The Toyota Prius family is set to expand with the addition of the 2013 Prius C.
The car as a concept was revealed at the 2011 Detroit auto show but the production model looks decidedly toned down.
Our spies snagged pics of the Prius C undergoing testing. Compared to the highly styled, sporty appearance of the concept model, the production prototype looks quite tame.
Sources indicate that the C would be anywhere between 46 nd 56cm shorter than the sedan. Given size difference, the Prius C will be riding on its own chassis - a modified version of the Japanese automaker’s Yaris underpinnings seems a likely candidate.
Details on the new model’s powertrain remain sketchy, though we expect the Prius C could use a 1.5-litre hybrid engine or the 1.8-litre powertrain found in the Prius sedan.
Toyota claims the C could have the best fuel economy of any non-plug in hybrid on the market.
Toyota is hoping to bring the Prius C to market in Europe at less than €15 000 (R148 624). Production will start in the first quarter of 2012.
The car as a concept was revealed at the 2011 Detroit auto show but the production model looks decidedly toned down.
Our spies snagged pics of the Prius C undergoing testing. Compared to the highly styled, sporty appearance of the concept model, the production prototype looks quite tame.
Sources indicate that the C would be anywhere between 46 nd 56cm shorter than the sedan. Given size difference, the Prius C will be riding on its own chassis - a modified version of the Japanese automaker’s Yaris underpinnings seems a likely candidate.
Details on the new model’s powertrain remain sketchy, though we expect the Prius C could use a 1.5-litre hybrid engine or the 1.8-litre powertrain found in the Prius sedan.
Toyota claims the C could have the best fuel economy of any non-plug in hybrid on the market.
Toyota is hoping to bring the Prius C to market in Europe at less than €15 000 (R148 624). Production will start in the first quarter of 2012.