Highlights*
Pleasant driving dynamics, a wind-slicing silhouette, and great fuel economy are some of the key attributes of the 2013 Toyota Prius c, the most affordable hybrid in Canada.
Lowlights*
Experts agree that interior trim quality is sub-par. Moreover, the car makes do with a semi-independent suspension (torsion beam) and drum brakes in the back while most competitors use a fully independent setup and four-wheel discs.
Pricing
The 2013 Toyota Prius c starts at $20,440. The more upscale Technology model, available at $23,415, adds convenient features such as XM satellite radio, navigation, steering wheel controls, 15” alloy wheels, push-button start, a leather-trimmed instrument panel, and more.
In some provinces, such as Quebec and Ontario, Prius c customers are eligible to receive a tax credit for the purchase or lease of an energy-efficient vehicle.
Fuel consumption
The 2013 Toyota Prius c has a rating of 3.5L/100km in the city, 4.0L/100km on the highway, and 3.7/100km combined. The hybrid powertrain helps a lot, of course, but so does the start-stop system that turns the engine off when the vehicle comes to a complete stop in traffic or at a stop light.
New for 2013
Based on the concept that made its debut in 2011, the Toyota Prius c appeared for the first time as a production model in Seattle one year ago. In its second model year, option packages have significantly changed. The base MSRP is now $500 lower, while the Prius c Technology is $250 more expensive.
Styling
As a quintessential city car (that's actually what the “c” stands for), the 2013 Toyota Prius c rides on the same B-segment platform as the Yaris. Styling is also similar, although the unique taillights and more aerodynamic profile give it away as a genuine member of the Prius family.
Cargo capacity
The trunk of the 2013 Toyota Prius c can hold 481 litres of cargo, which is in the same ballpark as the competition.
Powertrain
The 1.5L 4-cylinder gasoline engine that's part of the Toyota Prius c's Hybrid Synergy Drive system is derived from the Yaris. Together with the electric motor, the car generates a net output of 99 horsepower. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) also fits into the equation.
Safety
The 2013 Toyota Prius c boasts nine standard airbags. Like every other model in the lineup, it benefits from the Japanese automaker's STAR Safety System to avoid accidents: ABS, brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, stability control, traction control, and Smart Stop technology.
Competitors
Honda Insight, Toyota Prius, Scion iQ, Volkswagen Golf TDI, Honda Fit
* Based on expert reviews.
Lefrançois Éric, L’auto 2013, Montreal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.547
Brière Francis, L’Annuel de l’automobile 2013, Montreal Transcontinental, 2012, p.578
auto.sympatico.ca
Pleasant driving dynamics, a wind-slicing silhouette, and great fuel economy are some of the key attributes of the 2013 Toyota Prius c, the most affordable hybrid in Canada.
Lowlights*
Experts agree that interior trim quality is sub-par. Moreover, the car makes do with a semi-independent suspension (torsion beam) and drum brakes in the back while most competitors use a fully independent setup and four-wheel discs.
 |
Pricing
The 2013 Toyota Prius c starts at $20,440. The more upscale Technology model, available at $23,415, adds convenient features such as XM satellite radio, navigation, steering wheel controls, 15” alloy wheels, push-button start, a leather-trimmed instrument panel, and more.
In some provinces, such as Quebec and Ontario, Prius c customers are eligible to receive a tax credit for the purchase or lease of an energy-efficient vehicle.
Fuel consumption
The 2013 Toyota Prius c has a rating of 3.5L/100km in the city, 4.0L/100km on the highway, and 3.7/100km combined. The hybrid powertrain helps a lot, of course, but so does the start-stop system that turns the engine off when the vehicle comes to a complete stop in traffic or at a stop light.
 |
| Together with the electric motor, the car generates a net output of 99 horsepower. (Photo: Toyota) |
New for 2013
Based on the concept that made its debut in 2011, the Toyota Prius c appeared for the first time as a production model in Seattle one year ago. In its second model year, option packages have significantly changed. The base MSRP is now $500 lower, while the Prius c Technology is $250 more expensive.
Styling
As a quintessential city car (that's actually what the “c” stands for), the 2013 Toyota Prius c rides on the same B-segment platform as the Yaris. Styling is also similar, although the unique taillights and more aerodynamic profile give it away as a genuine member of the Prius family.
 |
| As a quintessential city car (that's actually what the “c” stands for), the 2013 Toyota Prius c rides on the same B-segment platform. (Photo: Toyota) |
Cargo capacity
The trunk of the 2013 Toyota Prius c can hold 481 litres of cargo, which is in the same ballpark as the competition.
Powertrain
The 1.5L 4-cylinder gasoline engine that's part of the Toyota Prius c's Hybrid Synergy Drive system is derived from the Yaris. Together with the electric motor, the car generates a net output of 99 horsepower. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) also fits into the equation.
Safety
The 2013 Toyota Prius c boasts nine standard airbags. Like every other model in the lineup, it benefits from the Japanese automaker's STAR Safety System to avoid accidents: ABS, brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, stability control, traction control, and Smart Stop technology.
Competitors
Honda Insight, Toyota Prius, Scion iQ, Volkswagen Golf TDI, Honda Fit
* Based on expert reviews.
Lefrançois Éric, L’auto 2013, Montreal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.547
Brière Francis, L’Annuel de l’automobile 2013, Montreal Transcontinental, 2012, p.578
auto.sympatico.ca
Article Gallery