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2012 Toyota Prius c - Road Test Specs

2012 Toyota Prius c Hatchback

(1.5L 4-cyl. Hybrid CVT Automatic)
Vehicle
Model year2012
MakeToyota
ModelPrius C
Style4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Base MSRP$23,990 (Prius C Four)
Options on test vehicle16-Inch Alloy Wheel and Tilt-and-Slide Sunroof Package ($1,150)
As-tested MSRP$25,140
Drivetrain
Drive typeFront-wheel Drive
Engine typeNaturally aspirated, port-injected, inline-4, gasoline with auto-stop/start
Displacement (cc/cu-in)1,497/91
Block/head materialAluminum/aluminum
ValvetrainDOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, variable intake-valve timing
Compression ratio (x:1)13.4
Redline (rpm)N/A
Horsepower (hp @ rpm)99 @ 4,800
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm)82 @ 4,000
Fuel typeRegular unleaded
Transmission typePlanetary gearset-regulated continuously variable transmission and column shifter
Transmission and axle ratios (x:1)Final: 3.19
Chassis
Suspension, frontIndependent MacPherson struts, coil springs, stabilizer bar
Suspension, rearSemi-independent twist beam-axle, coil springs, twin-tube dampers, integrated stabilizer bar
Steering typeElectric-assist, speed-proportional, rack-and-pinion power steering
Steering ratio (x:1)13.2 (14.4 with standard 15-inch tires)
Tire brandBridgestone
Tire modelTuranza EL400 D2
Tire typeAll-season, low rolling resistance
Tire size, frontP195/50R16 83V
Tire size, rearP195/50R16 83V
Wheel size16-by-6 inches front and rear
Wheel materialCast aluminum
Brakes, front10-inch one-piece ventilated cast-iron discs with single-piston sliding calipers
Brakes, rear9-inch drums
Track Test Results
Acceleration, 0-30 mph (sec.)3.6
0-45 mph (sec.)6.6
0-60 mph (sec.)11.3
0-75 mph (sec.)18.0
1/4-mile (sec. @ mph)18.0 @ 75.1 mph
0-60 with 1 foot of rollout (sec.)10.9
Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.)30
60-0 mph (ft.)118
Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph)64.3
Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g)0.80
Sound level @ idle (dB)35.5
@ Full throttle (dB)73.6
@ 70 mph cruise (dB)66.5
Test Driver Ratings & Comments
Acceleration commentsDidn't matter whether the transmission was in D, B or Eco -- the Prius C had the same level of marginal performance. This thing is in no rush to get down the drag strip. Power braking also had zero effect. Engine is extremely thrashy, especially so at high rpm. Started the acceleration run with six battery bars and finished with six bars. Non-defeat traction control. First run was the quickest.
Braking ratingAverage
Braking commentsShort travel, firm pedal. Minimal ABS commotion. Front tires almost always locked up a bit at the initial stab of brakes. First stop was shortest at 118 feet. Pretty consistent, too: the longest stop was the third one (out of seven) at 123 feet.
Handling ratingAverage
Handling comments"Skid pad: The non-defeat ESC system took over here. Between cutting of throttle and application of brakes, you could just keep the throttle wooded to the floor and let the computer sort it all out.
Testing Conditions
Elevation (ft.)1,121
Temperature (°F)52.5
Relative humidity (%)59.4
Wind (mph, direction)2.56/cross
Fuel Consumption
EPA fuel economy (mpg)53 city/46 highway/50 combined
Edmunds observed (mpg)48.9
Fuel tank capacity (U.S. gal.)9.5
Dimensions & Capacities
Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.)2,500
Curb weight, as tested (lbs.)2,587
Weight distribution, as tested, f/r (%)61.3/38.7
Length (in.)157.3
Width (in.)66.7
Height (in.)56.9
Wheelbase (in.)100.4
Track, front (in.)58.3
Track, rear (in.)58.1
Turning circle (ft.)37.4
Legroom, front (in.)41.7
Legroom, rear (in.)35.0
Headroom, front (in.)38.6
Headroom, rear (in.)37.0
Shoulder room, front (in.)52.3
Shoulder room, rear (in.)51.7
Seating capacity5
Cargo volume (cu-ft)17.1
Warranty
Free scheduled maintenance2 years/25,000 miles
Safety
Front airbagsStandard
Side airbagsDual front
Head airbagsFront and rear
Knee airbagsPassenger only
Antilock brakesFour-wheel ABS
Electronic brake enhancementsBraking assist, electronic brakeforce distribution
Traction controlTraction control
Stability controlStability control
Tire-pressure monitoring systemTire-pressure monitoring
NHTSA crash test, driverNot Tested
NHTSA crash test, passengerNot Tested
NHTSA crash test, side frontNot Tested
NHTSA crash test, side rearNot Tested
NHTSA rollover resistanceNot Tested
IIHS offsetNot Tested
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