Review 2015 Toyota Prius c: smaller, less expensive opportunity for consumers to join the popular Toyota Prius family

Review 2015 Toyota Prius c: smaller, less expensive opportunity for consumers to join the popular Toyota Prius family

As the smallest (19 inches shorter rather than a standard Prius) and lowest-priced member of the Prius family, the hybrid Prius C has different good and bad points. The good is that it's one amongst the cost effective ways to get into a hybrid. And it's no watered-down hybrid either, at least for fuel economy. The EPA quotes that the Prius C gives a superb 50 mpg in combined driving. Plus, the C's small size and lighter weight in comparison with that of the regular Prius allow it to be more agile and a snap to park. The downside, though, is that the C's entry-level status is reasonably evident. The ride quality can be unpleasant sometimes, and the interior has many uninviting hard plastic. In addition, the Prius C is sort of loud and rather slow.

The Prius C is a dedicated hybrid model, suggesting there's no gasoline-only version. Its 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine features an output of only 73 horsepower, and the Hybrid Synergy Drive system it's paired with is a bit more compact as compared with its big brother's. Together, the engine and two motor-generators let go a total of 99 hp. But where the Prius C really wins is in packaging: Toyota were able to house both a smaller 0.9-kilowatt-hour battery pack and the car's gasoline tank under the rear seat, giving you a full-depth load bay--unlike the defunct Honda Insight, with a battery underneath its much shallower cargo area.

The Prius c has standard stability control, nine airbags and anti-lock brakes. In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluating, the Prius c received four overall stars out of five, having received four stars in the frontal analyze, four stars in the side-impact check and four stars in the rollover check.