Topic: Test Drive: 2015 Toyota Prius c

[johngenx]

Had the Prius C been available when we bought the Corolla, we would have strongly considered it.  We tend to keep our cars for a long time and regardless if the C paid for itself long term, the reduced consumption of fossil fuels and emission of greenhouse gases is worth some premium.

[JohnM]

Just one note to point out how good a Prius type hybrid can be for commuting and city usage.   I had to run down to Cambridge, ON this morning and reset the fuel computer about 20km south of Barrie.  From there it is distinctly downhill on average to the 401.  Traffic was medium going through the Big smoke with a bunch of stops and starts but little crawling.  The run from TO to Cambridge was mostly free.

I got 3.5L/100km on that drive which was probably over 140km.  Yes, I was behind a transport a lot but speeds were generally 110 or so.  Going back overall it was a more normal 4.6.   These numbers simply have to kill any non-hybrid or non-electric vehicle.   The C might do slightly better in heavy traffic. 

Most pure ICE vehicles would be double these numbers I suspect.  Fuel costs and brake costs come to mind.  Also, if you drive stick, a massive left thigh would result from the daily clutch workout.  You'd only have to exercise your right leg at the gym.

I wouldn't last long commuting but if I had to for some period, it would definitely be in something that shuts the ICE engine off when you don't need it.  Pity those poor bastards who have to commute with the traffic instead of against it.

Cheers,
John M.

[dkaz]

A warm idling engine only consumes a litre of gas per hour. Thus, the Kia Rio with the Eco start/stop engine option is rated just a couple tenths of a litre per 100km less than the non Eco model. It's the acceleration that wastes gas and a hybrid system solves this by recapturing energy during deceleration and uses it during acceleration.

[pi314]

Had the Prius C been available when we bought the Corolla, we would have strongly considered it.  We tend to keep our cars for a long time and regardless if the C paid for itself long term, the reduced consumption of fossil fuels and emission of greenhouse gases is worth some premium.

Was the regular prius considered when you bought the Corolla? Or was the premium too much?

I almost went the c route when buying the focus... but I really wanted a manual and the price difference was very very significant.

[johngenx]

The Prius was a lot more. Just too far out of the budget.


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[Noto]

I got 3.5L/100km on that drive which was probably over 140km.  Yes, I was behind a transport a lot but speeds were generally 110 or so.  Going back overall it was a more normal 4.6.   These numbers simply have to kill any non-hybrid or non-electric vehicle.

Yeah, 110km/h this time of year I'd be looking at around 6.3L/100km in the Corolla.

The Price Premium in 2010 for the Prius was absurd, but it is less so now ($26,305 MSRP for the base 2015 Prius; we paid $19,500 for the Corolla as equipped (CE with enhanced convenience package)).  $6,805 isn't 'nothing', but it's better than the base Prius back then being, IIRC, about $33k.

[johngenx]

We paid $20K including taxes, etc, etc for the Corolla - so the premium for the Prius was substantial.

[rrocket]

We paid $20K including taxes, etc, etc for the Corolla - so the premium for the Prius was substantial.

Given that you tend to keep your cars are pretty long while, you'd more than likely recoup the cost, no?

[johngenx]

Given that you tend to keep your cars are pretty long while, you'd more than likely recoup the cost, no?

The Prius was close to $30K then - it would have taken a long, long, long time.  Also, we had $20K in the car account - so it would have meant borrowing money.

[rrocket]

Given that you tend to keep your cars are pretty long while, you'd more than likely recoup the cost, no?

The Prius was close to $30K then - it would have taken a long, long, long time.  Also, we had $20K in the car account - so it would have meant borrowing money.

Prius C $30k??

[dkaz]

I think johngenx is talking about the regular Prius.

[rrocket]

I think johngenx is talking about the regular Prius.

Oh...well that makes sense then.

[rrocket]

Here's a fairly interesting review:  http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2015/05/review-2015-toyota-prius-track-tested/

[Noto]

Here's a fairly interesting review:  http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2015/05/review-2015-toyota-prius-track-tested/

Sorry to offend any of my beloveds on this website, but the above there is one of the best automotive articles I've ever read.  Not for writing prowess, but for sheer enjoyment.  Amazing.

[rrocket]

Here's a fairly interesting review:  http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2015/05/review-2015-toyota-prius-track-tested/

Sorry to offend any of my beloveds on this website, but the above there is one of the best automotive articles I've ever read.  Not for writing prowess, but for sheer enjoyment.  Amazing.

Jack is one of my favs.

[bye]

I did look at hybrids three years ago and was interested in modifying a Prius to have a larger after-market battery.
Then Smart released the Electric Drive.  Test drive sold me that day.  Best $19K I've ever spent.

Most of the high end cars will be going plugin to align with standards over the next 5 years, at which point, drivers of such will want more and more all-electric driving, as it will feel more luxurious and sporty.

Whenever I travel on business, I rent a Prius.  My last one in Vegas was so frustrating, as I was trying to game the car into silent driving, but it kept engaging the gas engine, leading to the obvious buzzy shaky gas engine dynamics.

Now, my wife's MB GLK seems quiet, but the constant shifting gears really doesn't make it feel like a luxury vehicle to me, I  really don't enjoy city driving in it.   This MB SUV platform could really use an electric hybrid drive to smooth out the city driving.  Looks like MB will be transforming a lot of their vehicles to have plugs over the next 5-10 years.

[rrocket]

Most of the high end cars will be going plugin to align with standards over the next 5 years, at which point, drivers of such will want more and more all-electric driving, as it will feel more luxurious and sporty.

 

[bye]

The fastest cars in the world are hybrids.  Watch and learn.  Things are a' changin'.

Facts.   

[rrocket]

The fastest cars in the world are hybrids.  Watch and learn.  Things are a' changin'.

Facts.   

Except you were talking about ALL ELECTRIC driving...not hybrids.  And when the fastest hybrids are at full honk (ie Porsche 918)...they are using the ICE for the bulk of the power.


So the fastest cars in the world are still ICE......The Tesla P85 D isn't even close as far as electrics go.  And they make no engine sounds which makes me ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzz

FACTS.

[X-Traction]

The fastest cars in the world are hybrids.  Watch and learn.  Things are a' changin'.

Facts.   

Except you were talking about ALL ELECTRIC driving...not hybrids.  And when the fastest hybrids are at full honk (ie Porsche 918)...they are using the ICE for the bulk of the power.


So the fastest cars in the world are still ICE......The Tesla P85 D isn't even close as far as electrics go.  And they make no engine sounds which makes me ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzz

FACTS.

Aren't the fastest hybrids the F1 cars?