12 years ago, when Toyota introduced the first Prius hybrid to America with a 41 mpg combined mileage, gasoline ran $1.59 a gallon.
Today it’s over $4, with prices predicted to reach $5 per gallon by Memorial Day.
If ever there was a time to introduce a smartly styled subcompact hybrid with terrific gas mileage, it’s now.
Toyota knows how to design, engineer and build hybrids; they invented the category and over one million Prius have been sold in the U.S. since its introduction in other coutries. The new Prius C (which Toyota spells with a lowercase letter) is a 5-door hatchback subcompact sedan with a combined EPA rating of 50 mpg and a starting price of $18,950.
This is a car for young families and those who think young. The exterior design is a cousin to the now iconic shape that defines a Prius. The new subcompact is sleek from the front to the slopping rear hatch with sculpted flares, the side mirrors have special fins and the wheels a special shape to enhance the vehicles aerodynamics.
Opening the driver’s door reveals a 21st century interior loaded with technological innovations, information and infotainment features. The thin, wide instrument panel and arrangement of displays and controls are in light colors to contrast with a basic black. It is ultramodern looking, especially the digital display screen.??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
The quiet air conditioning system contains an air filter to remove pollen, dust and other airborne allergens. Naturally there are the USB ports, electric connections and special storage areas for other electronic devices and smart phones.
The new C is loaded with special on-board programmes that analyse data from the operation of the car and calculates esoteric information such as cost per trip.
For a small sedan, seating in the C is comfortable with good back support and more leg room than expected for driver and front-seat passenger. The rear seats are comfortable but lack room for those with long legs.