The Prius c takes the hybrid formula and shrinks it. Toyota wanted to offer a Prius that works better in city traffic, parks more easily and costs a fraction less to buy. They've managed all three.
At the heart of it is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a small electric motor. Combined output is 73kW, which is not a lot. But around town, where the electric motor does more of the work, the Prius c feels more alive than the numbers suggest.
The claimed fuel consumption is 3.9 litres per 100 kilometres. In realistic city conditions, you can get close to that figure. On the highway, expect to use a bit more.
The interior is compact but thoughtfully laid out. There's a small digital instrument cluster above the centre console, which takes a day or two to get used to. Rear headroom is tighter than in the standard Prius, but it's not unliveable.
If you do most of your driving in the city and want the lowest running costs in a new Toyota, the Prius c makes a strong case for itself.
