Honda’s $29,990 Honda Insight will be knocked from its perch as Australia’s most-affordable hybrid vehicle late next month when Toyota rolls out its new Prius C.
In fact, according to Toyota’s sales and marketing boss Matthew Callachor, the Prius C will enjoy a price advantage over the Honda Insight in the “thousands of dollars”.
“In addition to its price advantage, Prius C will deliver more power, better fuel economy and more relaxed cruising from its bigger 1.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor,” Mr Callachor said, taking aim at Honda’s Insight. “Toyota’s new hybrid car is also taller for excellent head clearance, including in the rear, and has a smaller turning circle – ideal for tight city streets and car parks.”
The compact Toyota Prius C is a called a ‘city car’ (even though increasingly these vehicles are doing double duty, cruising to rural locations on weekends). Toyota reckons its newcomer’s price advantage over the regular Prius hatchback will bring new buyers into the hybrid segment.
Toyota Prius C will be followed into the market just a few months later by the versatile Prius V.
