The recently announced Toyota Prius C is already gaining quite a bit of traction in the automotive world. That's because the compact hybrid has already been released in Japan, and it's wowing motorists with its stellar fuel economy, modern design, and approachable price. That said, Capitol Toyota would like to take a minute to share some of the details surrounding this already-lauded hybrid with you, so that you can get a picture of why its U.S. release is so highly anticipated.
The first thing to note is the size of the 2012 Toyota Prius C. It features a wheelbase that is nine inches shorter than that of the regular Toyota Prius, and it utilizes a more efficient powertrain. More specifically, it packs a 72-horspower, 1.5-liter gasoline engine and 60-horsepower electric motor under the hood. Meanwhile, the electrical component draws power from a nickel-metal hydride battery.
All together, this combination allows the Prius C to travel at an estimated rate of 54 miles per gallon combined, which marks a roughly 8.5-percent increase over its mid-size sibling model. As for its performance? Toyota estimates that the 2012 Prius C can travel from 0-62 mph in about 10.1 seconds. Not daring by many means, but it's a solid number for a hybrid.
Interestingly, while the Prius C is a part of the U.S. Prius family of cars, in Japan the vehicle is actually sold under a different name. Rather than instilling the model with the iconic Prius name, the compact model is known as the Toyota Aqua overseas. Personally, we prefer the Prius C as a name, but what do you think? Has Toyota made a wise move in renaming the Aqua for the U.S. market? Or should the company see how the name fares? Let us know by leaving a comment!
Of course, if you just want to drive the all-new 2012 Toyota Prius C, regardless of its name, then feel free to contact us online or by phone at 1-888-459-7024. We'll be sure to keep you informed on any details surrounding the highly-anticipated hybrid, so that you can take it for a test drive when it arrives on our lot at 780 Salem Industrial Drive Ne, Salem, OR, 97301 later this year.
