Though Im hardly a car enthusiast, I started getting car-savvy recently due to the company I keep. A few dear friends are car writers and petrol heads. The influx of invites to car launches since the beginning of the year had me no choice but to brush up on my automotive intelligence.
But I have personal interest in hybrid cars. Prior to the Honda Insight Bloggers Trip, hybrid was electric car. Its environmentally friendly. That was all I knew it was.
The trip served as a very educational outing, with most clouded assumptions cleared & I went away much smarter and enlightened.
Since then, I have eyed the Lexus CT200 as the next car to test, since it won the 1st place in the Asian Auto Ambank Fuel Efficiency Awards 2011in the Hybrids category, guzzling a mere 3.8l fuel/100km.
Sadly, I do not know of anyone that drives it. Obviously its high price tag didnt make it affordable for the masses.
Fret not though, just yesterdayUMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd launched the 3rd Gen Toyota Prius (1st runner up at theAsian Auto Ambank Fuel Efficiency Awards 2011 in the Hybrids category @3.9l/100km) more affordably priced at RM139,900 and the ALL NEW Prius c at RM97,00! 0 .
The Toyota Prius.
The Toyota Prius c.
Is it just me or do you find these grooves cool as well? Must be some aerodynamic feature! 
While I wasnt as attracted to the Toyota Prius, though admittedly the facelift did enhance its exte! rior, th e new Prius c was something else. It was sporty, compact and chic. Almost fahionable, if Im allowed to call it that. The concept Prius c on display looked even better!
Sexy assback!
The PRIUS c will enable more Malaysians to own a fuel-efficient, environment-friendly vehicle at an attractive price which is exempted from import duty and excise tax. This exemption has been offered by the governmentin support of Green Technology as well as promoting Malaysia as a regional hub for hybrid cars.
The convenient Smart Entry & Start System whi! ch makes it unnecessary for the driver to use a key to lock/unlock the doors or to activate the engine (it does not startrunning when the power switch is pressed) is standard in the PRIUS c.
For a compact car of its price, the interior were comfortable and the leg room spacious enough.
Toyotas interior designers have provided a highly legible ins! trument panel that provides comprehensive information about the cars operation without causing information overload. (Its not exactly similar but the Honda Insight has an informative panel too HERE)
The panel looks like this:
Most of the information is shown on a Multi Information Display (MID) within the recess of the instrument panel. The 3.5-inch full-colour TFT display has a number of different screens.
* Energy Monitor to show energy flows in real-time
* ECO Scoreallows the driver a fun way to keep track of fuelefficiency.
Fuel consumption records are also shown in a bar graph in 5-minute intervals so the driver can see how driving style and traffic conditions affect fuel economy, and adjust his or her driving style accordingly.
Ok, I guess Ill understand it better when Im driving one. These screens looks really colorful and informative!
The driver can alternate between 3 drive modes while on the move: Normal, ECO and EV mode.
* ECO mode reduces overall energy consumption by prioritizing fuel economy and altering throttle response as well as air-conditioner performance.
* EV model is available in certain conditions where just the electric motor is used; speeds of up to 45 km/h can be achieved in this mode which gives the noise-free experience of an electric vehicle.
Theres really a lot more to share about the Toyota Prius and PRIUS c but that would be too lengthy to fit into one post. If I do get a PRIUS c for a test drive, Ill definitely share my review here!
The PRIUS c is available in 5 exteriorvibrant hues that are unique and expressive.
The colours for PRIUS c are Silver Metallic, Lime White Pearl, Black Mica, Citrus Orange Mica Metallic and Super Red V. I personally love the Citrus Orange and Super Red V!
PS: The PRIUS c a 1.5-litre while the Prius is1.8-litre.
As usual, leave me a comment if ! you have further queries. I have almost 30 pages of information on the Toyota Prius and the PRIUS c!
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