Toyota Prius C

The Prius C’s interior is spacious yet conventional in terms of design. Just like one of its key product messages, Prius C exhibits the fusion of hybrid and vibrance. The trend-setting Prius C is a city-slicking free spirit, with its stylish and compact design belying a surprisingly spacious interior. Its four-spoke steering wheel has audio and climate controls placed on two circular button sets placed in an awkward way. Just like the sedan counterpart, its instrument console is also placed at the center with the same beauty of modernized data presentation.

You may notice that the center console is a bit messy in terms of the design. It actually seems to be rushed and not well thought of so the button we’re just all over the place. The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with DVD, CD, Tuner, and MP3 with six-piece speakers lies at the center below the AC vents while at its side, the hazard was awkwardly placed. The infotainment system is compatible with USB, iPod, and Bluetooth but lacks in Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity functions. The automatic climate control is placed below the touchscreen display.

As for space, the Prius C has enough space to fit five adults with enough comfort and legroom. Its seats are clad in superior leather so you can settle in and get cozy very well. With an available 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support, it’s easy to find that perfect driving position for long drives in the city.

The boot space is not a problem as well given its hatchback nature. It offers 17.1 cu. ft. of space with the seats up so it's very ideal for travel, long trips, and even just for shopping.

The refreshed sporty exterior of the Prius C can make your adventures more memorable with its versatility coupled with a wide array of eye-popping colors to choose from. Unlike its sedan counterpart, the design is not that sharp. In fact, it has a simply designed pair of headlamps that has projector units but doesn’t have the daytime running LEDs (DRL).

Prius C has a hexagonal grille with rounded edges and has a blue-colored Toyota logo as the center to imply that it is a hybrid car. Some additional two sharp edges were placed at its lower ends. To complete the sporty look of the front fascia, vertical turn indicators and round fog lamps were placed as well.

Going at the sides, it just has a simple design with rounded glass areas and flared wheel arches. Meanwhile, at the rear, large vertical lamps with outer rounded edges, a roof spoiler, and a rectangular and flat rear windscreen were employed.

The Toyota Prius is equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels.

It’s safe to say that the Prius’ nameplate is equivalent to comfortable rides. The Macpherson strut with stabilizer and torsion beam type front and rear suspensions are working well on ensuring a soft ride with the Prius C. 

When it comes to handling, it is quite nimble but the acceleration is kind of slow, and the Noise, Vibration, and Harshness insulation are bit of a problem during high speeds. Nevertheless, since this is a compact car, it is very easy to park and maneuver across traffic-heavy roads. Steering is also not a problem.

Prius C has the same hybrid powertrain from its sedan counterpart. Its mill is a combination of a 1.5-liter Variable Valve Timing - Intelligent (VVT-i), 4 Cylinder In-Line DOHC, 16 Valve petrol engine and a 6.5 Ah-capable sealed nickel-metal hydride battery with permanent magnet synchronous motor. This engine produces a maximum power of 73 PS at 4800 rpm and 111 Nm torque at 4000 revs per minute. Meanwhile, the motor churns out 5 kW or 60 PS of max power and 169 Nm of peak torque. The battery alone has a max power output of 26 PS.

As for the transmission, Prius C is also equipped with Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with ECO and EV Mode Settings. The ECO mode aims to increase fuel efficiency by reducing acceleration levels while the EV mode is to generally drive with only the battery working. EV mode typically works for just up to one mile and is only applicable under certain conditions at very low driving speeds.

It is equipped with ventilated discs and discs for the front and rear braking system, respectively. The braking is quite solid although there is a whining noise as the car converts the braking energy so this can be improved a little.

Prius C’s safety features include the 7 SRS airbags, immobilizer, Anti-Lock Braking System with Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control with Traction Control, Hill Start Assist System, LED High Mount Stop Lamp, and powered windows and door locks.

Given its price tag, there is no wonder that this car is one of the most affordable hybrid electric cars that has a decent amount of tech and safety features, reliable engine performance, and good design. This car is ideal for small families who need a car for daily transport, grocery shopping, or even long trips to beaches and rural areas with just a small parking space at their house.