Toyota prides itself for offering one of the most affordable hybrid cars on sale today, the Prius C. In fact, it’s meant to be the cheapest one sold in Australia. Now, the efficient little hatch has received some styling updates to keep it fresh, inside and out, as well as some equipment revisions.
It’ll start at $24,040 before on-road costs, which is indeed more expensive than the one it replaces, and is offered in two variants, with the better kitted i-Tech asking for $26,540 - a $30 increase. Both feature a larger and better defined 4.2-inch multi-function display within the instrument cluster (versus the older 3.5-inch) as well as a similarly improved 6.1-inch Toyota Link infotainment unit that now adds satellite navigation with SUNA live-traffic information.
Helping this in-car tech bump, the new entry-level Prius C gains the multi-function steering wheel from the i-Tech. The interior also been revamped to reflect Toyota’s new visual playbook, incorporating a centre cluster that now groups air-conditioning/heater controls through an LCD display. There’s new soft touch material overlaid the instrument panel and centre console too.
On the outside, the small Toyota hybrid gets some minor stylistic alterations along with an elongation of 40mm that comes from a longer front overhang. Additionally, a more extended rear spoiler has resulted in overall length increasing by 55mm to 4050mm.
A larger and bolder grille, featuring (i-Tech) a chrome-plated bar across the upper air intake, is framed by a new front bumper, modified bonnet and updated fenders. Restyled headlights are halogen on Prius c and energy-saving LED on i-Tech. Both models have restyled LED rear combination lamps.
The upgraded i-Tech model also has newly designed 15-inch alloy wheels with dynamic machine-finished graphics and painted ripple-shaped sections. There are two new exterior colours, solid Hornet Yellow and a premium Aquamarine.
There are no changes to the Prius C’s hybrid powertrain, however, where a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder petrol motor is paired to an electric motor to generate a combined output of 74kW. Toyota claims a combined-cycle fuel economy figure of 3.9-litres/100km while emitting 90g of CO2 per kilometre.
On the local release of the new Prius C, Toyota Australia’s director of sales and marketing, Tony Cramb, said: "Prius c excels with its remarkable fuel economy and resultant low environmental impact, both of which are becoming increasingly important factors in any new-car purchase,”
"Equally, Prius c owners appreciate their car for being a practical and roomy five-door hatch that offers zippy city-car motoring at a price that no other hybrid can match. Toyota hybrid offerings also include the famous Prius hatch, the seven-seat Prius v and the Camry and Corolla hybrids that have been praised as being the best choices for keen drivers in their respective line-ups.”
For more on Toyota cars, check out our Showroom.
