2015 Toyota Prius C becomes Australia’s most affordable hybrid car
Revealed at the 2014 Los Angeles auto show, the new-look Toyota Prius C retains the same overall body structure and hybrid components (a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 54kW/111Nm combined to a 45kW/169Nm electric motor), but gets revised exterior styling, an updated interior and is said to adopt improved driving dynamics.
The price has changed, too - the Prius C base model now kicks off at $22,990 plus on-road costs while the top-end Prius C i-Tech is $25,990 plus costs - a $1000 drop for each model compared to their predecessors. Following the demise of the Honda Jazz Hybrid, that makes the Toyota model the most affordable petrol-electric proposition on the market.
Toyota says the new front bumper helps the car look "wider and more planted", while further changes include new wheel covers for the base model (15-inch steel wheels) where the i-Tech retains its 15-inch alloys. Both versions have a full-size spare wheel.
The rear-end sees restyled tail-lights, now using LEDs, while there are three new colours to choose - Tango (orange), Aura (light blue) and Zest (lime, pictured).
The i-Tech also gets gloss black surrounds and a soft-topped dashboard, and both models now get bigger central dials and switches. Both spec models have climate control (single-zone).
Both models get a reverse-view camera, seven airbags, and emergency brake signalling, while the dash readout now includes Toyota's "Touch Tracer Display" (as previously seen on the larger Prius) that replicates steering wheel button presses on-screen to reduce "driver eye movement for better concentration".
The Prius C i-Tech adds the aforementioned alloy wheels and LED headlights, tinted windows, an upgraded steering wheel, larger rear spoiler and satellite navigation with live traffic updates.
Toyota claims to have "enhanced handling and ride comfort" of the Prius C, with retuned front and rear shock absorbers and additional spot welds in the rear wheel housings enhancing body stiffness combining to sharpen up steering response and improve cornering, stability and bump control.
2015 Toyota Prius C pricing (plus on-road costs):
Prius C - $22,990
Prius C i-Tech - $25,990