The last time we had a good look at the 2012 Toyota Prius C—the third and smallest member of the expanding Prius range—it was covered in camouflage, but it still was clear that the production version of the eco-hatch wouldn’t be quite as funky-cool as the concept version. These images of a fully undisguised, market-ready Prius C confirm that impression, but the brochure from whence they came also delivers a lot more information.
According to the materials, the newest Prius sibling will be powered by a 72-hp, 1.5-liter engine and a 45-kW (60-hp) electric motor. Our Japanese isn’t what it used to be, but it appears that the front-wheel-drive, CVT-toting C will deliver a total system output of 98 hp. At least in Japan, the five-door Prius C will be available in three trim levels and roll on 14- or 15-inch wheels. When it comes to the States next year, we expect to see similar trim availability, although they’ll probably use the same Roman-numeral monikers as applied to other U.S. Prius models.
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The Prius C brochure includes dimensional figures, too: The Japanese-market C is 157.3 inches long, 66.7 inches wide, 56.9 inches tall, and has 100.4 inches between its wheels, which means it casts a nearly identical shadow to that of the latest Yaris five-door hatchback. The biggest difference between the C and the standard-size Prius is length—the former is 19 inches shorter. Using Toyota’s figures for comparison, it will weigh some 660 pounds less than the Prius, coming in at just 2380 pounds.
Looks-wise, the Prius C is an attractive amalgamation of the 2012 Yaris and the minivan-esque Prius V. The interior features signature Prius cues such as the centralized digital gauge cluster, the blue starter button, and the same steering wheel found in the Prius and Prius V. Interestingly, the C has a conventional gear selector, and not the funky electronic nub used in its bigger hybrid siblings. The leaked material doesn’t offer any pricing info on the smallest Prius, but it likely will be positioned toe-to-toe with the $19,120 Honda Insight. We expect the Prius C will be introduced at the Tokyo auto show at the end of November before making its U.S. debut at January’s 2012 Detroit show.
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