Although Toyota’s hybrid model, the Prius, has been available for some time now, to date only one model has been offered.
Now Toyota Motor Corporation has introduced a more affordable new hybrid derivative known as the Prius C in the USA and Aqua in Japan. Prius C is set to appeal to a younger audience of eco-conscious buyers and thereby potentially broaden the market for this previously premium model.
Powered by a 52 kW 1,5-liter four-cylinder engine with 45 kW electric motor, the combined output is 74 kW. The electric motor is fed power from a nickel-metal-hydride battery pack.
Claimed fuel consumption is quoted as 4,7 litres/100 km in the combined cycle, and while It may not be marketed as a hot hatch, a zero-to-100 km/h time of 10,7 seconds is not too tardy.
A spokesperson for Toyota SA could not confirm or deny the introduction of the Prius C to South African market, but did confirm that should it be given the green light, it would not be within the next year.