Though I’m 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”. It’s 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 2011 in the Hybrids category, guzzling a mere 3.8l fuel/100km.
Sadly, I do not know of anyone that drives it. Obviously it’s high price tag didn’t make it affordable for the masses.
Fret not though, just yesterday UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd launched the 3rd Gen Toyota Prius (1st runner up at the Asian 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 RM97,000.
Watch this video for the dramatic way both hybrids were first shown to the media yesterday.
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 wasn’t as attracted to the Toyota Prius, though admittedly the facelift did enhance its exterior, the new Prius c was something else. It was sporty, compact and chic. Almost fahionable, if I’m allowed to call it that. The concept Prius c on display looked even better!
Sexy ass back!
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 government in support of Green Technology as well as promoting Malaysia as a regional hub for hybrid cars.
The convenient Smart Entry & Start System which makes it unnecessary for the driver to use a key to lock/unlock the doors or to activate the engine (it does not start running 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.
Toyota’s interior designers have provided a highly legible instrument panel that provides comprehensive information about the car’s operation without causing ‘information overload’. (It’s 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 Score allows the driver a fun way to keep track of fuel efficiency.
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 I’ll understand it better when I’m driving one. These screens looks really colorful and informative!
Even the gear is a funky electric blue colour 🙂
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.
There’s 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, I’ll definitely share my review here! 🙂
The PRIUS c is available in 5 exterior vibrant 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 is 1.8-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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Definitely heart the Prius c design…rounder than the old Prius…the steering wheel design is a bit weird though =)
The old prius is no match for this ! 🙂
If only they had a deeper red like the Suzuki Swift…hehe =)
I like chilli red ;p
Honda insight will b badly hit man….
Very sportive look…
The Insight – when I went for the drive was marketed strongly as the only hybrid under 100K. Now the Prius c is 97K!
Yea, I guess it’s competition, just like any other business yea?
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Better than the old prius of course.. But car price in malaysia is super expensive.
Oh really? Hw much shouuld it be? Prius or Prius c?
Not sure the price. But i will go for prius c interm of design n look.
wah your post is very detailed! nice!
HEheh thanks so much!
Yes, I write very detailed postings. I don’t believe in copying the press release 🙂
Good to see some environmentally friendly cars coming to Malaysia. Hopefully they will figure out a way to make them affordable to the general population.
Same here!
I’m all for the environment too. The Government exemption of import duty and excise tax helped, but I do hope it can be even more affordable!
This car is so lengzai!
I know right! So chic!
nice look & shape for the car! easy to do side parking, i think (i’m terrible at side parking) 😀
Oh really? I wouldn’t have guessed 😀
Yup, I love the shape and sporty look!
Good stuff Becky! Test Drive soon?
I hope so!! 😀
Hey babe!! I’m in the market looking for a car! Is Toyota Malaysia selling them yet? Any idea about the waiting period? I want more info! 😀
Yup yup, let me check for you!
Ok! The order taking started 9th of Jan. Yup, and the PRIUS c is already avail at Toyota dealers, and the waiting list varies from outlet to outlet but we are looking at 2 months.
Hi rebecca,
I’m planning to buy Fiesta next month. But after read this entry, Prius C looks promosing.
Either Prius C or Fiesta, which one will you recommend in term of handling & maintenance?
Hi hi!
I have not driven both Fiesta or Prius c! LOL. Let me check and get back to you
I will go for a test drive one day. Hubby really likes it as a car for me. I’m not entirely sold yet. I need to see it.
I don’t like the orange, more of a pearl white lover.
You got media discount? Haha.
Hmmm .. when you’re really gonna buy then u let me know ok? 😀
Yea, u better test drive first. I’m a whitey lover too..but tis car begs to be noticed. So I’m going fr red if it’s me.
after Google-ing on prius c/aqua, i fall for the yellow one, very funky. so disappointed that yellow is not one of the color options for malaysia market
Yes, lovely colours they’ve got there! 🙂
I think because of the orange colour, they didn’t bother to bring in the yellow one…
awesumgoogle
Hahah.. so do you like it John?
This Prius C in terms of overall is fantastic. Value for money.I’ve booked one unit without even test drive.Full confidence with Toyota Technology.
Wow John!
You must have driven a Toyota before to be so sure of it!
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and payment for all purchases must be made in Australian dollars.