2013 Toyota RAV4 Revealed

Redesigned RAV4 Debuts at Los Angeles Auto Show

Toyota gave us a tease last week, letting us know that the 2013 RAV4 was coming better than ever. The company made good on its promise last week at the Los Angeles auto show, when the company officially unveiled the redesigned soft roader.

The 2013 RAV4 will be the fourth-generation RAV4 since 1994 and is an all-new model redesigned with the latest Toyota styling, in order to bring the RAV4 back on top of its class.

2013 RAV4

Under the hood, Toyota is no longer offering the 268-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 engine, opting to bring back the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine instead. Expect this engine to produce 176 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque.

Front wheel drive models of 2013 RAV4 are expected to receive EPA ratings of 24/31 mpg city/highway, improving on the 22/28 mpg rating for the outgoing model. Expect the all-wheel-drive RAV4s to achieve 22/29 mpg, a slight improvement over the third-generation model.

Trims

The 2013 RAV4 will be available three trims: LE, XLE, and Limited.

The LE trim will come equipped with 17-inch steel wheels, a six-way manually adjustable driver's seat, power windows, power side mirrors, eight airbags, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, and 60/40 split/folding second-row seats.

Those who opt for the RAV4’s XLE trim will add on 17-inch alloy wheels and bucket seats with side bolstering.

At the top of the 2013 RAV4 lineup is the Limited model, which will equip the vehicle with bigger 18-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a programmable power liftgate (for added convenience at the store), and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The RAV4 Limited will also offer heated front seats, and the driver's seat has memory settings and power lumbar. The 2013 RAV4 Limited also adds on a more modern center console, featuring a standard 6.1-inch touch screen.

Updates

In a break with tradition, the new RAV4 has a conventionally top-hinged tailgate for the first time (which can now be power-operated for the Limited trim), over the awkward side swinging door that used to make it slightly inconvenient to users.

The 2013 RAV4 retains its predecessor's 104.7-inch wheelbase, but it is 2 inches shorter than the outgoing model (179.9 inches) and about an inch lower (65.4 inches). The 2013 Model is slightly wider, offering 72.6 inches of width versus the 2012 model's 71.5. The maximum passenger capacity drops from seven to five via the elimination of the third row.

Conclusion

Since it was launched 18 years ago, Toyota has sold more than 4.5 million RAV4's in 150 countries.

While the 2013 Toyota RAV4 faces more competition than ever in the market, we'd say the new model’s redesign will give it a nice edge over competitors.  We expect the RAV4 to maintain its place as a leader in the market.

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Vehicle Profile: 2013 Toyota Tacoma

Luxurious and Tough to Match 

The Toyota Tacoma is back for 2013 adding new enhancements for this model year. The new upgrades for the 2013 Toyota Tacoma look to increase the refinement of the vehicle. Look for the Tacoma to also sport a refreshed look for added visual appeal.

What’s New?

The new upgrades for 2013 help to add new levels of comfort to the interior , thanks to the Tacoma’s new Limited Package, which adds some improved interior features like SofTex^®-trimmed heated seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls, a Display Audio System with Entune^™ and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with a rear camera display.

The exterior updates for the Tacoma under the Limited Package include 18-inch chrome wheels, a chrome grille surround and fog lamps, while adding a chrome rear bumper, exterior mirrors and door handles.

What Stayed?

Some features from the Tacoma’s predecessor carried over from last year, including the many customization options.

The Toyota Tacoma offers three cab sizes, two engine choices, available 4WD and multiple performance packages, making this a very customizable vehicle depending on your needs. The 2013 Tacoma’s engine choices include a 159-hp 2.7-liter four-cylinder that can be mated to a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. The 4.0-liter V6 produces 236 hp and comes paired with a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic.

Cabin options for the 2013 Toyota Tacoma include: a Regular Cab, Access Cab and Double Cab.

The Regular Cab and Access Cab models come standard with a 73.5-inch bed, while the Double Cab gets a shorter, 60.3-inch bed standard, though it does offer the longer bed as an option. Mileage estimates range from an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city/25 mpg highway for the Regular Cab 2.7-liter with the five-speed manual, to 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway for the 4.0-liter V6 4x4 Double Cab long bed with the five-speed automatic.

The 2013 Tacoma 4x2 Regular Cab features a Display Audio stereo with a 6.1-inch touch-screen, Bluetooth^® and USB capability. All Access Cab and Double Cab models get added features like power windows and locks. The Double Cab V6 models feature a more advanced version of the Display Audio system with seven JBL GreenEdge Synthesis speakers including a subwoofer.

Off Road and Safety

Looking to take this bad boy off into the dirt? Then you are looking for a little more capability than the standard 4x4 provides. If you are one of those drivers, Toyota offers the TRD Off-Road Package for V6 automatic models. The package includes Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and a switch-activated locking rear differential. HAC controls the brakes on each wheel independently to stop the Tacoma from rolling backwards or sliding sideways when climbing a grade from a stop. DAC works by using engine braking and brake control to regulate downhill speeds.

The Tacoma, like all Toyota vehicles, features the Star Safety System^™, which includes Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, an Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, and Smart Stop brake override technology. Each Tacoma also comes equipped with six airbags. To keep your Tacoma in optimal running condition, the standard Toyota Care covers all scheduled maintenance for two-years/25,000 miles. Free 24-hour roadside assistance is also included with Toyota Care.

The 2013 Tacoma’s refreshed look and luxury features give it an overall nicer feel, while at the same time maintaining all of the power and favorite features from the previous models.

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Toyota Motors Develops New Collision Avoidance Assist System

System Effective in More Than 90% of Speed Ranges in Rear-end Collisions

Toyota City, Japan— You are on your commute home from work when you suddenly rear end a driver. In the words of Homer Simpson, Doh!

Research has shown that speeds between 40 km/h to 60 km/h during the time of a rear-end collision is the range in which most fatal and injury-causing accidents increase. In response to this, Two days ago, Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announced it had developed a Pre-collision System (PCS) with collision avoidance assist that is effective in helping mitigate even high-speed collisions.

The newly developed PCS uses a millimeter-wave radar to detect the risk of a rear-end collision with a vehicle ahead of you. The system works by sending a system warning to the driver via sound and display alerts advising the driver to brake when such a risk is detected.  When the driver applies the brakes, PCS enables deceleration of up to 60 km/h by increasing the vehicle’s braking force up to twice the force of what an  that of the average driver. 

One cool feature to this PCS system is that even If the brakes are not applied, automatic deceleration is possible at speed of 15 km/h to approximately 30 km/h.

Toyota’s research found that more than 90 percent of rear-end collisions occur when the difference in speed between the preceding and following vehicle is within 60 km/h, thus aiming to produce a brake assist system based on real-world collision data. Toyota’s new PCS will be able to achieve rear-end-collision reducing-effects at the highest level in the industry. 

On top of releasing this PCS system and in order to help eliminate fatal traffic accidents, Toyota Motors is also conducting research and development on individual onboard safety devices and systems based on its Integrated Safety Management Concept.

Toyota’s Integrated Safety Management Concept is TMC’s approach to safety that links each individual safety technology system equipped on vehicles together to increase overall vehicle safety.  Toyota Motors has been hard at work developing safer vehicles and technologies, as well as increasing its traffic-safety initiatives by participating in the development of traffic environments and participating in educational traffic-safety activities for drivers.

The new PCS was developed to be used in a wide variety of models, and is expected to be rolled out starting with soon-to-be-launched 2013 models.

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2013 Toyota Sequoia

The 2013 Toyota Sequoia is back for 2013 and it sounds like its going to be meaner than ever. Big news for the Sequoia for 2013 is that it will now discontinue its 4.6 liter V-8 engine from the available lineup.

Because of the discontinuation of the 4.6-liter V-8 from the lineup 2013, the Toyota Sequoia will now offer one engine for all the trims.

Out with the old

For those of you wondering, the 4.6-liter V-8 was the Sequoia’s base engine. It was able to produce 310 hp and 327 lb-ft of torque and can still be seen in the Toyota Tundra.

The incoming 5.7-liter engine, on the other hand, is rated at 381 hp and 401 lb-ft, and comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, as well as a very impressive towing capacity of 7400 pounds.

The 2013 Toyota Sequoia has been EPA rated at 13/18 mpg city/highway for the rear-wheel drive model and 13/17 mpg for the four-wheel drive. The more powerful engine hasn’t reduced the Sequoia’s fuel efficiency that much as the outgoing 4.6-liter was rated 14/20 and 13/18 mpg in two-wheel and four-wheel-drive trims, respectively.

In with the new

For the 2013 model year the Toyota Sequoia will also come equipped with a few new technical features. For example, the 2013 Sequoia will now offer a Blu-Ray rear seat entertainment system, making it Toyota’s first model to do so. Additionally, drivers can now maneuver the large SUV between lanes more safely thanks to an new available blind spot monitoring system.

Trims

The 2013 Toyota Sequoia is still offered in three trim levels: SR5, Limited, and Platinum.

The Platinum model, the top trim for the 2013 Sequoia, comes standard equipped with many impressive features including a navigation system, adaptive cruise control, a rear load-leveling air suspension, heated seats for second row passengers, and a very impressive premium 14-speaker sound system.

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2013 Toyota Matrix

Vehicle Overview

The 2013 Toyota Matrix is a compact hatchback that offers plenty of cargo room. It is offered in either a base trim or an S trim.

For 2013, the base model of the Toyota Matrix gets an upgraded CD player equipped with Bluetooth audio streaming, satellite radio and iPod connectivity. Those who opt for the S model will get an upgraded a stereo equipped with a 6.1-inch touch-screen.

Exterior and Features

The Matrix offers a modern look thanks to a bold looking front end that features thin wraparound headlights and a small grille. Overall the Matrix offers a very modern look combined with the sportiness that is brought by the vehicle’s hatchback.

Those that opt for the S trim can have their Matrix equipped with an optional Sport Package. This package beefs up the matrix by giving it 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear underbody spoilers and a rear spoiler. Exterior features include: Daytime running lights, Heated power mirrors as well as available, moon roof fog lamps and your choice between 16- or 17-inch wheels

Interior

The 2013 Toyota Matrix fits up to 5 people, thanks to its front sport seats and a three-person rear 60/40-split bench seat. If you need extra cargo room, the backseat can fold down to add space. Interior features include: Front passenger seat folds down (S models), cruise control, power windows and locks, as well as available metallic interior accents

Under the Hood and Safety Features

Base models of the 2013 Toyota Matrix will come powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder mated either to a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, but also offers a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 158-hp and 162 pounds-feet of torque (Standard on The S model) which is teamed to either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.

Every model of the 2013 Matrix is front-wheel drive, minus for the all-wheel-drive S trim, which comes specially equipped with a four-speed automatic. The base and front-wheel-drive S models come with a basic rear torsion beam suspension, while the all-wheel-drive S model gets a rear double-wishbone suspension.

Standard safety features on all 2013 Toyota Matrix models include Front side-impact airbags, Side curtain airbags, Active front head restraints, Antilock brakes Traction control, Electronic stability system.

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Vehicle Preview: 2013 Toyota Tacoma

If the Shoe Fits, Wear It!

Whats New?

For the 2013 model year Toyota proved the philosophy of if the shoe fits wear it!

For 2013 the new Toyota Tacoma will feature a new Limited grade package, just like the one offered on the Tundra. Also, every engine and body configuration will now carry daytime running lights, and all body types will have a new display screen when equipped with the Toyota’s Entune package. Lastly, all Tacoma models that are equipped with the Entune system will get added steering-wheel switches.

Limited Package

The 2013 Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 and PreRunner with the automatic transmission will be offered with a new Limited Package which includes the following features:  Chrome grille surrounds and rear bumper, chrome fog lamp housings, chrome door handles, chrome and power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators underneath, SofTex-trimmed heated front sport seats (with four-way adjustable driver’s seat), 18-inch chrome alloy wheels with P265/60R18 tires, color-keyed front bumper and over fenders, fog lamps, variable speed wipers, metallic tone instrument-panel trim, leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls, a leather-trimmed shifter, dual sun visors with extenders (with lighted mirrors), an auto-dimming rearview mirror with monitor and outside temperature gauge and HomeLink, as well as chrome Limited badging.

Pricing

Pricing for the 2013 Tacoma is the following: For the 4x2 Regular Cab with a four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission the price will start at $17,520. For the 4x4 Double Cab V-6 long bed with a five-speed automatic the price goes up to $28,090.

Conclusion

Clearly, the 2013 model has no significant changes from the 2012 model, with the few exceptions listed above; however as we said before “if the shoe fits, wear it”. The 2012 model offered some great interior and exterior changes for the Toyota Tacoma. We don’t expect the same to follow next year, however for now the Toyota Tacoma took one more step at perfecting their craft.

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2013 Toyota Highlander

Vehicle Overview

Offered in front- and all-wheel-drive form, the Toyota Highlander crossover returns for the 2013 model year with a four-cylinder or V-6 engine. The Toyota Highlander offers three rows for seating and can seat up to seven people comfortably.

Additions for 2013

For the 2013 model year the Toyota Highlander will now offer a new Plus trim level. This trim has all of the base Highlander's features as well as lift-up rear glass window, fog lights, a backup camera, black roof rails, easy-clean fabric upholstery and a Display Audio system. 

Exterior

The exterior to the 2013 Toyota Highlander offers Chrome accents on the rocker panels, as well as 17-inch alloy wheels for the base and SE trims. The Limited trim level adds chrome roof rails on the Highlander, as well as 19-inch wheels.

Exterior features for the 2013 Highlander include standard variable intermittent windshield wipers, as well as an Optional moon roof and power lift gate.

Interior

The inside of the 2013 Toyota Highlander comes with a standard third-row seat that is able to fold into the floor in a 50/50 split. The second-row bench features a removable center seat that is packed in a compartment below the front-seat center console converting the second row into two individual seats with a center aisle or removable a center console. Both seats can recline and are adjustable forward and back. The passenger-side seat has a walk-in feature to allow easier access to the Highlander’s third-row.

Other interior features include: a Standard tilt/telescoping steering wheel, an optional three-zone automatic air conditioning, Standard fabric upholstery ( with leather optional), Standard CD stereo with MP3 jack, an Optional rear entertainment system and an Optional touch-screen navigation system

With the second and third rows folded down the Highlander is able to hold 95.4 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume.

Under the Hood

Under the hood, the 2013 Toyota Highlander is standard equipped with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, with the option for 3.5-liter V-6. Four-cylinder models come with front-wheel drive, while V-6 engine gives drivers the choice between front- or all-wheel drive. The four-cylinder engine is able to produce 187 horsepower and 186 pounds-feet of torque, while the V-6 engine makes 270 hp and 248 pounds-feet of torque

Safety

Standard safety features for the 2013 Toyota Highlander include: side curtain, side impact and driver’s knee airbags, Antilock brakes, an Electronic stability system and Active front head restraints.

The 2013 Toyota Highlander will also be available as a hybrid. More details on the hybrid coming soon!

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Toyota Camry Tops Cars.com Most American Cars List

Cars.com voted on the top 10 Most American of all vehicles and once again, the Toyota Camry has been picked as the most American of all cars. The choice was made due to the Camry having more U.S. sourced parts, U.S. production and higher U.S. sales.

This marks the fourth-straight year that the Toyota Camry has topped the "American-made" survey. This year, the Ford F-150 came at a close second but in the end, Toyota, Honda and General Motors took eight of the 10 spots on the list.

"When people think about buying an 'American' car, they might just think automatically of the Detroit Three," said Patrick Olsen, editor in chief at Cars.com. "In reality, this classification isn't as cut and dry as it used to be."

So without further ado here are the 10 most American vehicles and where they're made as voted by Cars.com:

1. Toyota Camry, Georgetown, Ky., and Lafayette, Ind.
2. Ford F-150, Dearborn, Mich., and Claycomo, Mo.
3. Honda Accord, Marysville, Ohio
4. Toyota Sienna, Princeton, Ind.
5. Honda Pilot, Lincoln, Ala.
6. Chevrolet Traverse, Lansing, Mich.
7. Toyota Tundra, San Antonio
8. Jeep Liberty, Toledo, Ohio
9. GMC Acadia, Lansing
10. Buick Enclave, Lansing

What do you think of this list? Let us know!

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Toyota Working on Mood Sensing Vehicles

So you had a long day huh?

If you take the time to look around at the other drivers on the road during your morning/afternoon commute you will see many different types of drivers. A common driver you might find in your morning commute is the one that is barely awake as he drives to work. On your afternoon commute you are more likely to find the angry road rage driver.

Both of these drivers can be bad news right? Well thanks to Toyota’s technological advancements we might soon be behind the wheel of vehicles capable of knowing if we are having a bad day or are falling asleep at the wheel.

Details of this technology were first revealed in 2006. Since then the idea has been built into a working vehicle capable of identifying the emotional state of a driver and react if needed.

Some of the actions the system can take include producing more safety reminders if the driver seems distracted or even directly controlling a vehicle by braking or steering to avoid an obstacle.

For example, angry drivers could be warned about potential hazards such as a pedestrian crossing the road much sooner than a calm driver. On top of that, the vehicle’s system is able to tell what direction the driver is facing in order to warn him/her of potential hazards located in the opposite direction that the driver is facing.

How Does it Work?

The technology behind these super smart cars works by using sensors that take readings from 238 different points all over the driver’s face and uses them to calculate his/her emotion. The benefits to these sensors is that the reading mechanism will work even if a driver’s face is partially covered, such as when wearing sunglasses.

At this point the technology is being perfected so that it can recognize what a driver is doing. The vehicle will be able to sense times where the driver is looking at their phone or controlling the radio and then offer to help so he or she can stay focused on the road.

As of this writing the technology is still in its early stages, however we could see aspects of it in Toyota’s cars in about six years.

Stay tuned.

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2012 Toyota 4Runner

Introduction

The Toyota 4Runner is definitely one of the most recognizable SUV’s on the road today. Launched in 1984, the 4Runner was designed as Toyota's smaller and cheaper Ying to the Land Cruiser’s Yang. However since it was launched in 84, the 4Runner has earned its own reputation as a durable vehicle with the ability to take it on the road or to the dirt at any time.

Exterior and Trims

The 2012 Toyota 4Runner is offered in three trim levels: SR5, Trail and Limited.

The SR5 and Limited trims are available with 2WD or 4WD. The Trail-grade 4Runner is only available in 4WD.

The 4Runner SR5 comes standard equipped with the following features: 17-inch alloy wheels, hill-start assist and hill-descent control, skid plates, fog lights, heated mirrors,  air-conditioning (Equipped with rear ventilation), cruise control, full power accessories, a power rear window, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a trip computer.  The SR5 also comes equipped with Bluetooth (with audio streaming) and an eight-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and a USB/iPod interface.

The 4Runner Trail level includes the same equipment as the SR5 trim with the addition of a the following features: a locking rear differential, mud guards, Crawl Control (which electronically controls throttle and brakes when going up or downhill), off-road-oriented 17 inch tires and a sunroof. Other features on the Trail level include power front seats made of water resistant fabric, a rearview camera with a monitor built into the mirror, improved gauges, a sliding rear cargo deck and two 120-volt power outlets.

The Limited trim level includes: 20-inch wheels, keyless ignition/entry, adaptive suspension dampers, automatic headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats and power lumbar support for the driver seat. Also standard for the Limited is an integrated rearview camera, HD radio and Toyota's Entune smartphone integration system.

Many of the features of the 4Runner Trail and Limited are available options for the SR5 model. Other available option include: a 50/50 split third-row seat, voice-activated navigation system and the KDSS off-road suspension package (which is available only on the Trail models).

Under the Hood

The 2012 Toyota 4Runner is equipped with a standard 4.0-liter V6 engine and a 5 speed transmission that produces 270 HP and 278 pound-feet of torque.

The SR5 and Limited trims' 4WD systems are slightly different. The SR5 system uses part-time dual-range, while the Limited trim has a full-time system with a lockable center differential. The Trail model comes with part-time dual-range 4WD and a locking rear differential, as well as selectable electronic terrain-sensitive systems. The 4Runner's towing capacity is rated at 5,000 pounds, regardless of trim.

Safety

The Standard 2012 Toyota 4Runner safety features include: stability control, antilock disc brakes, traction control, front knee airbags, front seat side and full length airbags, active front head restraints and roll-sensing side curtain airbags.

The Limited trim gets an extra boost in safety features. It comes with Safety Connect, which is Toyota's emergency assistance system. This protects your vehicle by providing you with a stolen-vehicle locator, roadside assistance and automatic collision notification.  

Interior Design and Special Features

The Toyota 4Runner's interior features a look perfect for this SUV's rugged image. It features oversized climate control knob, which are easy to see and control. Our only complaint is that they sometimes feel a bit unsteady.  

The Toyota 4Runner offers a very roomy interior with seating for up to five passengers. It has a 40/20/40-split second row which offers cargo-carrying flexibility, however an optional third-row seat is available, which increases the passenger count to seven people, preferably smaller the vehicles maximum cargo capacity to 90 cubic feet. It also offers an optional sliding rear cargo deck, which is able to withstand up to 440 pounds.

For those of you that like tail gating at your favorite game, the 2012 4Runner offers an optional “Party Mode”. This mode directs most of the audio system's sound to the lift gate speakers and increases the bass response of the vehicle.  Are you ready to party? I know I am.

On the Road/Off the road

The 2012 Toyota 4Runner is built on a truck chassis, but it is surprisingly very smooth on the road. While the 4Runner does not offer a V8 engine, it is not needed. The V6 has plenty of power on its own, and it’s bound to be a crowd pleaser.  

If you want to take this bad boy off-road, and we know you do, the 4Runner is definitely one of the best off-roading vehicles in the car market. For the best off-roading experience in the 2012 Toyota 4Runner, we recommend getting a Trail model fitted with the KDSS package.

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2012 Toyota Prius C

Introduction

Twelve years ago Toyota introduced the first Prius hybrid vehicle to America. During those days gas was well below the $2 mark, which meant that buying one was nice, but not really a necessity. Today’s gas prices hover right around the $4 mark, with the prediction that it will reach 5$ a gallon sometime this year, making cars with affordable gas mileage a must for many potential car buyers.

Exterior

The Prius C was designed as a 5-door hatchback subcompact sedan. It receives a fantastic EPA rating of 50 mpg and is offered at a starting price of $18,950.

The exterior design is a mixture of the iconic Prius shape we have come to expect, mixed with the sporty look and size of the Toyota Yaris. The Prius C is sleek looking from the front, and it offers a sloping rear hatch that is equipped with sculpted flares.

For the Prius C, Toyota added side mirrors equipped special fins and wheels a special shape to enhance the vehicles aerodynamics.

Interior

The interior of the Prius C is simply fantastic. It features a very modern look and is stocked with many technological innovations as well as a great information center and a very cool infotainment center.

The Prius C has a wide instrument panel and its displays and controls were made with light colors to contrast with a basic black. It has a digital display screen as well, which adds to the modern look we mentioned.

As we have seen in previous Prius models, the 2012 Prius C is equipped with USB ports, Auxiliary connections and even a special storage area for your I-pod or other electronic devices and smart phones.

Surprisingly enough, for a small sedan, seating in the C is quite comfortable. The seats offer great back support and much more leg room than expected for the driver and front seat passenger. The rear seats are comfortable as well, but as expected by a car this size, lacks room for those with long legs.

One wonderful feature we found came in the AC system. The 2012 Prius C offers a very quiet air conditioning system that also contains an air filter for pollen, dust and any other allergy inducing airborne agents.

Under the Hood

The 2012 Prius C is equipped with a 1.5 liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine that comes linked to two high output electric motors. The battery is a 67 pound, 144-volt nickel-metal hydride battery which stores the energy regained while driving.  

(Editors Note: For more info under the hood check out http://newtoyotanews.blogspot.com/2012/01/prius-c-will-offer-53-mpg-for-under.html)

Drive Experience

We didn’t know what to expect with this one, but just looking at the vehicle made us giddy to try it out. We put it through the high way, main roads and back roads to test it out, and we have to give credit where credit is due.

The 2012 Prius C  is very agile, able to keep pace with other cars on the road. It offers pretty accurate steering was accurate in straight road and simple turns. One cool feature is the ability for the car to tell you how to squeeze the most possible mileage out of a gallon of gas (which means taking your fun cap and putting on your conservative one). The Prius C also has very responsive and efficient brakes which are part of the hybrid’s electrical regeneration system. Lastly Prius drivers are able to switch between three driving modes, Normal, ECO and EV.

Conclusion

With the sleek and sporty exterior design, and an interior fully loaded with technological advances and a very impressive infotainment system, The 2012 Prius C is a car for young families, drivers and those who are young at heart.

The pricing on the 2012 Prius C reflects the income of a younger buyer, with the base model starting at $18,950 and rising to $23,230 for the Prius C Four. While these are slightly higher prices than its direct competitors (think Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta), the Prius C’s fuel economy closes the gap, and makes it a much better buy in our book. For all of you super tall drivers (6’6 and above) we recommend test driving the Prius C before buying it, as some might opt for the larger members of the Prius family, however once you set eyes on this Prius, you won’t be disappointed.

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