Toyota Prius C hybrid hatch unlikely to beat regular Prius

By Brett Davis | January 17th, 2012

The Toyota Prius C, the Japanese brand’s new city-sized hybrid, will not be significantly more fuel efficient than the larger regular Prius, if at all.

Toyota Australia this week revealed it expects the new Prius C to have a city (urban) fuel consumption rating of about 3.7 litres per 100km.

This is lower than the Prius’s 3.9L/100km city figure and will officially make the Prius C the most fuel-efficient combustion-engined car to drive in the cities when it makes its local debut in March/April.

Toyota has yet to reveal the Prius C’s combined figure.

The model’s combined consumption figure was also expected to be lower than the Prius’s 3.9L/100km that takes into account both urban (city) and extra urban (suburban essentially) results according to Australian fuel consumption cycle tests, though Toyota insiders have indicated to CarAdvice that the figure will be much closer based on Australia tests.

Our sources say that while the Prius C is lighter and smaller than the Prius, because it is powered by a smaller engine that inevitably has to work harder at faster speeds – such as freeway driving and for the Extra Urban test that runs cars (also on a laboratory rolling road) at up to 75km/h rather than the maximum 50km/h of the Urban test.

The Prius C has a combined power output of 74kW from its 1.5-litre ‘Atkinson Cycle’ four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor. The normal Prius generates 100kW from its bigger, 1.8-litre engine and electric motor.

The Ford Fiesta Econetic would retain its status as Australia’s most fuel efficient car, with a combined figure of 3.6L/100km, followed by the 3.8L/100km of the Mini Cooper D hatchback.

Both the Fiesta Econetic and Cooper D are diesel-powered vehicles, however, which would at least allow Toyota to claim it has the more environmentally friendly city-sized hatchback on the market.

The diesel hatchbacks have relatively low air pollution ratings compared to petrol-powered rivals.

Toyota Australia has yet to confirm pricing for the Prius C – called Aqua in the Japanese market – which could potentially undercut the country’s current most affordable hybrid – the $29,990 Honda Insight.

Toyota will also launch a bigger version of the Prius, called the Prius V, in the second quarter of 2012.

Mr Gaspo

A worthwhile addition to the Prius range. The styling is kind of boring though. Still this is a better choice than a diesel for urban duties.., better urban consumption and no DPF issues and costs either.
Mr V8onLPGpo

If the fuel consumption is no better and the styling boring (according to you) why is a worthwhile addition. Just DBC (Dead Battery Cost) issues. Poor resales values because of that issue. How much better consumption?

Guest

It’s great that the myth of the children’s toy car batteries needing replacement is alive a kicking. Just ALOB (A Load Of Bullxxxt) issues.

Btw, has anyone mentioned that the diesel “competitors” are manual. It won’t help the wave of people who can’t drive manual no matter how efficient it is.
Al

seriously? there are prius taxis running around with 700,000km and original battery packs, the engine is more likely to due before the bettery…
Mr Gaspo

Prius urban fuel use kills diesels… Don’t just look at average consumption, plus the Prius is an auto. As for dead batteries… No issue, 8 year warranty and Prius batteries have been proven to last. As for resale, you have a point, it is terrible.

Al

But that terrible resale is great if you’re buying one used. I got a November ’09 build Prius iTech in April 2010 with 4,000km and a slightly hail damaged bonnet (which i totally repaired with paintless dent removal) for $41,000 on road. They retailed new for about $55,000 on road back then. It also has levels of technology/kit that can’t be rivaled unless you spend $90,000 plus.

Mr Gaspo

True, a second hand one is good buying… Still will be hard to sell when over 5 years old. Ok, if you intend to run it for a long time. As for batteries over 8 years old, you can buy the cells and solder new ones in… Total cost is under $1k and a bit of time.

gt86.com.au

If they made a Diesel Prius, that would be worth talking about. This is just more of the same. Maybe with BMW’s Diesel Engine partnership Toyota finally releases something truely innovative.. Time will tell!

Mr Gaspo

Diesels now run DPFs… For me the cost, running regeme, and risk of DPF failure given that it is a consumable (between $2000 and $4000!) means that I don’t want a diesel.

Al

Speculating economy figures on one cycle using data based on another is risky. The US cycle has higher highway speeds and much less stop/start driving than the EU (ours). The Prius V (wagon) gets almost 6.0l/100km on the US cycle but around 4.2l/100km on the EU – while the regular Prius gets 4.8l/100km on the US cycle, so it’s hard to predict. I think the Prius C will get around 3.6-3.8l/100km combined on our/EU cycle.
440 R/T Charger

Toyota price Prius a bit steep for Australia…Prius C would be better choice for general public.
PoisonEagle

You take some Yaris here and some Prius there. You put it in a bag and you shake it all about.
You charge a hefty premium and use marketing clout. Thats how you beat the krauts.
Henry Tossaint

It sure won’t sell as much as the prius, i counted 103 in 4-5 days!
Pauly

Mini cooper D does come with an Auto option. You don’t get the better fuel economy though.