New Prius C
 

Hello,

The Prius lineup is being expanded, as expected. We've seen the Prius plugin, and the Prius V -- but the fourth, smaller model has only been hinted at. But now, we know a little more about it -- it appears to be an tweaked version of the FT-CH that we saw about a year ago:

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog....1294686679.jpg
(click on image for link)

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog....1294686678.jpg

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog....1294686679.jpg

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog....1294686681.jpg

I think it looks pretty darn good! What do you think?

This is what I've been waiting for basically. A smaller version of the Prius that gets even better mileage, the 4 doors is a great plus. I've liked the FT-CH since it came out too and have been hoping to see it evolve into a production vehicle.

However, I can't see it beating the pants off of the gen 3 Prius without some definite advancements in aero and weight. It does look like they're trying to keep the interior light, but these are concept pictures. I can't imagine them bringing that interior to production. Anyway, the Prius C does not look like it has a better cd than the current Prius. It may have a smaller frontal area... It will definitely weigh less, but how much we'll have to wait and see.

If it is a plugin (it doesn't appear to be), then I would definitely buy one. Aerodynamics look better than the Prius (WAG), and certainly the frontal area is smaller.

Those side mirrors definitely look aerodynamic !

This one seems a lot more appealing. Better mileage than a regular Prius, cheaper, and better looks? Yes please.

I wonder how tame the production version will look. Hopefully they'll keep this one looking fun.

Neil -

I like it. The rear tail light is cool in my book. I hope it pans out.

CarloSW2

...why does it have to have that "...created by 'Godzilla Design Studio'..." look to it?

...like a "transformer" that's been smoothed over...slightly?

Are those wheels meant to be aerodynamic in any way ?

It has a curious design. It looks heavy too.

I think we're looking at the car they show the public to gain interest in it. Not the production version. It's mostly just the engineers having fun. By the time it comes to market, it's usually very more mainstream (timid) in design.

I like "more efficient, more small, more cheap". :)

And I like the competition.

Honda, are you worried? I bet this car would bury Insight II sales, which are already fairly weak, at least in North America. And if the suspension is tuned for handling (or if a sporty variant is an option) it might eat some of the CRZ's lunch too.

I want Honda to be worried, because I get the impression they haven't really been trying hard enough lately. We used to expect more from them.