The 2013 Toyota Prius C
Futurecars January 15, 2012While 2013 may still be a year away, Toyota is already finalizing its specs and designs for the new Prius model. The Prius came out a few years ago and seems to have been created to fit a specific niche. The main focus of the Prius is increased fuel efficiency and decreased emissions, two aspects that quickly made it popular among people concerned with both gas prices and their environmental impact. While the Prius may have a bit of a reputation as a “green car”, Toyota has made sure that it continues the tradition of drivability and comfort started by its other models.
One of the biggest aims Toyota has with the 2013 Prius is to increase the level of fuel efficiency it gets without sacrificing speed, power or comfort. The new Prius seems to be an ideal ride for people living in the city. The designers over at Toyota have managed to create a car with a much smaller foot print than previous models. Shaving nearly 19 inches off of the overall length of the car, compared to last year’s model, has created a true subcompact. The smaller size and lower height means that, not only is this an extremely efficient car, but it is incredibly easy to drive and park in crowded city streets.
In an effort to make this a quick and efficient vehicle, the 2012 Prius is shorter than previous models by a few inches, a change which lowers its drag. The battery pack, which has long been a problem in both hybrid and electric cars, is now much lighter than what can be found in other models. This means that it takes less energy to propel the car and will need less fuel to reach the same speeds found in less efficient hybrids.
Under the hood of the new Prius we find a respectable engine with an impressive set of mileage numbers. The Prius C will be shipped with a 1.5 liter, four cylinder engine as part of Toyota’s hybrid Synergy Drive system. This system has been reworked to be as efficient as possible and allows for a very impressive set of numbers. While this may not be the most powerful engine on the market, it seems to be one of the best when it comes to low gas consumption. Toyota has yet to release final specs on its fuel efficiency but we have been told to expect a whopping 50 miles or more per gallon. This makes the new Prius one of the most efficient hybrid vehicles available.
The styling of the exterior is probably one of the biggest departures from previous Prius models. Toyota is focusing on a younger audience and is attempting to draw them in with an attractive overall design. The smaller size of the Prius C meant the designers needed to take a different approach to the exterior. Visually, it seems to have a lot in common with a hatchback, much like the Yaris. The lines are smooth and rounder than what can be found on other cars. With a lower front end that curves upwards towards a higher rear end, we can see that the new Prius is also quite aerodynamic.
Continuing with its aim to attract younger buyers to the new Prius C, Toyota is also focusing on the design of the interior. While older Prius models may have been a bit more conservative, Toyota is following the trend of providing an interior which offers the feeling of a luxury driving experience. The inside of the car is stylish and offers plenty of room for a full load of passengers. Technology is also a major focus in the new Prius C and Toyota is offering all of the standard tech packages offered in its other vehicles. The Toyota Entune system is also available which allows drivers to synch up their smartphones and access a number of real time applications such as weather, traffic and even music like Pandora.
The Prius has quickly become a popular vehicle. Known for its fuel efficiency and its low emission numbers, the Prius has long been associated with ecologically conscious car buyers. The new Prius C, however, is aiming at a younger audience. Over a foot smaller than the previous model, the new Prius seems destined for traversing busy city streets and squeezing into scarce urban parking spots. The exterior is smooth, stylish and reminiscent of a hatchback while the interior is open and luxurious. The dynamic technology packages seem to be a perfect way to attract tech hunger younger car buyers without alienating older fans. The engine in the new Prius continues the tradition of low fuel costs started by previous Prius models. With an incredible 50 miles per gallon, the four cylinder engine makes this one of most efficient vehicles outside of fully electric cars. With all of these modern additions, it’s easy to see why the Prius has been so popular over the years.
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