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| 2014Hybrid.Com |
The diminutive c is the fourth hybrid to be tagged a 2014 Prius and joins the conventional midsize Prius (now referred to as the Liftback), the more spacious v and the Plug-in model. While based largely on the Toyota Yaris platform—it’s about four inches longer than the Yaris—the c is remarkably similar to the original Prius. Both have a 100.4-inch wheelbase, the same 66.7-inch width and employ a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. However, the 2014 Prius c is some 12 inches shorter than the first Prius, and is 265 pounds lighter. But the big difference is fuel economy: The 2014 Prius c clocks in at 53 mpg city/46 highway and 50 combined compared to the first model’s 42/41/41 rating.
And just what does that “c” stand for? Cute, compact and cheap come to mind, but Toyota says it represents “city” and is designed to function as an urban-friendly vehicle aimed at millennial buyers. That prompts two questions: Does it not function in small towns or rural areas and, are Baby Boomers excluded as potential buyers?