While many of us are concerned about our impact on the environment (or "carbon footprint" as it's sometimes called), we also have issues paying top-dollar for hybrid or electric vehicle models. For us, there's great news from Toyota. The smaller, cheaper Prius c will make its debut this month- making hybrid technology available to the masses. The new subcompact has a low starting MSRP around $19k. A grad "Three" variant (featuring a better audio system and a navigation system) is available for only $21,635, and a grade "Four" (the highest trim, featuring alloy wheels and heated seats) is available for only $3,230. The standard 2012 Prius has a starting price between $24k-30k.
The new Prius c is 19 inches shorter, 542 pounds lighter, and 1 inch lower than the standard Prius, and it could achieve fuel efficiency ratings of 53 mpg in the city and 46 mpg on the highway, or 50 mpg combined. Although the c is a thrifty buy compared with other "green" vehicles and is predominately targeted towards a younger crowd, Toyota asserts, "There's no shame associated with driving one. They're targeting young singles and couples, but it's probably also going to attract a lot of baby boomers who want a very fuel-efficient, affordable car."1
Toyota expects the new Prius to be a huge hit; the company has set a goal of selling as many as 40-thousand c units this year. It's for good reason, though. The sleek, tiny Prius is quite impressive. In fact, why don't you stop by R & H Toyota, located at 9801 Reistertown Road Owings Mills, MD 21117 and check it out for yourself?
Source: 1http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-08/toyota-seeks-u-s-low-cost-hybrid-hit-where-honda-fell-short.html
