$19,000 Toyota Prius C: Why buy a Corolla or other compact?
A real hybrid challenge to the compact segment
An interesting litmus test for Toyota hybrid cars
Do you really need battery technologies to achieve automotive success through the next decade? According to companies like Hyundai, the answer is no, although even Hyundai will admit that hybrids are still required even if just to maintain image and perception. And most automakers seem to agree, at least judging by the plethora of quality, non-hybrid compact offerings hitting the streets these days.
But the 53 mpg — city NOT highway — Prius C might make automakers rethink the value proposition of compact hybrids.
With a sub-$19,000 starting price the smaller Prius C offers interesting potential. Yes, it’s still more expensive than a Corolla, for example, but it might not be that much more costly, assuming the base Prius C includes similar options as the Corolla LE — power windows, locks, and 6 airbags. Of course, the Prius C offers 9 airbags. In fact the cost difference appears to be less than $2000 and maybe even as little as $1500.
Obviously, $1500 isn’t pocket change, but based on average fuel economy Prius C buyers would recoup their hybrid premium in two years, or even less if heavy urban drivers. After 5 years C buyers could be $2,000 ahead. And with $4.00+ gasoline forecasts already in the mix for 2012, that hybrid premium could turn into an even bigger investment.
Still, we’ll have to wait for final numbers and a full spec-by-spec comparison, but the Prius C could be a real litmus test for the viability — even the necessity — of hybrid technology in the compact space.
KP,
I agree on the 5th seat. It is an issue for some…
For me it is not that big a deal, as all the birds have left the nest.
With the Volt, GM tried as much as they could to make a vehicle that fit Americans’ need to have a vehicle that does EVERYTHING. They didn’t quite make it….
I’d say the decision would mostly be about sticker price. The mileage is not all that different than the Prius. The “C” will probably take sales equally from the Prius and the Corolla/Yaris as its between in price and similar in specs. For those that can’t afford the difference in price of a Prius but really want a Hybrid, its ideal.
In terms of Smurf’s Volt: its half price and same cargo/passenger. That 5th seat in the Prius is HUGE when it comes to getting your kid(s) and their friend(s) around busy lifestyles. Hatchback convenience is also underestimated by luxury sedan drivers who are more into appearance than economy/efficiency. (Think multiple trips, bags in and out of the car, kids not being able to slide safely from the curb side of the car across the back seat due to the console …)
You be right about the size numbers, but the vehicle in that picture “looks” like a subcompact hatchback.
The same goes for the original Prius being called a midsize sedan.
My buddy’s 2010 Prius and my Volt were parked side by side yesterday. The Prius is labeled a midsize, the Volt is labeled a compact. When parked side by side they are the same size, inside and out (except the 5th seat in the middle).
Toyota, from a marketing standpoint, may want to call the Prius C a compact, and the Prius a mid size sedan, but are they really fooling anybody?
I think the decisions most buyers will be making are:
1. Corolla or Prius,
2. Yaris or Prius C.
Perhaps, however, the Prius C is bigger than the Yaris according to external dimensions, and internally I bet interior space better matches the Corolla than the Yaris.
While many consider the Prius to be a compact, for example, Consumer Reports claims the Prius offers the interior space of a sedan. Consequently, I think the interior of the C will be larger than its external size would suggest — which is already bigger than the Yaris. Thus, the Prius c might fall between the compact/subcompact space, but i’m still betting interior space is more align with the compact, rather than subcompact, segment.
Worse case scenario, its $3000 difference and 5 year payback versus Fit at today’s gasoline prices. Still, I believe the base Prius c will be a better offering than the base Fit, and I bet it offers more interior space and functionality.
—-Updated
Prius C definitely bigger than Yaris and Fiesta, in terms of passenger and cargo space, but actually a little smaller than Fit based on numbers I can find. Using Honda’s vehicle comparison tool, Fit comes in at $16,745, 3 door Yaris $15,850 and $18,550 for Fiesta. Again, those are Honda’s tools. Still, at under $19,000, the C might still come in around only $2000 more than Fit — around 3 years for hybrid premium payback — although Fit is still bigger. Once it comes out i’ll have to give them all a spin and see how they compare first hand.
Still, my point is that many buy a compact/subcompact for a combination of low price and fuel economy. For many, whether hatchback or not isn’t necessarily the key. Its the right combination of price and fuel economy. In that regard, I still think the Prius c offers some interesting possibilities versus the competition, especially for urban city drivers.
And just for reference, the Fit would qualify for compact status based on gov figs, however, the gov labels the Fit and Matrix as small station wagons. The Fiesta, on the other hand, is labeled as a subcompact, despite its hatchback. Similarly, the Corolla is considered a compact according to gov and the Prius C offers the same interior volume as the Corolla. So, technically, I would say the Prius C is a compact/small station wagon.
That’s a little of an Apples to Oranges comparison though.
You are comparing a compact to a sub-compact hatchback.
I think a better comparison is a Prius C vs a Ford Fiesta or Honda Fit. How do those numbers stack up? How much more do you pay for the extra 10-15 mpg of the Prius C?