The compact prius set to come out this spring will be in a smaller (close to what a 5-door hatch Yaris), supposedly more sporty package, start around $19K and get even better mileage than the standard prius with a 1.5l 72hp ICE and 60hp motor. Besides the subjective looks, will the I2 have anything to compete against this?
Fifty mpg for city and highway? I guess a lot will depend on the driving experience; the seats don't look like the most comfortable contraptions for sitting in over a long period of time. And maybe the ride will be way too bouncy to be comfortable.
But off the top of my head, I can say I like the C's styling better than that of the Insight. The C looks a lot like the Honda Fit. And if it has as much interior space as the Fit (don't know the interior dimensions of the C, but its wheelbase is 157.3 inches; the '12 Insight's is 100.4; the '12 Fit's is 98.4) yet gets almost double the mileage for about the same price, why wouldn't the C be a strong competitor if not a category leader?
I guess if Honda is paying attention, it will follow 02insight's advice and bring the Fit Hybrid over here, pronto, or possibly lose a lot of market share to the C.
A lot will depend on the reviews. Looking forward to reading them.
I think the subjective looks is the I2s biggest selling point.
That, plus I am guessing the base Insight will still cost less than the Prius C. Toyota doesn't consider the I2 to be much of a threat anymore (at least in the U.S. market). That is why they raised the prices of their 3rd gen. Prius soon after it was released and why I think the C will still be costing more.
The majority of the hybrid market is willing to pay more for a car with better MPGs and interior room. The $18K base Insight starts at $5K less than the standard Prius for marginally better fuel economy and yet sales lean heavily toward the more expensive Prius. Plus, the Prius C will come standard with bluetooth and steering wheel controls (Motortrend). Add to that the Toyota / Prius brand name, and I come to the unfortunate conclusion that the Insight will continue to have lower sales until the I3 is released.
UK has the recent introduced hybrid version of the Toyota Auris in the showrooms, Auris is replacement for the Corolla. Auris hybrid has same synergy drivetrain as Prius and routinely returns 60 mpg (long gallon) according to an owner I know.
How does the Prius C and Auris hybrid fit in with the Toyota range in the next question.
How does the Prius C and Auris hybrid fit in with the Toyota range in the next question.
The Prius C is smaller than the Auris Hybrid but maybe larger than the Yaris. The Prius C has a smaller engine than the Auris Hybrid which shares its engine with the regular Prius. The Auris Hybrid seems to be similar to the Lexus CT 250h except for the trim level.
You seriously think a small fuel efficient car will be introduced and will sell well in the US? Better yet, after smog and safety upgrades will still achieve supreme fuel economy?!?!?
Although I have been known to drink til I pass out, I do not believe from this thread that I am the only one abusing substances.
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Will the Prius C kill off the Insight?
