Toyota has introduced more members of its Prius family of vehicles at the NAIAS, bringing the number to four. Besides the Prius v, which will enter the market later this summer, there’s also the Prius Plug-In Hybrid, planned for introduction in the first half of 2012, and making up the quartet is the Prius c Concept, which is what the company tags as an inspiration for a future small entry-level hybrid.
It’s looking at the concept as a means of introducing a product that will come into the market sometime next year. While the current Prius has ushered hybrid technology into the mainstream, and the Prius v will provide the additional room and versatility for active families, the company isn’t forgetting those interested in a smaller hybrid at an entry price point, offering superior fuel economy.
Enter the Prius c Concept, with c representing a “city”-centric vehicle, which Toyota is hoping will offer urban appeal by the spade loads to young singles and couples who want an eco-sensitive, high-mileage, fun-to-drive Prius.
No details accompany the release, but the four-door hatch looks cutesy enough, in a kitschy sort of way – the position of the headlamps is rather reminiscent of the array found on the Fiat Multipla, and the rear door handles are integrated into the upper frame of the door in Alfa-esque style. You might find it all rather familiar – a previous version of the design was shown a year ago at Detroit 2010 and it was called the Toyota FT-CH Concept. The design has been refined since and brought closer to production, one supposes.
Inside, the futuristic cabin of the ‘concept based on a concept’ seats four, and mod cons include a touchscreen Start/Stop button, paddle shifters, a centrally-mounted, single-knob rotary-action control stick where a traditional gearshift lever would normally be located. Much of which – again – looks deja vu.
Oh well. In any case, Toyota says that the vehicle will pursue outstanding fuel efficiency in a compact package, while also providing a surprisingly spacious interior, and the market product will include many advanced technology features, including some offered on the current Prius.
The company is planning to introduce the c Concept as an additional Prius family member in the first half of 2012, and in the process bring about the most value-oriented hybrid available in the US, with the highest mileage of any “cordless” hybrid to boot.
Gallery after the jump.
[zenphotopress number=999 album=1857]
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Looks like a Prius with a CR-Z rear
toyota’s answer to CR-z
for me, the front alike the Nissan Leaf..
however, hybrid car seem more and more common, hope we can really enjoy it with lower price..
ugly x 10000000000000000000000
toyota emblem spoil the look…hehe
fugly
i gotta say..all these compact hybrid, ev etc vehichle kinda share the same design que.. i see lots of EMAS in this..
should focus more onto interior..lots too roomy which is good yet.. looks agak cikai for me.. and the seat.. hmmm looks offic’ish and lil bit 70s kerusi rotan kiki..
i dont know why, but everytime when i look at those seats..they look as if they came from one of those old mercedes trucks in our country but without those colourful rubber strings attached to it…haha
That sear remind me of an APC, armoured personnel carrier. So, it “could” be comfortable. But, the cost could be more than leather wrapped recar*.
Kinda bench seat,i.e. both seat, left and right interconnected. Doubt that they are incline able.
Most likely never mean for long journey at all.
If this one enter Malaysia without excessive tax then with its price it will compete with the current VIOS and City, and it will win.
Anybody agree with me?
http://paultan.org/photo/index.php?album=toyota-prius-c-concept&image=prius_c_concept_017.jpg
That’s a horrible place to put the steering buttons. Not ergonomic at all!
this’ll be the so-called next rebadge from perodua….errm..perodua bezza? is it? LoL
perodua on standby mode
hahaha… on your mark.. get set…
Looks cool to me. However if this is cheap and if duty free extended to year 2012 then this could be an affordable smart entry level hybrid for many Malaysians.
The face looks very FUNNY and UGLY something like a E.T.
Like the overall shape but hate the front!
stupid toyota copycat the hyundai curb…..design your own car la…
yeah…..why the front so…
WEIRD??
another “terrapin looks” from Japan makes after Nissan Leaf
even that tiny little Honda Brio is nicer
http://paultan.org/2010/11/30/hondas-a-segment-brio-set-for-march-2011-production/
Empire of the rising sun Strikes Back!