For those wondering what the “C” means in the Prius C nameplate, it stands for CLEAN, COMPACT, CLEVER, and CITY. The Prius C by auto giant Toyota is popularly known as a safe, comfortable, and environment-friendly hybrid vehicle with unconventional exterior design. The Toyota Prius C comes in a more urban-friendly and maneuverable subcompact hatchback package. There might be a few Prius-esque designs present in the Toyota Prius C, but the car's overall styling is more conventional compared to its bigger sibling. The wind-cheating shape of the Toyota Prius C enables the vehicle to have a decent 0.28 coefficient of drag despite being a small hatchback. The interior features a completely digital gauge cluster, which is expected from a Toyota Hybrid. It also has a 6.5 inches central touchscreen, which is becoming a standard feature in most subcompact vehicles today. The leather-clad cabin also comes with automatic climate control. Under the hood of the Toyota Prius C lies a 1.5L gasoline engine that creates 98 horsepower and a 45 kW electric motor that makes 60 horsepower. Similar to most hybrids, the engine of the Toyota Prius is paired to a continuously variable transmission that is electronically controlled. It also comes with EV and ECO mode settings.
Launch
Toyota Motor Philippines unveiled the Toyota Prius C at its annual Media Thanksgiving Party in 2012. This is a perfect vehicle for consumers without children or, at most, young children. Toyota Prius C is a combination of Yaris-sized subcompact and the Japanese carmaker's legendary Synergy gasoline-electric hybrid engine.
The latest edition of the Toyota Prius C hybrid subcompact was launched in 2015. Toyota Prius is basically a smaller Prius but with an entirely revamped interior and exterior design.
Toyota Motor Philippines offers the Prius C in four color options: Yellow Mica Metallica, Orange Pearl, Silver Metal, and Cool Soda Metallic. In the Philippines, Toyota Prius C is sold at Php 1,970,000.
Exterior
The Toyota Prius C also features a lot of visual drama in its exterior design, which is similar to its sedan version. But the styling comes with a bit of dilution. Toyota Prius C got an extrovert styling, which is not a design that may impress everyone.
The front end of the Toyota Prius C gets a simply-styled set of headlamps that come with projector units. A hexagonal grille sits at the center with rounded edges. The brand's logo sits at the middle top, which is in blue, depicting that the car is hybrid. Two sharp corners are also present at its lower ends.
The rear part of the Prius C gets large vertical lamps with rounded edges on the outside. It also features a flat and rectangular windscreen and a roof spoiler.
Interior
The interior of the Toyota Prius is mostly inspired by its sedan counterpart but with an extra touch of conventionality. The four-spoke steering wheel comes with a large-sized center boss. The instrument console is placed at the center - inspired by its big sibling, the Prius. It presents the data on the move, which makes it pretty cool to look at.
The 6.5 inches touchscreen infotainment system is mounted at the center console. The system gets a premium and nice-looking piano black finish, however, the system itself is pretty much dated. The cabin of the Prius C is predominantly black. Fabric is the only seat material option available, but it comes in black color – matching the interior.
Technology & Safety Features
In terms of technological features, Toyota Prius C has 6.5 inches LCD smart-touch-screen monitor and an audio system that is DVD/CD/iPod/USB/MP3 compatible. These come as standard in all variants. Additionally, Toyota Prius C’s entire line gets audio-streaming and hands-free calling functions via Bluetooth connectivity.
The vehicle is also equipped with all the essential safety features, including hill start assist system, traction control, vehicle stability control, ABS with EBD, front and side-impact beams, crash sensors, engine check warning, and seven airbags. In addition, Toyota Prius C features smart access card entry, power door locks, central locking, anti-theft device, and engine immobilizer.
Platform & Chassis
The Toyota Prius C is a five-seater subcompact hatchback offering from Toyota. It rides on Toyota's B platform – the platform that is mainly developed for front-wheel-drive vehicles and can also be adapted to become an all-wheel-drive platform. The length of the Toyota Prius C is 3,995 mm, the width is 1,695 mm, and the wheelbase is 2,550 mm.
MacPherson struts handle the front suspension with stabilizers and the torsion beam for the rear setup. This suspension brings a softer side for a plush quality ride.
Ventilated discs deliver the stopping power at the front and drum brakes at the rear.
Engine & Drivetrain
Lying under the hood of the Toyota Prius C is the 1.5L Hybrid Synergy Drive, a four-cylinder mill. This small-displacement alone can make 72 horsepower and 111 Newton-meter of torque. A permanent magnet synchronous motor assists the gasoline-powered engine. The battery type in this vehicle is a sealed nickel-metal hydride.
The electric motor produces 97 horsepower and 142 Newton-meter of torque. Toyota Prius C is only available in Continuously Variable Transmission with EV and ECO modes.