2018 Toyota Prius c Four

2018 Toyota Prius c Four

An Automotive Love Affair
By Joe Mavilia

Overview:

This is the 2018 Toyota Prius c Four. To clear up some confusion on the model designation of the “Prius c” a brief explanation is in order. The model protocol has changed with Toyota and it simply means they have numbered the model 1 through 5. “One” is the base model and each succeeding number to “Five” adds more features to the last. This, instead of designations like CE, LE, XLE etc. It is easier to understand since we all know 5 is greater than 1.

Prius was introduced in 1997 in many countries and was the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle. It went over big in a PC world where economical vehicle operation and being friendly to the planet was high on the list of important matters. Heck, you even had a free pass, at the time to ride in the diamond lane with only one person in the car. Anything to advance the interest in ECO cars. Well, we all have opinions on that group think, but most will agree on the idea in principle. Now, of course, in 2018 there are many choices for ECO cars on the market generally, but specifically there are only a couple of manufacturers who dabble in this small ECO car market. But in this class, I like the Hyundai and Kia small efficient around town options. I say around town because most small cars are not Highway Cars. A classic example is the ‘All-Electric’ car that I’ll talk about more in the coming weeks. Simply put Electric only cars are ok for local travel where carrying a lot of stuff is not important, or short commute uses of these cars.

General Information:

Assembly- Isawa, Iwate, Japan; Classification is- Compact; Vehicles from Toyota- 4Runner, 86, Avalon, Camry, C-HR, Corolla, Corolla Hatchback, Corolla iM, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Mirai, Prius, Prius C, Prius Prime, RAV4, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra, Yaris and Yaris iA.

Handling & Performance:

Just fine handling, easy to maneuver and park and more than fast enough.

Styling:

Design is in the can, and since introduction in 1997 Prius has changed little. Size varies from the ‘c’ to the larger Prius V.

Fit and Finish:

Typical and good fitting components that are easy to assemble.

Cost:

Prices range from the low to high twenty-thousand-dollar range.

Conveniences and comfort:

Most of today’s usual features are available for comfort and all the gadgets we are addicted to these days.

Consumer Recommendations:

If you are convinced you want a Prius and are as confused as most in all the variations a great source of explanation can be found at this Autotrader link:
https://www.autotrader.com/car-reviews/toyota-prius-vs-prius-c-vs-prius-v-whats-differenc-223750

I like the Hybrid idea because it provides economical operation. I’m not convinced, however, that All-Electric cars will work for all applications, but rather only close to home use. Beyond local use only Hybrids fill the bill. But for best all-around use gas / diesel cars are the best option. To me, gas powered cars and trucks will dominate the auto scene for a good long time. This is especially true because gas / diesel power has become so efficient there is little difference in performance and operating cost. I like the idea of owning a car where there are refueling facilities everywhere. Electricity is everywhere but the charge times for all electric is way too long.

Recognized Competition:

Good News:

Great economical 5 seat car, fast enough, good fuel economy.

Bad News:

On the mountain road test proved passing is a very tough thing, fuel economy is not significantly greater than gas powered.

Standard Equipment:

Hybrid synergy drive system, 1.5-liter DOHC 16V VVT inline 4-cylinder engine, EV / ECO modes, 15” alloy wheels, VSC & traction controls, ABS brake system with elect. Brake force Distribution and brake assist, smart stop technology, 9-air bags, safety sense, pre-collision system, lane departure alert, auto high beams, LATCH Child safety system, engine immobilizer, tire pressure monitor, LED projector headlights, stop and tail lights, heated power outside mirrors with turn signals, rear spoiler, power tilt / slide moonroof, Auto climate control, premium audio and Nav and App suite, 6.1 touch screen with backup camera, AM/FM/CD with 6-speakers, SXM, HD radio, aux jack, USB port and Bluetooth, 3.5” TFT multi-info display with selectable screens, Cruise control, power windows, smart key with push button start, heated front seats, 6-way adjustable driver seat, 4-way adjustable passenger seat, 60/40 split fold down rear seats and cargo area tonneau cover.

Gas Stats:

48 City and 43 Highway MPG

$3.49 / Gal avg. September 11, 2018

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

Pricing:

MSRP $24,965.