16 April 2012
New Car Report: The Hybrid’s definition of cool
Toyota has placed much emphasis on introducing a new range of styling into the market and the Prius c is a good indicator of things to come. Toyota New Zealand claim the Prius c which incorporates Toyota’s hybrid synergy drive is the most fuel efficient car in their line-up, and the best priced hybrid vehicle in New Zealand.
Prius became a household name when referring to hybrids, now there is a new kid on the block destined to add some glamour to the already popular model.
The Prius c has not taken the 1.8L gasoline/electric motor configuration we have come to know from the Prius, instead a downsized 1.5 L VVT-i (variable valve timing – intelligent) gasoline engine is bolted to a ECVT (Electronic continuously variable transmission) which works astonishingly well and makes perfect sense considering the entire vehicle is smaller than the Prius. EV (electric vehicle) mode makes use of the electric motor for a short length of time depending on the battery charge, when the throttle pedal is depressed requesting more power, the four cylinder 1.5L engine kicks in.
Toyota New Zealand are busy aligning their national dealership sites with their green image and have adopted the internationally recognized Enviro-mark programme which will ensure their network of dealers commit to decrease their impact on the environment.
Urban dominance
Toyota has marketed this vehicle as a “cool, fun and stylish” hybrid; they certainly have us convinced.
The interactive Eco-drive monitor located on the conservatively styled dashboard displays a generous amount of information regards to the hybrid system status and other eco driving information. It brings with it a form of competitiveness to achieve the best fuel efficiency and take top honors on a formula one style podium.
The steering switches incorporating air-conditioning, audio and Eco-drive monitor controls make it fairly easy to navigate your way around while driving. There are three exclusive colours added to the mix, in the form of Sunrise, Aqua and White Mist. The projector type four beam halogen headlamps, front fog lamps and LED rear combination lamps come standard across the Prius c range. The s-tech model has LED headlamps combined with headlamp cleaners as standard equipment, the LED technology assists in reducing electricity consumption.
The hybrid battery, auxiliary battery and the fuel tank are located underneath the rear seat and have air vents to assist with cooling the Nickel metal hydride battery. The boot space is a satisfactory 305 liters and the rear seats have a 60:40 split that easily folds down to free up some extra load space. Keyless entry and push button start/stop come standard along with climate control air conditioning. Safety comes in the form of seven airbags as well as two isofix anchorages and child seat anchorages. Active safety features include ABS (antilock brakes), TRC (traction control), EBD (electronic brake force distribution), VSC (vehicle stability control), BA (brake assist) and HAC (Hill start control). Although this vehicle has not yet been crash tested, Toyota NZ anticipates achieving a five star rating.
Fuel sipping evolution
Toyota claims the Prius c has a combined fuel consumption rate of only 3.9L/100km; emits only 90g of CO2 emissions per kilometre. The 1.5L gasoline engine delivers 54kW of power and 111Nm of torque, the 520v electric motor delivers 45kW of power and 169Nm of torque. The Prius c comes standard with 15 inch steel wheel rims, upgradable to 15 inch alloys for $1000. The Prius c s-tech comes standard with 16 inch alloy wheel rims and synthetic leather seats instead of the standard spec cloth seats.
The Prius c retails for $30,990 and the Prius c s-tech retails for $34,990, less than you would expect to pay for all this technology.
Normally, hybrid vehicles are perceived as being bland and overpriced; surely the Prius c has taken a leap forward in changing this perception. We found the driving experience to be somewhat energetic and nimble although it is no hot hatch. This vehicle undoubtedly has revolutionised the way greener cars will be perceived in future and has the good looks and a reasonable price tag that is sure to receive some added attention.