New Toyota Prius C makes a big entrance this 2012

MANILA, Philippines - Guess what? The Prius family just got bigger and smaller!

To explain this oxymoron – yes, another model has again been added to the Prius family... and this time it’s a smaller sibling: a compact hybrid called the Prius C.

The Prius C was first revealed as a concept car in the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, and as early as then, Toyota had already announced their plans to mass produce the compact concept in the early part of 2012. True to their word, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) recently unveiled this much-awaited new hybrid to the Philippine motoring press last Friday, during a thanksgiving party at the Hotel Sofitel, celebrating the company’s 10th triple crown feat. TMP president Michinobu Sugata was more than happy to share the exciting news.

The new Prius C showcases Toyota’s “eco-fun” design concept, presenting a compact body with active proportions. This hatchback is about 19 inches shorter than the standard 3rd generation Prius; is two inches narrower, almost two inches lower, and slightly more than 500 pounds lighter. It is in fact, rather reminiscent of the Toyota Yaris.

The C stands for: Compact, Clean, Clever and City. Needless to say, it is equipped with the same HSD (Hybrid Synergy Drive) technology that Toyota has innovated to produce excellent drive-ability and unparalleled fuel economy. Admittedly, the Toyota Prius line has always been one of my all-time favorite cars.

This new compact is powered by a 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder 1NZ-FXE VVT-i Atkinson cycle engine that is Euro-5 compliant. It uses an EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system to enhance engine efficiency, and also an electric power pump. The car has an aerodynamic front splitter, and even ridges on its hood (for the wind to flow through) – bringing its drag coefficient to an impressive 0.28. And as in all new Prius models, the driver can select among the Normal, Eco and EV (electric vehicle) drive modes, based on his driving preference.

Just like the standard Prius models before it, the Prius C does not need to be plugged-in to an electric source to be recharged – it uses a regenerative braking system that allows the battery to charge as you drive. It uses a nickel-metal-hydride battery pack, which is now located underneath the rear seats, together with the gas tank, each in their own steel casing. (As opposed to the standard Prius that has its battery pack under the rear deck). Cooling vents are also seen under the seats, to make sure that the heat is released.

Apparently, moving the battery and gas tank below the rear seats also had another advantage: It lowered the car’s center of gravity – making this gas-sipper even more fun to drive.

On the inside, the dash has an angular design; the instrument panel is still centrally located and high-mounted; although I think the most noticeable change is how the Prius-signature floppy toggle is now back to a conventional gear selector on the center console.

Other standard features inside the car include automatic climate control, a 3.5-inch color information display, Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone capability, an iPod interface, USB connectivity and remote keyless entry.

This compact hybrid will be primarily available in the following colors: Lime White Pearl, Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic, Extreme Black and Super Red. Also available through firm order, are the colors: Blue Metallic, Freedom White, Aqua Mica Metallic, and Mandarin Orange Mica Metallic

The Prius C may come in any one of four options: Prius C Full Option (White Pearl) priced at P1,540,000, Prius C Full Option priced at P1,525,000, Prius C Standard (White Pearl) priced at P1,490,000 and Prius C Standard at P1,475,000.

For more information you may visit any one of Toyota’s 30 dealerships nationwide, or log on to the Toyota website: www.toyota.com.ph.