| Drivetrain |
|---|
| Configuration | Transverse, front-engine supplemented by two electric motors, front-wheel drive |
| Engine type | Naturally aspirated, port injected, Atkinson cycle, inline-4, gasoline with auto-stop/start |
| Displacement (cc/cu-in) | 1,497/91 |
| Block/head material | Aluminum/aluminum |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, variable intake-valve timing |
| Compression ratio (x:1) | 13.4 |
| Redline, indicated (rpm) | Not indicated |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm) | 73 @ 4,800 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 82 @ 4,000 |
| Fuel type | Regular unleaded |
| Hybrid type | Series-parallel |
| Electric motor rating (kW) | 45 |
| Combined horsepower (hp @ rpm) | 99 @ 4,800 |
| System voltage | 520 |
| Battery type | NiMH (nckel-metal hydride) |
| Battery voltage | 144 |
| Battery capacity, rated (kW-hr) | 0.94 |
| Transmission type | Planetary gearset-regulated continuously variable transmission with console shifter and eco mode |
| Final-drive ratio (x:1) | 3.19 |
| Chassis |
|---|
| Suspension, front | Independent MacPherson struts, coil springs, stabilizer bar |
| Suspension, rear | Semi-independent twist beam-axle, coil springs, twin-tube dampers, integrated stabilizer bar |
| Steering type | Electric-assist, speed-proportional, rack-and-pinion power steering |
| Steering ratio (x:1) | 13.2 (14.4 with standard 15-inch tires) |
| Tire make and model | Bridgestone Turanza EL400 D2 |
| Tire type | All-season, low rolling resistance |
| Tire size | P195/50R16 83V |
| Wheel size | 16-by-6 inches |
| Wheel material | Cast aluminum |
| Brakes, front | 10-inch ventilated cast-iron discs with single-piston sliding calipers |
| Brakes, rear | 9-inch drums |
| Test Driver Ratings & Comments |
|---|
| Acceleration comments | Didn'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 comments | Short 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 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. Slalom: Quite unlike any Prius before, because this one actually handles despite the non-defeat ESC. It seems the ESC system has high limits before adding brakes, and it doesn't merely stab them either. Although the Prius C's steering is still relatively numb, it turns in surprisingly quick. And the suspension tuning is excellent. Always stays planted, even when really throwing it around. That said, with little power on tap it's important to not scrub speed ever because you'll never get it back. Need to enter quickly and preserve momentum instead of entering slowly and trying to build speed. Seats offer zero lateral support in this maneuver, by the way. |
| Audio and Advanced Technology |
|---|
| Stereo description | AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback, 6 speakers, HD Radio with iTunes tagging |
| iPod/digital media compatibility | Standard auxiliary and USB inputs with integrated iPod menu support, Bluetooth streaming (all trim levels.) Integrated Pandora and iHeart Radio support via a paired smartphone running the free EnTune app (Three and Four trim levels.) |
| Satellite radio | Standard XM with 90-day trial subscription (Three and Four trim levels only) |
| Hard-drive music storage capacity (Gb) | Not available |
| Rear seat video and entertainment | Not available |
| Bluetooth phone connectivity | Standard, with voice commands and phone book access |
| Navigation system | Standard, 6.1-inch screen with additional POI data and search capability via a paired smartphone running the free Entune app. (Three and Four trim levels only) |
| Smart entry/Start | Standard (Three and Four trim levels only) |
| Parking aids | Not available |
| Blind-spot detection | Not available |
| Adaptive cruise control | Not available |
| Lane-departure monitoring | Not available |
| Collision warning/avoidance | Not available |
| Night Vision | Not available |
| Driver coaching display | Standard |
| Dimensions & Capacities |
|---|
| Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.) | 2,500 |
| Curb weight, as tested (lbs.) | 2,587 |
| Weight distribution, as tested, f/r (%) | 61/39 |
| Length (in.) | 157.3 |
| Width (in.) | 66.7 |
| Height (in.) | 56.9 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 100.4 |
| Track, front (in.) | 57.5 |
| Track, rear (in.) | 57.1 |
| Turning circle (ft.) | 37.4 (31.4 with standard 15-inch tires) |
| 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 capacity | 5 |
| Step-in height, measured (in.) | 13.8 |
| Max cargo volume behind 1st row (cu-ft) | Not provided |
| behind 2nd row (cu-ft) | 17.1 |
| Cargo loading height, measured (in.) | 25.3 |
| Ground clearance (in.) | 5.5 |
