP below $19,000 with proven hybrid powertrain and premium technology
    • A premium subcompact car experience thanks to a wide array of available convenience and advanced in-car electronics features, including a standard 3.5-in. full color TFT multi-information display, hands-free phone capability, USB port with iPod® connectivity, and available Display Audio system with Navigation and Entune™
    The scale of the all-new Prius c becomes apparentwhen compared to the familiar proportions of the midsize Prius Liftback. The Prius c is smaller and lighter than its midsize Prius stable mate with 19.1 inches less length (157.3 vs. 176.4 inches OAL) and 542 lbs. less weight than the Prius Liftback (2,500 vs. 3,042 lbs.). In adapting the Hybrid Synergy Drive to the smaller Prius c platform, each of the system’s major components were re-designed to reduce weight, scale, and improve efficiency. OAL OAH OAW Wheelbase Curb weight 2012 Prius 176.4 in. 58.7 in. 68.7 in. 106.3 in. 3,042 lbs. 2012 Prius c 157.3 in. 56.9 in. 66.7 in. 100.4 in. 2,500 lbs. Four Grades with Generous Standard Equipment The Prius c will be available in four trim levels offering desirable features, equipment, and enhanced capability giving consumers a compelling value proposition. Prius c provides many standard features such as automatic climate control, tilt-telescopic steering wheel with audio, climate, Multi-Information Display and Bluetooth® hands-free controls, and remote keyless entry with illuminated entry among a long list of standard equipment. Efficient Packaging The Prius c’s effective packaging design strategically locates key drivetrain components within the chassis to help optimize interior space and handling. The compact gasoline engine, transaxle and power-control unit are optimally placed within the vehicle to help enhance weight distribution and lower the center of gravity. In addition, the hybrid battery and fuel tank are positioned together beneath the rear seat, ideally distributing their mass within the wheelbase to improve weight distribution to help enhance handling. By locating the battery and fuel tank below the rear seat, the Prius c is able to offer 104 cu. ft. of interior volume (87.4 cu. ft. passenger volume, 17.1 cu. ft. cargo volume). Prius c Hybrid Synergy Drive Propulsion The Prius c’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system integrates the operation of components that include a gasoline engine, an electric motor within a Continuously Variable Transaxle, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a power control unit (inverter), a DC-DC converter, a step-up converter and a hybrid control computer. The hybrid control computer governs the seamless application of gasoline engine and electric power depending on driving demands and selected drive mode. Gasoline Engine Engine Output Electric Motor Output Total System Output Prius 1.8-liter, four-cylinder, Atkinson cycle with VVT-i 98 hp@5200 rpm 105 lb.-ft.@4000 rpm 80 hp (60 kW) 134 hp (100 kW) Prius c 1.5-liter, four-cylinder, Atkinson cycle with VVT-i 73 hp@4800 rpm 82 lb.-ft@4000 rpm 60 hp (45kW) 99 hp (74 kW) The Prius c relies on a SULEV (Tier 2 Bin 3) rated 1.5-liter in-line, four-cylinder gasoline engine that utilizes an Atkinson cycle to increase efficiency. This engineproduces 73 horsepower and 82 lb.-ft. of torque, contributing to a total hybrid system output of 99 hp. The Prius c’s hybrid system utilizes a 144-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack that has been located under the rear passenger seat, near the center of the vehicle, and low in the chassis to help improve the center of gravity. Prius c offers three distinct drive modes: Normal, Eco, and EV mode. Eco mode reduces overall energy consumption by governing climate control and throttle to improve vehicle efficiency. Under certain conditions, the EV mode allows the Prius c to be driven solely by electric power for a short distance (under 1 mile) while remaining below 25 mph. Vehicle Structure – Improved Handling and Safety The Prius c’s body structure makes extensive use of lightweight, high-strength steel to help reduce vehicle mass and improve fuel economy. The strategic use of high-tensile-strength steel contributes to the vehicle’s ability to absorb and disperse impact energies helping enhance occupant safety. The high level of torsional rigidity afforded by the Prius c body structure allows the suspension to be more optimally tuned for ride and handling. Suspension and Steering for Enhanced Handling The front suspension uses a Macpherson strut design, and the rear rides on a tuned torsion beam. The coil-spring and shock-absorber characteristics of the Prius c have been tuned to enhance handling, flat turning, and smooth ride comfort. Prius c is available with 15- or 16-inch wheel-and-tire combinations. The 15-inch wheels are available in steel with wheel cover for base model or in aluminum alloy for elevated trim levels. Prius c models equipped with the available 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels enjoy enhanced handling thanks to a faster steering ratio (2.28 turns lock to lock), which helps quicken the vehicle’s dynamic response. Youthful Exterior and Interior Design The Prius c exterior design helps project a fun, youthful attitude for this all-new addition to the Prius family, while offering excellent aerodynamic performance. Extensive aerodynamic features were engineered into the Prius c to help achieve a 0.28 coefficient of drag. Adding character to this subcompact, the Prius c’s lower-body styling is wider below the beltline, featuring sculpted rear flares to help express a sturdy, athletic stance that communicates a more agile driving experience. The Prius c’s available exterior colors include vibrant hues that are unique and expressive. The available colors for Prius c include three new colors – Habanero, Moonglow, and Summer Rain Metallic – along with Blue Streak Metallic, Absolutely Red, Black Sand Pearl, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Classic Silver Metallic, and Super White. The Prius c interior design seeks to create a space that is futuristic yet passenger friendly. Using black as a basic interior color, the door trim, seat surfaces, and instrument panel feature treatments in lighter colors to help create contrast. Display Audio and Connectivity with Entune® The 2012 Prius c will offer three audio system configurations. A base audio system features either four or six speakers, depending on the model, and includes AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod® connectivity, hands-free phone capability, phone book access, and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology. The Display Audio with Navigation and Entune™ has six speakers and augments capability with a 6.1-inch touchscreen, SiriusXM™ Satellite Radio capability (with 3-month trial subscription to XM Select package), HD Radio™ with iTunes® tagging, and advanced voice recognition. Toyota’s Entune™ multi-media system functions through select smart phones’ interface that brings applications such as Bing and Pandora® to the vehicle audio display. It also features real time information such as traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports, and stocks. Standard Safety Features The Prius c is equipped with nine airbags strategically located to help protect the driver and passengers in the event of certain types of accidents. The new 2012 Prius c, like allToyota models, is equipped with the standard Star Safety System™, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop Technology (SST). * 2012 EPA 53/46/50 city/highway/combined mpg estimates. Actual mileage will vary.
     
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  2. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    Using 55% City and 45% highway, the combined is 50 MPG.
     
  3. spwolf

    spwolf Senior Member

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    yep... so what do you guys think? It seems reasonable.
    Real life figures should be considerably better than Prius IMHO, because it is only 2500lbs car.

    It is very light car. Yaris in US is 2300lbs, and thats with less features and smaller car (Prius c is based on Verso-S MPV sold in Europe and Japan, which is half size up from Yaris).
     
  4. Skoorbmax

    Skoorbmax Senior Member

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    Damn, that is a bit disappointing on MPG, I won't be the only one to say it. More or less rated the same as the Gen 3, which is larger and has more power. How is this even possible?

    It's pretty obvious that hybrid tech is going to get incrementally better now, no leaps and bounds.

    On the other hand, if it's under $19,000 that to me offsets any disappointment at it not having a combined ~55.

    I think this car will sell like honey to a bear. If you're looking at econoboxes you're looking in mid teens but throw a few more thousand at it and your ~29-30 MPG (best in class econobox or subcompact mileage for city now) can get boosted to 53, it's going to be an easy sell to many.
     
  5. Rybold

    Rybold globally warmed member

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    UNDER $19K and March 2012 !!! SWEET !!! This will open up a whole new market of consumers!

    And I'll bet companies will buy these for couriers and car fleets to run errands around the city.

    Will it effectively price Honda out of the market?

    If regular Prius is 51/50 mpg and this is 53/46 mpg, it makes me wonder which model with have the higher combined mpg on the EPA rating. Toyota says 50 combined, but is that the EPA number that will be on the window sticker?
     
  6. cyclopathic

    cyclopathic Senior Member

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    Interesting that the hwy MPG is lower then GenIII. Granted the Cd is higher (.28) but frontal area is lower, so the resistance of Prius C should be closer to GenIII (about .26 after frontal area adjustment).

    Overall rating EPA is the same as bigger GenIII, but you can't beat 19,000 MSRP, they will sell. Esp to commuters, city dwellers but also looks like a perfect 1st car for a kid.
     
  7. jyoungprius

    jyoungprius Member

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    The net epa numbers show exactly the same combined mpg as the 3rd gen midsize Prius. So I can get a much smaller lighter car with far less power...and yet not gain even 1 mpg (combined) epa mileage. That is very disappointing.
    This car will only appeal to those who have envied the Prius for many years and now might finally be able to afford the $19,000 starting price.....but it looks like the average driver will gain absolutely nothing in terms of better fuel economy over the regular more powerful and more roomy midsize regular Prius.
     
  8. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    You stated the main point then you seem to have missed the point entirely.

    It is opening up the Prius to a new market segment. It was not designed to beat the standard Prius on all fronts. It was meant to be cheaper and smaller. I feel they hit the nail on the head. The Prius will always be their gold standard. I bet they are saving up and perfecting the new technology for the GenIV standard model. Debuting a car that is better all around than the standard model would be a bad move for Toyota.
     
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  9. jyoungprius

    jyoungprius Member

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    "Debuting a car that is better all around than the standard model would be a bad move for Toyota."
    That's true.....however, I am much more interested in what is best for the consumer...not what is bestfor Toyota.
     
  10. Sergiospl

    Sergiospl Senior Member

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  11. Muhahahahaz

    Muhahahahaz Member

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    Not impressed. I was expecting a small Prius to get 60MPG at least!
     
  12. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    "the consumer" is 10s of millions of people. Many of that group shop price.

    I think the bigger question is what "starts at" means. If the $19 car is viewed as stripped and unattractive, then Toyota may have missed the demographic they want to adopt this car. I went to a Hyundai dealership not too long ago and was really impressed by the amount of design, initial quality, and gadgets they stuff into a car under $20.

    Forget Honda for this demographic; the question is can Toyota beat Hyundai.
     
  13. Skoorbmax

    Skoorbmax Senior Member

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    That isn't relevant to this thread. That is also a concept vehicle, so the next Prius will look nothing like it!
    Right, you gain nothing except it's going to be $3500-4000 cheaper than a Gen 3. Virtually all of my driving back and forth to work I am carting around 4 empty seats. I could do that on a motorbike even. This would be a superior commuter car to the Prius gen 3 because same mileage, but appreciably cheaper. Maybe we'll end up with a c and a v :0

    The Honda Insight is almost irrelevant already. I wonder if they'll cancel it, since the c should best it in really every conceivable way.
     
  14. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    BTW, people should pay attention to Toyota press releases -- they say what they mean, and they mean what they say. It has been close to 2 years that Toyota reported that the 'c' would focus on narrowing the so-called hybrid premium.

    Looks to me like they cut the premium in half. Good job!
     
  15. ItsNotAboutTheMoney

    ItsNotAboutTheMoney EditProfOptInfoCustomUser Title

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    Cruise is not indicated as standard. Price with cruise (= Insight LX)?
     
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  16. PearlJammer

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  17. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    The GenIII is longer and is more efficient at higher speeds due to this aerodynamic advantage as well as the broader torque curve of the 1.8L vs. the 1.5L. Longer shapes are better for speed and cruising efficiency than are shorter shapes with a higher ration of height to width. Think about the fastest most efficient fish/mammal shapes.... ;) Or even better think of a teardrop!

    You also have to consider that the sloped back end of the GenIII vs. the abrubt end in the c. Fastback and Kammback designs are more efficiency at smoothing out airflow and reducing low pressure zones at the rear of the vehicle.
     
  18. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    And how do you view this as not best for the consumer? You mean it's not best for YOU and your particular wants. It's rare for any car company to make drastic changes to a car even at the mid model year. There is a reason they wait to release drastic changes when the new model debuts.

    The fact is Toyota opened up a new market segment to compete with the lower priced non-hybrid models like the Elantra, Fiesta, Cruze etc.. If they would have pushed the MPG to appease you the car would have been priced too high and would have missed the mark regarding targeted demographics.
     
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  19. Danny

    Danny Admin/Founder
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    I almost guarantee that the c will comes with cruise standard. If it comes with remote keyless entry & Bluetooth as standard, I can't imagine cruise being a package option.

    I'll be driving the car at the end of the month and will get a lot more information on the c then. Not sure when I'll be able to release the information I receive due to embargoes, though.
     
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  20. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    I can see it now: "if you want smart-key, the entry level price is a bit more ..."

    I would take smart-key over cruise control in a New York second, but I really doubt I'll be given that choice.