Fuel Miser of the Year: The Toyota Prius C

November 13, 2012 6:30 AM

Base Price: $19,745

Delivering an EPA-rated 53 mpg in the city, the Toyota Prius C is the most fuel-efficient compact car in America. Although the C uses much of the regular Prius's tech, it does so in a lighter weight, more compact footprint based on the Toyota Yaris. The drivetrain is a clever setup, consisting of a 1.5-liter four-cylinder paired with an electric motor, CVT, and batteries. The engine revs only to 4500 rpm, but then the electric motor kicks in to provide any extra power. Topping out at 99 hp, the C isn't a dragster, but it's not supposed to be. The interior is also designed with light weight and cost in mind, which is to say it's thrifty rather than cheap. In the top level trim, Toyota uses something called SofTex, an imitation leather that weighs half as much as the real thing. True, it can take time to make back in fuel savings whatever extra cash you spent on a hybrid car, but the C's lowish price point, overall quality, and real-world efficiency make it a smart all-around purchase.

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Source: http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/news/industry/fuel-miser-of-the-year-the-toyota-prius-c-14703239?src=rss

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