A Closer Look at the Toyota Prius C

Toyota's Prius is a hybrid electric vehicle, the best-known name and best-selling vehicle in this category. For more than a decade the Prius has soldiered on, delivering exceptional fuel efficiency for a good price. Beginning in 2011, Toyota started to expand the Prius' line, by bringing to the market more models including a wagon, a plug-in electric model and now a subcompact Prius. That subcompact is called the Prius c, with the "c" standing for city. Prices start under $19,000, making this vehicle one of the most affordable hybrid vehicles on the market.

Engine and Transmission

The Toyota Prius c is powered by a 1.5-liter four cylinder engine. This 16-valve all-aluminum motor comes with variable valve timing and produces 73 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 82 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. With its hybrid system this vehicle produces 99 horsepower.

Toyota pairs the Prius c engine with a continuously variable transmission. This engine has a high 13.4 to 1 compression ratio and measures 2.95 inches bore by 3.33 inches stroke.

Fuel Economy

One of the largest appeals for Prius c shoppers is its excellent fuel efficiency. Around town this vehicle gets 53 mpg. On the highway it returns 46 mpg. Combined, the Prius c gets 50 mpg. With its 9.5-gallon fuel tank the Prius c has a cruising range of approximately 475 miles. This model derives its energy from gasoline and its battery pack. When fueled, this subcompact model takes regular grade gasoline.

Prius c Dimensions

The Prius c weighs just 2,500 pounds and seats five people. Its weight is all the more remarkable given that it also houses a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. This vehicle has 87.4 cubic feet of passenger volume and 17.1 cubic feet of cargo volume.

Sitting on a 100.4-inch wheelbase, the Prius c is 157.3 inches long, 66.7 inches wide and 56.9 inches tall. This model has 38.6 inches of front head room and 37.0 inches of rear head room. Shoulder room measures 52.3 inches in the front and 51.7 inches in the rear. Hip room comes in at 51.0 inches up front and 50.8 inches in the rear. Leg room measures 41.7 inches up front and 35.0 inches in the back seat.

Model Notables

Available in four trim levels, the Prius c offers many features standard. This model includes projector-beam halogen headlamps, color-keyed side mirrors with turn signal indicators, intermittent wipers and a spoiler. Inside, this model offers automatic climate control, an AM/FM CD player with MP3 playback capability, a telescoping steering wheel, power windows, a 12-volt auxiliary power outlet, map lamps and a rear cargo area lamp.

Available options or upgrades include a navigation system, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, a power moonroof and power side mirrors. Various tire and wheel upgrades are also available.

The Prius C comes with nine airbags and is equipped with traction control, stability control, an anti-lock brake system, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist and smart stop technology. This vehicle includes a tire pressure monitoring system, child-protector rear door locks and daytime running lights.

Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance automotive writer. Matt is also a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport and affiliated websites, an aftermarket supplier of quality auto parts including Corbeau Seats and Tokico Shocks.

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A Closer Look at the 2012 Toyota Camry XLE V6

Toyota is considered as the largest car maker in the world in terms of volume. Unfortunately, the company's global operations were shaken when the strongest earthquake that had happened in March 2011 hit Japan. Toyota's production slowed down and one of the models that were greatly affected was the Toyota Camry. Due to the limited production, Toyota was not able to meet the rising demand for the Camry. As a result, most of the buyers resorted to other car models and this has tremendously reduced the Camry's total sales in the US.

In order to regain the model's former glory, Toyota has upgraded the Camry and this has resulted to the launching of the 2012 model line-up. The line-up is composed of five trim levels with the 2012 Toyota Camry XLE V6 as the most expensive. For those who are wondering why the XLE costs more, take a closer look at the features it provides by reading the facts provided below.

1. Engine used

The 2012 Toyota Camry XLE V6 is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The engine is capable of generating 268 horsepower and 248 lb.-ft. of torque. Given these figures, the 2012 Toyota Camry XLE V6 has the EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 21 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway. In addition to this, Toyota claims that the XLE V6's engine is the best compared to those that are used in other mid-size car models in the market. This was probably one of the reasons why the XLE V6 is more expensive compared to its other siblings.

2. Exterior design

Aside from the larger and more powerful engine, the 2012 Toyota Camry XLE V6 obtained a more attractive exterior design. Compared to the former models, the 2012 version looks more pleasing to the eyes. In addition to this, the slab-like sides were gone and the vehicle's nose was fitted with a more aerodynamic-looking grill. The headlamps were also replaced with projector beam headlights. These headlights are doing a great job in improving the nighttime vision of the driver.

3. Interior design

The interior design of the 2012 Toyota Camry XLE V6 has also improved. The current layout offers more legroom in front and rear. Instead of using hard plastics and cheaper materials, Toyota has shifted to the use of softer ones and this was further improved by the single needle stitching used to fasten the soft touch materials in place. As a result, the XLE V6's interior looks more upscale and elegant.

Marty Bay is an Automotive Journalist providing helpful tips and advice which powers the Car Finder at the Car Finder Service website.

Visit our site to get a free price quote, and read our 2012 Toyota Camry Review.

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