As The 2012 Toyota Prius C Goes On Sale, We Spec Our Own

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As The 2012 Toyota Prius C Goes On Sale, We Spec Our Own

Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield

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Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield is a self-confessed petrol head. She grew up in a carless family but was able at a very early age to name cars passing her on... More

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2012 Toyota Prius C Online Configuration Tool

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Toyota has just this week started sales of its newest Prius family member, the 2012 Prius C.

The smallest Prius hybrid yet, the Prius C is Toyota’s first subcompact Hybrid to go on sale in the U.S. At a starting price of $18,950, the Prius C is also Toyota’s cheapest hybrid yet.

We’ve test-driven the Prius C already, and even given you a peek at its official owners’ manual. But now we’re going to show you how you can go about specifying your own Prius C using Toyota’s online confirmation tool.

At the start of the online configuration tool, you’ll be asked for your Zipcode. This is to help Toyota ensure that the quote it gives you -- including lease or purchase figures -- is accurate for the area in which you live.

From there, you can chose one of four trim levels, from the Prius C One through to the Prius C Four.

2012 Toyota Prius C, drive event, La Jolla, CA, Feb 2012
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Prius C One

Interestingly, while the Prius c One is the cheapest trim option available, it comes with bluetooth and USB/iPod connectivity as standard.

While you’ll be able to safely listen to your music on the road however, the Prius C One doesn’t come with many more extras. There’s no satellite navigation, no split rear seats, and no tonneau cover.

Also missing on the base level is cruise control, and a choice of colors. Opt of the Prius c One, and you’ll be stuck with Toyota’s Absolutetly Red exterior paint and grey fabric interior.

With no options to chose from, and no extras picked, our base-level Prius c One would set us back an estimated $19,710 including delivery, processing and handling, showing it is just about possible to get a Prius C for under $20,000.

Prius C Two

A step up from the Prius C One, the Prius C Two adds cruise control, split folding 60/40 rear seats, and a cargo area cover as standard. Also improved from the base level is a steering wheel that’s fully adjustable for tilt and reach, bluetooth handsfree, and improved seats which Toyota claims help lessen Whiplash injuries.

Mercifully, the Prius c Two comes with a choice of 9 different exterior paint options as standard, 4 of which are metallic. Inside however, you’ll be stuck with a rather bland grey fabric interior.

Again, with no extras specified, but delivery and processing included, we were quoted $20,660.

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Comments (7)

Mario Duran Ortiz Posted: 3/16/2012 8:35am PDT

Are you sure the Prius c is not on sale already?
In the Prius c website I got the quotation last Monday, and all the vehicles available near my zipcode that matched my request. You can see the Prii c actually available at each dealer (color was important for me, and hopefully, the one I want is available). Tomorrow I have scheduled a test drive, and hopefully close the deal (the two trim, for the same reasons you explained above).

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John Briggs Posted: 3/16/2012 9:35am PDT

Prius C is already on sale here in Boston. I saw a Prius C Four at one dealership and a second dealership is advertising on the radio saying they have them in-stock ready for delivery.

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Dennis Chin Posted: 3/16/2012 10:02am PDT

The official launch was in 3/12/2012. Toyota said they sold 1,201 in 3 days. That's more than Volt or Leaf sold in Feb.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/prius-c-launch-kicks-off-with-strong-sales-2012-03-16

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David Heywood-Jones Posted: 3/16/2012 12:11pm PDT

Ah, but you have used the same tactic as the salespeople at the dealership. The will tell you that it will only cost (your figure here) $25,140, conveniently omitting the sales tax (6%) which in Florida, is charged for the car, the options, make ready charges and associated delivery, processing and handling fees. Thus the true cost of the car is $26,648 plus title fee and license plate and any county tax.

Since this car is a "new" model, the two dealers I spoke with were not giving any "deals" this morning. No thanks. I'll keep my old car for another year or so. Heck, the gas I use in a year will only amount to roughly $500 or about one third the cost of tax alone.

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John Briggs Posted: 3/18/2012 1:30pm PDT

Thanks for adding a dose of reality.

In Massachusetts, we have to pay "sales tax" and YEARLY excise tax on all vehicles.

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Dan Silverman Posted: 3/22/2012 4:07pm PDT

Got a new Prius C/3. Better than advertised. Fun to drive. I traded my truck that was very comfotable but killing me on gas. Getting exactly the average Toyota claims. Fun to challange myself to drive to get better millage than the day before on my comute to and from work.

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Lanie A Posted: 3/26/2012 1:59pm PDT

I bought the C3 on March 16th. I had the original Honda Insight hybrid 2 seater (68-72 mpg) and drove for 8 years with no problems. I sold it in 2010 and bought a Yaris waiting for the smaller Prius. I love this car. It's really fun to drive. I'm getting about 50 mpg on the freeway and 55 around town. I did my 17 mile commute on a side road one day and got 64 mpg.

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