Few vehicles can beat the fuel efficiency of the model that brought hybrid driving to the masses – the Toyota Prius. Due to the overwhelming success of the Prius (more than two million units sold), Toyota has introduced an entire family of hybrid vehicles wearing the Prius name.

 

The latest addition to the family is the 2012 Toyota Prius c Hybrid (MSRP $18,950), a smaller, value-packed, five-door hatchback version of the original that returns 53 mpg city and 46 mpg highway. The “c” stands for “city,” and with a 53 mpg city rating, the five-passenger 2012 Toyota Prius c is the most fuel efficient non-plug-in city vehicle in America.

 

In addition to its industry-leading fuel efficiency, the Prius c is also 19.1 inches shorter than its larger Prius sibling, making it the perfect urban vehicle. It can fit into parking spaces that most cars wouldn’t even attempt, and its extremely light, 2,500-pounds weight (542 pounds lighter than the Prius) makes it even easier to maneuver through narrow city streets.

 

Like every vehicle in the Prius family, the Prius c is powered by the legendary Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive^® system; in this case, a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) combines with an electric motor, an Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) and a 144-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack for a total system output of 99 hp.

 

There are three drive modes in the Prius c: “Normal,” “ECO” and “EV.” ECO mode reduces overall energy use by altering climate control system and throttle behavior to improve efficiency. In EV mode, the Prius c can travel for up to one mile on purely electric power when driven under 25 mph.

 

Every component in the Prius c is located for optimum balance and maximum cargo space. The battery and fuel tank are below the rear seat, opening up additional space passengers and a generous 104 cubic feet of interior volume, 17.1 cubic feet of which is cargo space.

 

Part of what makes the Prius c the most fuel efficient city vehicle in America is its sleek, aerodynamic design. Not only does its extremely slippery exterior profile cut through the wind with minimal air disruption (the Prius c has a 0.28 coefficient of drag), but unlike competing hybrids, the Prius c is an attractive and stylish machine with a youthful, vibrant personality.

 

Buyers can choose between four trim levels; to keep matters as simple as possible, the options are as easy as remembering ONE, TWO, THREE and FOUR. The Prius c ONE comes generously equipped with a standard 3.5-inch full-color Thin Film Transistor (TFT) multi-information display, Bluetooth hands-free phone, USB iPod capability, remote keyless entry, automatic climate control and a rear spoiler. The premium FOUR trim level boasts luxury features like heated exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, heated front seats and a Display Audio system with Navigation and the Toyota Entune^™ system, giving new meaning to a “connected” driving experience.

 

Powered by six speakers and a 6.1-inch touch-screen interface, Display Audio with Entune^™ also features SiriusXM Satellite Radio capability, HD Radio^™ and advanced voice recognition. Entune can pair with certain smartphones to integrate web-based apps like Bing, Pandora Internet Radio and Movietickets.com through the color touch-screen, and with available traffic, weather, sports and stock prices, the 2012 Toyota Prius c will keep you informed and updated no matter where you are going.

 

Every Toyota Prius c comes standard with the Toyota Star Safety System^™, featuring nine airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-lock Brake System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist and Smart Stop Technology. Toyota engineers built the Prius c to be light and strong, using low-mass, high-tensile steel that absorbs and disperses impact energy to better protect vehicle occupants.

 

The 2012 Toyota Prius c is not only the most fuel-efficient non-plug-in city vehicle in America, but at a starting price of less than $19,000, it’s also one of the most affordable. An automotive value like the 2012 Prius c doesn’t stay on the lots for long, so stop into our showroom today and claim one for yourself.