NEW FOR 2015:
- Exterior facelift
- Improved NVH
- Premium Package now included in Technology trim
- 16-inch wheels discontinued
Toyota’s baby Prius has gone under the knife for 2015, and has emerged with a new and rather angry look. Fitted with a new hexagonal grille and full-LED headlamps, it’s no longer the cute ‘n cuddly hatchback it once was. Around back, new taillights have been fitted, which Toyota describes as having a “light pipe” design.
Inside, changes are limited to the fitment of gloss black trim around the centre console and chrome-effect trim on the doors. A 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system is now standard on all models, too.
The Prius c’s powertrain goes unchanged – the 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder is paired to a NiMH battery pack and CVT. Other than a plug-in hybrid or an electric vehicle, you’re not going to find a more fuel-efficient car on the road. As with the other members of the Prius family, the c is a proper hybrid, and can travel more than a kilometer and a half on electric power on a battery with full capacity. Toyota says that tweaks have been made to the car to reduce NVH.
The Prius c comes in two different trims - Base and Technology.
Standard features include 15-inch steel wheels, 6.1-inch display audio system, four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio with auxiliary and USB input, Bluetooth capability, air conditioning, power locks, power windows with driver auto-up/down, rear spoiler, power heated mirrors, body colour door handles and mirrors, full LED headlamps, LED taillights, outside temperature gauge, multi-information display with Eco drive monitor, rear seat bench with fold-down seat back, tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio and climate controls, all-season and carpeted floor mats, and keyless entry.
Upgrade Package adds two speakers (total six), driver seat height adjustment, cruise control, rear centre console box, front passenger seatback pocket, variable intermittent wipers, tonneau cover, rear centre console box, premium cloth seats, 60/40 split/fold rear seat, and leather-covered instrument panel.
Technology trim adds (to Standard model) 15-inch alloy wheels, variable intermittent wipers, front passenger seatback pocket, navigation, driver seat height adjustment, 60/40 split folding rear seat, touch tracer display, cargo area carpet, tonneau cover, proximity key with push-button start, cruise control, rear centre console box, reverse camera, LED fog lights, SofTex synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, power moonroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-wrapped instrument panel.
