2012 Toyota Prius c Review: How It Drives
Carrying the Prius name and sending 99 hp to the front wheels through a CVT, we didn't expect the 2012 Toyota Prius c to do anything except save money at the gas pump, but its 2,500-pound curb weight makes it surprisingly fun to drive. Not that the subcompact hatchback segment is overly exhilarating to drive in the first place, the Prius c might actually be a little more enjoyable than most of its rivals thanks to its low center of gravity that results from the battery pack being positioned beneath the rear seat. It is refreshing to have fun in a hybrid like the Prius c, but at the end of the day, this car is all about fuel economy. During our week with the 2012 Toyota Prius c, we put a little more than 200 miles on the car in mixed driving and averaged 54.4 mpg - this includes a 30-mile all-highway trip that returned 65.2 mpg. According to the fuel cost monitor, this week of driving cost us less than $12. One of the Prius c's biggest downfalls (which is common among most subcompacts) was the amount of wind, road and engine noise that makes its way into the cabin as well as various buzzes, whirrs and whines associated with the electrical components.