Entry-level 2013 Toyota Prius c hybrid breaks cover - Consumer Reports

Toyota will introduce the latest addition to the Prius lineup—the small, entry-level Prius c—at the Detroit auto show in January. Previously seen in concept form, this will be the first U.S. public appearance of the production-ready Prius c.

The Prius c is designed to compete with the Honda Insight in providing an affordable entry into hybrids. Unlike the Insight, the Prius c uses a full-hybrid system, namely Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive. Toyota claims the Prius c will be EPA-rated at 50 mpg in the city. Toyota claims the smaller Prius c will be sportier to drive and aimed at younger buyers than the standard Prius.

The Prius c will adopt Toyota’s Entune infotainment system, giving drivers access to Microsoft’s Bing search engine and Internet radio, as well as movie ticket, restaurant, fuel price, weather, traffic, sports, and stock price information. Toyota plans to make other apps available in Entune going forward.

While the Entune system sounds like a potential distraction, the idea of a more affordable and sportier Prius sounds attractive. Hopefully, it won’t feel as cheap as the Insight and have a more useable back seat. It will go on sale next spring, along with the plug-in hybrid version of the standard Prius. The larger Prius V is current on sale.

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