2015 Toyota Prius C I-tech Hybrid Review
I have recently purchased the 2015 Toyota Prius C i-Tech, with front & reverse sensors, tinted windows, weather shields, mats, X-Pack paint coating.
- Fuel Economy, Extremely Quiet Engine, Great 'City' Driving vehicle
- Sluggish Acceleration, Lack of storage compartments
I have had the car for 2 weeks, and also within 2 days of driving my new car, I have had a "hit & run" incident on the rear bumper of my car. The other driver was at fault, and had attempted to flee the scene. Police was called, and everything has been resolved. My insurance company have covered the damages.
The car has been repaired, and I am currently waiting a 6-8 week period for the repaired rear bumper to be ready for my paint re-coating. I must admit, as I have had the Toyota X-pack exterior and interior coating done on my car, there is a huge difference on the existing coated exterior part of the vehicle with the newly installed rear bumper, which is currently pending exterior coating. It does not have the extra "feel" or "protection" of the paint coating when compared with the existing part that has had coating done.
If you are considering to have the X-Pack done for your car, when purchasing a new Toyota, it is advisable to consider it carefully as it is an extra huge cost to your car. However, if you live close to the sea (usually more vulnerable to rust), or very vulnerable to bird poop, and/or a lazy car washer, or planning to keep the car for more than 7 years, then the X-Pack is highly recommended for you. This extra coating will help preserve the existing paint job an extra 5-10 years, or more. Otherwise, if you're not planning to keep the car for more than 5-10 years, then it's not worth the extra coating.
I have replaced my 2015 Toyota Prius C i-Tech from a 2nd hand 2006 Hyundai Getz, 1.6lt engine, done 100,000k. I must admit, my Getz was a bit zippier than my new Toyota Prius C. However, I am not complaining, as the Prius C's primary engine is the Electric motor, and secondary motor is the fuel engine. There are 3 modes for the Prius C; Normal, Eco, EV mode.
How the electric motor works, is that it runs primarily on the electric motor from 0-40-60kms/hr based on the momentum and power of the engine of the car. If the petrol motor needs to accelerate/power the car, it will require the car to gain enough "cruise" speed or engine "power" in order to activate EV mode. Once the driver achieves "cruise" speed or engine "power", the pedal can be released to automatically activate 'EV mode' to allow the electric motor to run, rather than the fuel motor. This is how the fuel economy works.
Normal Mode should behave like a normal current Yaris Motor, with the electric motor working together. It does not focus much on fuel economy.
Eco mode focus more on fuel/power economy (and this is the most popular mode) which will also focus on the climate control for the i-Tech model.
And EV mode; which is carpark driving or if your car has totally run out of petrol and or needing to run purely on electric. This motor is literally silent when driving. This mode is also rather sluggish, and will deactivate automatically once the acceleration kicks above EV mode limit (around 40-60kms/depending on momentum).
My 2006 1.6ltr engine Hyundai Getz could go roughly on a total of $60 on a full tank (36 litres) for 450km. I have currently done 380km on my Toyota Prius from a full tank, with 3/5 petrol tank full (I haven't refuelled my car yet), so I am actually saving a bit of petrol so far on my first full tank.
The overall hybrid motor is "EXTREMELY" quiet, and will surprise a lot of drivers/passengers who have not sat on a hybrid vehicle before, especially when starting the engine.
Overall, I am very happy with my new 2015 Toyota Prius C i-Tech. The engine is rather sluggish compare to similar engine counterparts in the market and driving mode, however, I'm happy to keep this car for the next 10 years. There are 3 driving modes to select from, and if you're fuel conscious and not too bothered with power, then this car is perfect for you! Also, it really depends on how you drive on the road, based on how "heavy-footed" you are on the pedal as well.
My overall review is based mostly compared to my 2006 1.6ltr Hyundai Getz, as I am just an average car owner who have just replaced to a new 2015 Toyota Prius C i-Tech.