Toyota will introduce the next new member of the Prius family at the Tokyo Motor Show.
Toyota will introduce the next version of its fast-growing Prius “family” of hybrid vehicles at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show – but it is providing a first look at what will be named the new Prius C.
The compact gas-electric model will join the original Prius hybrid, as well as the larger Prius V and Toyota’s first extended-range model, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid.
The Japanese giant is betting there’ll be a halo effect by sharing the Prius name on a variety of new offerings. The original Prius hatchback now accounts for roughly half of the world’s overall hybrid sales.
Due to get its U.S. debut at the Detroit Auto Show next January, the Prius C is notably smaller than the original Toyota hybrid – about the same size, in fact, as the current Toyota Yaris. But it features the same basic Toyota Hybrid-Synergy Drive powertrain, here upgraded with a new “high-output” electric motor mated to its inline-four 1.5-liter gasoline engine.
The new Prius C joins an expanding hybrid line-up that includes the larger Prius V - shown here with Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda.
In keeping with seemingly everything Toyota does these days the maker asserts that the five-door hybrid will deliver “a more youthful expression and a sportier dynamic character that offers a more fun-to-drive experience” than traditional Toyota products, including the original Prius.
But the big selling point is likely to be fuel economy – especially in markets like Japan, where the Prius C will be marketed as the Aqua. It’s expected to deliver a segment-best 50 miles per gallon in the City, well exceeding the EPA Highway rating for anything in its class using a conventional gasoline driveline.
To target younger buyers Toyota will load up the electronic goodies on the new Prius C, including standard Bluetooth and the optional Entune infotainment system. Also standard will be nine airbags.
Along with the new Prius C, Toyota plans to reveal the new FT-86 sports car at the Tokyo Motor Show. It’s the result of an unusual collaboration between the industry giant and its smaller affiliate Subaru. That maker will be marketing a version of the Miata-sized 2-seater under the name Subaru BR-Z.