Prius c perfect subcompact for city lifestyle

The newest addition to Toyota’s iconic Prius is set to debut in March. Called the Prius c, it is a subcompact designed specifically to fit the lives of city dwellers.

Prius c is one facet of the expanding Prius line, which also includes the third generation Prius liftback, the new Prius v and the Prius Plug-in Hybrid – also coming in 2012.

Under the Hood

A 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine producing 73 horsepower and 82 pound-feet of torque mates with a 60-horsepower electric motor for a total horsepower output of 99. That adds up to an EPA-estimated 53 mpg in the city and 46 mpg on the highway.

Powering the electric motor is a 144-volt nickel hydride battery pack that Toyota engineers set low under the rear passenger seat so the vehicle’s center of gravity is kept low.

Three driving modes give Prius c drivers the option to leave it in standard hybrid mode, an Eco mode that increases overall efficiency and an EV mode that allows distances of less than one mile to be traveled solely on electric power, provided the vehicle stays under 25 mph.

Suspension is handled by a Macpherson strut design on the front and a torsion beam setup on the rear.

Comfort and Convenience

Being part of the subcompact class doesn’t mean drivers have to skimp on luxury as the Prius c offers an array of amenities.

Available features include a 3.5-inch full-color information display, hands-free phone capability through Bluetooth technology, a USB port with iPod connectivity and a navigation system with Toyota’s Entune multimedia technology.

Standard features include climate control, keyless entry, and tilt and telescoping steering wheel with integrated controls for the audio system, climate control and Bluetooth hands-free devices.

The base model audio system is either four or six speakers, depending on model, and features AM/FM stereo and CD player with MP3/WMA playback ability and an auxiliary jack with hands-free Bluetooth capability and music streaming.

Drivers who opt for the Display Audio with Entune package get a six-speaker system with a 6.1-inch touchscreen monitor, SiriusXM Satellite Radio capability, HD Radio with iTunes tagging, and advanced voice recognition.

The Entune system functions through smartphones, allowing drivers to use apps such as Pandora and Bing while getting real-time information on stocks, sports and other topics.

Safety

Nine airbags provide collision safety to Prius c passengers. Toyota’s Star Safety System is standard on the vehicle, and it includes safety features such as vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake assist and smart-stop technology.

Steering is fast and responsive with a new, faster steering ratio than on other Prius models, with 2.28 turns lock to lock.