Toyota's Prius gets a facelift

Toyota has announced details and pricing for its best known hybrid model, the Prius c. The Prius c sees updated styling, with a design that looks closer to their Corolla model than the Prius’ original design, that has since become synonymous with hybrid vehicles globally. The price for the standard Prius c 1.5 Hybrid GX Hatch in New Zealand will be $29,990, while you’ll have to pay an extra $9,500 for the Prius c 1.5 Hybrid SX Hatch, at $32,490. It sees new styling for the bonnet, front bumper, grille, and headlights. At the rear, the bumper and combination lamps have also been redesigned. The SX model will have privacy glass, a new 15-inch alloy wheel design, chrome plated ornamentation of the upper grille, power folding door mirrors and a new rear roof spoiler. New colours will be available too. Wider 185/60 R15 tyres replace the 175/65 R15 rubber used on the outgoing model and reversing sensors have been added, and a 1.5 litre petrol engine generates total system power of 73.6kW. Toyota say this provides for a “fun and engaging on-road experience”, while still delivering fuel economy and environmentally friendly emissions levels. Standardised tests for fuel consumption comparison purposes resulted in a combined usage of 3.9 litres/100 km with CO2 emissions of 90 g/km. Both the GX and SX models come with seven air bags, reversing camera, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming capabilities, a six speaker audio system with 6.1-inch touch screen display, cruise control, tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel, front fog lights, and a 60:40 split folding rear seat. Toyota New Zealand’s General Manager of Product Spencer Morris said that the Prius is NZ’s most affordable hybrid car. “With an updated design and more equipment, the Prius c still provides the most affordable new car entry to fuel efficient hybrid motoring,” said Morris. “It makes an ideal city runabout due to the hybrid powertrain’s economic engine management in rush hour and stop start traffic.”