Prius C Eyes Top Hatchback Spot

Toyota aims to be the leader in the hatchback segment with its new Prius C hybrid, targeting conventional petrol models as its key competition.

“We believe the new Prius C has all the ingredients and attributes to make it the leader in the hatchback segment,” explained Desmond Wong, BMS general manager for Toyota marketing. “And to be the segment leader, we will have to take away the segment shares from the Volkswagen Polo and Golf by competing against conventional petrol-engined cars.”

Mr Wong said that the Prius C is the most affordable petrol-electric hybrid in the Toyota range and the carmaker is hoping to win over a new segment of buyers.

Toyota calls the Prius C ‘the world’s most efficient production car’, capable of travelling 27 km to the litre or 3.7 l/100 km. Carbon dioxide emissions are extremely low too, with the Prius C emitting a clean 77 g/km.

The 4.0-metre long five-door hatch is powered by a 1.5-litre engine and electric motor mated to a continuously variable transmission.

The combined maximum output is 100 hp while the maximum torque is 111 Newton-metres. With a kerb weight of 1,132kg, the Prius C is able to accelerate from zero to 100 kmh in 10.7 secs.