Thursday, June 9, 2011

Toyota's baby Prius C spotted for the first time

Filed under: , , ,

Toyota Prius C Spy Shots
Toyota Prius C spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

In addition to the larger 2012 Prius V (which we recently put through its paces for the first time), Toyota is working on a smaller version of its illustrious hybrid, previewed by the Prius C Concept from this year's Detroit Auto Show. Our trusty spy photographers have just spotted the first Prius C prototypes running about, and while the original concept was a decidedly sporty-looking thing, the production model's design seems to have been softened a bit.

Because the Prius C is so much shorter than the standard Prius hatch - about 20 inches has been chopped from its overall length - our spies believe that these prototypes ride on either a brand-new chassis or on modified Yaris underpinnings. Under the skin, we expect the Prius C to use a 1.5-liter hybrid powertrain, or perhaps a version of the 1.8-liter unit found in the larger Prius.

Regardless, Toyota has long said that the Prius C will be the most efficient non-plug-in hybrid on the market when it launches next year, with prices expected to fall around the $20,000 mark. Get ready, Honda Insight and CR-Z. This one's coming right for you.

Toyota's baby Prius C spotted for the first time originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/02/toyotas-baby-prius-c-spotted-for-the-first-time/

No comments:

Post a Comment